Home » AA History » When the founding members died

Dr. Bob dies – 15th November 1950

Bill W. at Dr. Bob’s grave

Dr. Bob gave his last message to the fellowship at the Cleveland International Convention on July 28th 1950

He stressed his famous ‘keep it simple’ message and defined AA as ‘love and service’

Dr. Bob died with 15 years of sobriety at the age of 71.  He was the co-founder of a fellowship which by then had helped over 100,000 people.

 

 

 

 

Ebby Thacher dies – 1966

Bill Wilson & Ebby Thacher

Ebby Thacher died sober in 1966 at the age of 70

Although only 2 ½ years sober after a life-time’s association with AA, Ebby is owed a great debt of gratitude by the fellowship for passing the vital message of spirituality to Bill W.

 

 

 

 

Bill W. dies at the age of 75

  • Bill W. died from emphysema on January 24th 1971 – his 53rd wedding anniversary
  • He was 75 years old and had been sober for 36 years
  • Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill was author of the Big Book and many other publications
Bill W. has been described as the greatest social architect of the 20th century

Lois W. dies at the age of 97

Lois Wilson died on October 5th, 1988 – she was 97 years old.

As well as looking after Bill during his drinking and then supporting his efforts to get AA established, Lois was a co-founder of Al Anon Family Groups.

Saluted by many as being one of the most important women of the 20th century, Lois was awarded the prestigious Humanitarian Award by the National Council on Alcoholism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction
Founder Bill W
Edwin Thacher
Rowland Hazard
Bill's Spiritual Experience
Lois Wilson
Bill Wilson in Akron
Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith
Bill D & Sister Ignatia
The early years
The AA Traditions
Key people in early AA
When they died