In Loving Memory Of Bill Wilson: Journalist, Atención News Dinosaur, Weather Man

By Staff Writer

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague, friend, and Atención  News family member, Bill Wilson. Bill was more than a journalist. he was a storyteller, a witness, a steady voice, and a generous presence in our community. For years, he showed up with curiosity, integrity, and heart, offering San Miguel not just news, but context, history, and care. His words, his humor, and his unwavering dedication to journalism will be deeply missed. He was 80.

We honor his life and extraordinary career.

In San Miguel de Allende he was known as Memo and also answered to The Weather Dude, a moniker bestowed upon him by a well-known artist. Prior to moving to the mountains of central México 20 years ago he lived in Wallingford, PA. A product of the baby-boom generation, he was born at the Philadelphia (PA) Jewish Hospital and grew up in Folcroft in Delaware County, a suburb of Philadelphia. He was the grandson of a German immigrant and also shared Irish and Scots roots. His parents, William G. & Jean H. Wilson, were both Veterans of WWII.

Wilson was a journalist for more than 50 years with his career starting in Sharon Hill High School (Class of ’64), where he was the Owl’s sports editor and did freelance reporting for the Philadelphia Bulletin and the Chester Times.

He was also yearbook photographer.

He began his journey in journalism as a grip on his father’s photography assignments, fondly remembering lugging newsreel camera equipment at the 1957 Orange Bowl in Miami, FL.

After his medical discharge from the U.S. Air Force, he worked as a copy boy for the Philadelphia Inquirer and later attended the Charles Morris Price School of Journalism, graduating with honors. After graduation, he landed a job at the Penns Grove (NJ) Record, where he worked alongside his late wife, also a journalist.

His editorial positions included: Tri-State Editor, Hagerstown (MD) Herald; City Editor, Bucks County Courier Times; New York Editor, Iron Age Magazine; Associate Editor, Hardware Age Magazine; Sunday Editor, Gloucester County (NJ) Times; Night City Editor, Today’s Sun; Editor, Bristol (PA) Pilot; Contributor, Atención (San Miguel de Allende, MX); Contributor, News of México City; Contributor, El Consejo (San Miguel); English Editor, AM San Miguel; Assistant Editor, Insiders News (San Miguel); and Editor, Atención News (monthly print). He was also a Digital City Contributor, employee, and team leader for America Online News. Wilson edited and contributed to several books and novels, and with his wife traveled to 30 countries.

For many years he reported on weather and streamed local weather data in San Miguel de Allende on Facebook and other platforms. He and his brother began recording weather in high school. The Weather Dude was trained and certified as a NOAA weather observer. In addition to journalism, he held public and government affairs positions for healthcare facilities, notably The Woods School, West Jersey Health System, and St. Francis Medical Center.

A lifelong sufferer of depression and dyslexia, he testified, wrote, lobbied, and championed mental health and MH/MR issues.

Wilson followed in his grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s footsteps in government service and politics, serving as campaign press secretary for a congressman; legislative assistant to a state representative and state senator; and legislative liaison to the Governor of Pennsylvania. He was a Democrat committee person in Bristol Township and held positions of township party trustee and deputy county chair for registration. His memberships included numerous journalism, radio, emergency service, and civic organizations across the U.S. and México.

He was a third-generation firefighter and served with multiple fire and rescue organizations, including Cruz Roja San Miguel. Wilson served in various government and advisory positions and was deeply committed to public service throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jacquelyn Lee (Burns) Wilson of San Miguel; his brother Robert; his sister Jean; extended family; and many friends across borders and generations.Awards include the Carrie May Price Award for Journalism, Interstate Advertising Managers’ Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award, and numerous journalism honors.

He liked to say he covered everything from Cub Scout news to the United Nations. With gratitude and love, we dedicate all upcoming issues of Atención News to our dear Bill Wilson.

His voice, his values, and his devotion to truth will continue to guide us.