I am sorry about your loss. Death is always difficult to deal with, no matter the circumstances. Even though I did not know William, I try my best to encourage the bereaved with a comforting thought from God's word the bible.
Notice these encouraging words in the bible book of Acts 24:15. It reads in part, "there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." This is a promise to all who have died and are still in God's memory, and a sure hope that we all can have confidence in.
I hope this brief thought from God's word the bible provides some comfort. More information can be found at www.jw.org.