It is with great sadness we advise of the passing of NSFA Life Member William (Bill) Mackay on Saturday January 19. Bill was 94 years old.
Born in Scotland, Bill was a paratrooper for the British army in the Second World War, seeing action in Europe. In 2017, the French government awarded Bill the French Legion of Honour for his service to the people of France and in 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron presented the award to Bill while on a state visit in Australia.
Bill migrated to Australia in 1959 with his wife Pauline and settled in Wahroonga. Their 5-year old son Jim took a liking to soccer and Bill and Pauline soon enrolled him at Wahroonga SC. From the start, Bill was very active in promoting soccer in the area. Over his many years with Wahroonga Bill was a coach, referee, manager, committee member and President.
In 1971, Bill took on the role of P.D. & D.C. Chairman, a position he held until 1973. Bill received Life Membership of the association in 1985 for his services to the then KDSA and Wahroonga SC.
Bill took his position as Life Member very seriously. He rarely if ever said no to invitations to attend Gala Day to present trophies and medals and would spend all day at the finals venue, even well into his eighties. Bill and Pauline attended every President’s Dinner until a few years ago and for many years, Bill delivered an entertaining and very funny response to the Life Members toast that never failed to leave a smile on the faces of everyone in attendance.
Bill was a special person who was liked by everyone who met him. Bill made a significant contribution to the Wahroonga club and the KDSA/NSFA. He will be sorely missed.
We will advise the details of the service for Bill when they are available.
UPDATE: The service will be held on Friday, January 25th at Pittwater RSL from 11am.
Damian Miles
Life Member, NSFA Competitions Manager