The 91-year-old became a member of Collaroy SLSC in 1941 and since then has lived and breathed Surf Life Saving. Bills enthusiasm, commitment, devotion and loyalty to his beloved surf club for over 76 years and equally the organisation of Surf Life Saving at all levels, has never been in question.
Bill obtained his Bronze Medallion in 1943 and held many positions in the club throughout his time including Club Treasurer for 60 years.
As well as his Treasurer duties he was on numerous club committees such as; Constitution, Life Membership, Premises and the Building Committee. For many years he was delegate to the SLSA and on several organising committees for major surf lifesaving events held at Collaroy.
In 1950 he was awarded Life Membership of Collaroy SLSC and only eight years later achieved Honour Blazer Membership which is the highest honour in the clubs 106 year history.
Life Membership was also achieved with Sydney Northern Beaches Branch in 1989 and Surf life Saving NSW in 2001.
In 1995 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to Surf Life Saving and Basketball.
Bill’s other love was basketball where he was the first Australian to qualify to referee at an Olympic games and was awarded Life Membership of all Basketball Associations. Having commenced basketball refereeing in 1953, by 2016 he had refereed in over 30,000 games.
“Simply because of his unassuming manner, every member who joined Collaroy in his mind was to become part of a family, either in looking after the beach going public or in administration, each with something to contribute no matter how large or small.” Surf Life Saving NSW extends its sympathies to his family and friends.