Bill Hodgeman: Northampton mourns Bill Hairston

On Friday, March 22, Bill Hairston breathed his last breath at the age of 86. Bill, an expert in addiction therapy, served as the head counselor for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs where he treated patients, supervised counselors, and coordinated outreach programs. Bill’s own experience with addiction humbled him, and nourished a deep compassion that shaped, not only his professional work, but also his relationships in the community. Bill remained sober for the last 53 years of his life.

In 2010, Bill was recognized by Elite American Executives for demonstrating dedication, leadership, and excellence in addiction counseling. All told, he received over 20 national awards. The highlight of his career was learning that the Hairston House, a residential substance use recovery program for men (located on Graves Avenue in Northampton) would be named after him.

In addition to his work in the field of addiction therapy, Bill was a member of College Church, where he served as a deacon, and for many years, as the weekend custodian. His humble and gentle demeanor was an enormous gift to our community. Bill Hairston was a man of integrity who stood up for the marginalized and reminded people that they mattered to God. Bill knew that he owed his life to God’s amazing grace, and that grace flowed through him to others, genuinely and generously.

Since I moved to Northampton in 2015, I have been deeply blessed by Bill’s friendship, encouragement, and example. And I hope to someday to be able to exhibit even a fraction of Bill’s humility, gentleness and compassion.

Bill Hodgeman, senior pastor at College Church in Northampton

Sunderland