---
title: "Bill Oddie OBE (1941–2026): ‘I’m an atheist, so I will have a humanist funeral’"
date: "2026-07-29T10:35:55+01:00"
modified: "2026-07-29T10:39:34+01:00"
url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/07/29/bill-oddie-obe-1941-2026-im-an-atheist-so-i-will-have-a-humanist-funeral/"
post_id: 195170
categories: ["Assisted Dying", "Ceremonies", "Channel Islands", "News", "Northern Ireland", "Wales"]
---

# Bill Oddie OBE (1941–2026): ‘I’m an atheist, so I will have a humanist funeral’

![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-1-7.png?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1) [Bryan Ledgard](https://www.flickr.com/people/97355030@N00) from Yorkshire, UK (Wikipedia) Humanists UK is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the naturalist, broadcaster, and humanist Bill Oddie OBE, who has died at the age of 85.

A lifelong humanist, Oddie was celebrated across the UK for his wit, warmth, and passionate devotion to the natural world. He first rose to national prominence in the 1970s as one-third of the iconic comedy trio *The Goodies*, alongside Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor. He later turned his creative energies to conservation and wildlife broadcasting, becoming one of the UK’s most cherished champions of nature through television programmes such as *Springwatch*, *Autumnwatch*, and *Bill Oddie’s* *How to Watch Wildlife*.

**Speaking about plans for his funeral, Bill told journalist Rob McGibbon for the *Daily Mail* (2012):**

> ‘I’m an atheist, so I will have a humanist funeral. I want to come into *Nothing Compares 2 U* by Prince and disappear to *Cocktails For Two* by Spike Jones.’
> 
> ‘My ashes can be scattered on Hampstead Heath. I love it there.’

Beyond his broadcasting career, Oddie was a tireless campaigner for environmental causes, animal welfare, and mental health awareness. His commitment to empathy, compassion, and rational inquiry embodied core humanist values, inspiring generations to appreciate and protect the natural world around them.

**Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:**

> ‘Bill was a wonderful advocate for nature whose warmth, humour, and clarity touched millions. In our conversations, he spoke about his humanist worldview and how a sense of purpose came naturally from our shared responsibility for the world. Like most humanists, he extended his moral obligations to all living nature and found a great sense of fulfilment and pleasure in the natural world.’

#### Notes

For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at <press@humanists.uk> or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.