William H. 'Billy' Webber, Southborough police chief, at 53

Chief Billy Webber epitomized integrity, his fellow officers said.

As a patrolman, he always knew he was responsible to the people he served. Later, as chief of the department, they said, he offered an ear for suggestions and stood as a strong, unintimidating force, despite standing more than six feet tall.

William H. "Billy" Webber, who spent nearly 30 years with the Southborough Police Department, died at home on Nov. 11 after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 53.

"He was my chief, but he was also my friend and a friend to so many people in the community," said Officer Meredith Lobur. "Even though he had this great stature, a presence, he was never overbearing, never intimidated people in the community."

Born in Milford, Mr. Webber graduated in 1973 from the former St. Mary's Central Catholic High School in Milford. He joined the police force in 1980 and received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University in 1983 and a master's degree in public administration from Clark University in Worcester in 2003. He was appointed chief by the Board of Selectmen in 2004.

"It is a terrible loss for the community. He was well respected by the community and by his staff," said Jean Kitchen, the town administrator. "He was highly ethical and it's a great loss."

Mr. Webber was an example for those under him to follow.

"Integrity is the most important thing we have in this job, and if we don't have that, people don't believe us, and they're not going to trust us. Integrity, loyalty, and honesty are the words that come to mind when I think of him," said Sergeant Timothy Slatkavitz, who worked with Mr. Webber more than 12 years and was very close to him. "He's the police officer I've always looked up to and tried to be like."

Mr. Webber was said to be an early riser, waking at dawn and exercising regularly.

His sudden illness stunned those who knew him.

"He was so vibrant and so full of life - the picture of health," Lobur said. "He ate right; he did everything the right way."

Slatkavitz and Lobur also described a soft side to the tall police chief. "He was very friendly [and] outgoing. Very easy to get along with. He had a great sense of humor," Slatkavitz said. "He would always make Three Stooges references. If there was a situation, he would come up with a Three Stooges quote to fill it in."

When it came to work, Lobur said, the chief was always willing to listen to new ideas.

"He was very proactive and would listen to new ideas and new methods of policing," she said. Last year, Lobur proposed naming a designated domestic violence and sexual assault investigator. "He was on board for that and made that an official position," Lobur said.

In a statement, the Southborough Board of Selectmen called Mr. Webber's death "a tragic loss for his family and the Town of Southborough. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's wife, Kathy, and his family during this difficult time."

During his career with the department, Mr. Webber "represented the town with honor and professionalism. Bill was a highly valued colleague and member of the town's administration. Bill's death will be a difficult loss for his fellow department heads and town employees, especially those of us who were honored and proud to call him a friend."

In addition to his parents, Mr. Webber leaves his wife of nine years, Kathleen (Carmody); a son, Kevin, of Bedford, N.H.; a daughter, Kathleen Barry; his brother, Stephen; and his sister, Patricia.

Services have been held.

John Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com.