It has been a rough week for the Illawarra’s surf lifesaving community.
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On Monday, news broke former Illawarra junior and ironman superstar Dean Mercer had passed away on the Gold Coast at just age 47.
The father of four left behind his wife Reen and their four kids.
Then came the news local surf lifesaving icon Bill Seay (pictured) had also passed away on Monday.
The life member of Port Kembla Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Illawarra and Surf Life Saving NSW passed away aged 88 after a short illness.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra representative Anthony Turner paid tribute to Bill.
‘’Bill was a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour,’’ Mr Turner said. ‘’He always had an ear to listen and had all the time in the world for a chat.
‘’He was passionate about surf lifesaving and had a great love for the ocean.
‘’He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.’’
The sentiments shared on our Facebook page also paid tribute to a gentleman of the sea and his legacy.
“Will be missed by all the staff at his local pool. He had time to talk to everyone even if in the last few years he could not hear what you were saying back which made for interesting conversations. Never complained and just got in the water and did what he did best,” Rohan said on Facebook.
Chris remembered: “ It was Bill who taught me 50 years ago that the best way to warm up after a winter surf was to have a cold shower. Anti-intuitive, but it works and I still do it. He is also remembered as a calm and dignified usher at the Warrawong Odeon from the days when Jaffa rolling and general high jinks were the norm.
To quote Bill: “When you lose your temper you lose the argument! Very wise man. Sorry for your loss Carolyn.”
Cunningham MP Sharon Bird even shared her personal thoughts on our Facebook page.
“I was so sad to see this news - it was always lovely to see Bill at SLS events - his was an amazing life of service to his community,” Sharon said.
All we can wish for in life is to be remembered fondly and to leave a positive legacy from our time pent on this earth.
It’s clear Bill Seay’s legacy will last long in the sands of time.
RIP Bill.
