Note: This piece was originally published in the NIC Newsletter. Bill Colson was honored by the NAHB 50+ Housing Council as an Icon of the Industry in 2004.

The most fortunate people in the world are those who find their purpose in life and, in turn, live it to better the lives of others. On Thursday, May 24, 2007, the seniors housing and care industry lost such a man. His name was William “Bill” E. Colson, former president and CEO of Holiday Retirement Corp.

Always one to “tell it like it is,” Bill will be remembered for his candid and perceptive insights. His uncompromising belief in helping out the “average Joe” by creating a seniors housing product affordable for middle-income Americans, resulted in the creation of Holiday Retirement Corp. Today, the company is the largest owner and manager of seniors housing worldwide.

Bill’s contributions to the seniors housing and care industry were so profound that NIC honored him with its first Lifetime Achievement Award at the 15th Annual NIC Conference in 2005. Colson humbly accepted the honor in front of a record-setting gathering of 1,600 industry executives. He was given three standing ovations.

In addition to his role at Holiday Retirement, Bill contributed his time and experience by serving as an executive board member for the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) and as a board member of Peverel Holdings Limited, the largest operator of senior sheltered housing in the United Kingdom. He was also president and managing general partner of Colson & Colson Construction Co., a company he started in 1963 with his father. The company developed more than 274 retirement communities throughout North America, and in 2004, was the nation’s fourteenth largest multifamily builder. And, certainly not least, Bill was a man of devout faith, a devoted family man and friend.

“There’s no question that without Bill Colson, the seniors housing and care landscape would look different than it does today,” said Robert G. Kramer, NIC president. “He is a true industry icon whose contributions will be felt for years to come.”

A true leader, innovator and friend. Godspeed, Bill. You’ll be missed.

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