12 September 1939 – 9 July 2024

Brother Bill died recently after a lifetime of service to those young people who came under his influence.

Brother Bill came from a farming family in Central Otago and was educated at St Kevin’s College, Oamaru. While at school he played social cricket and rugby, and, after three years, he joined the Christian Brothers which essentially pursued their Christian mission through education. He trained in Sydney at St Pat’s, Strathfield.

In 1964 he was posted to St Peter’s College in Auckland where he taught for 12 years. During this time, he coached the 1st XI as well as several Auckland underage teams up the Brabin Shield (National Under 20).

In 1976 Brother Bill was posted to St Thomas of Canterbury College in Christchurch where he coached the 1st XI for 24 years. It is interesting to note that Brother Bill’s first captain was Justin Boyle who went on to play for Canterbury and Wellington. He was involved in the coaching of Canterbury underage teams including being convenor of selectors of the Canterbury Under 18 team from 1988 to 1997. In 1998 Brother Bill was made an Honorary Cricket Member of the Canterbury Cricket Association.

In the early 2000’s, he left the Christchurch school to lead the Christian brothers in co-ed Edmund Rice College, Arusha, Tanzania before retiring to Christchurch.

Brother Bill, sports coach, emphasised those traits such as perseverance, team ethic, diligent practice and they transported into life values. He had an amazing ability to connect with young men and his positive influence would leave an indelible mark on their lives. In short, he got the best out of his young charges by showing an interest in them both within and outside of the classroom and into later life. He was a true school master. His personality was infectious and his humility and bon homie ensured that he remained in that area where he could have most influence: within the classroom rather than in senior administration.

Justin Boyle, former Rector of St Bede’s College, and Brother Bill’s first 1st XI captain, suggests that Brother Bill was an outstanding leader of all those hundreds of young people with whom he came in contact.