Tributes to a giant of the badminton world
Hamilton’s Bill Neill passes away aged 78
Tributes have been paid to Hamilton badminton stalwart Bill Neill, who died aged 78 on Saturday, May 7.
Described as a ‘colossus of badminton in Lanarkshire,’ Bill was known throughout Scotland for his enthusiasm and passion for the sport.
During a lifetime of service, Bill was chair, secretary and treasurer of the Lanarkshire Group, as well as manager of the Lanarkshire senior team, coach to the LASBA junior squad, and a player for Ayrshire and Lanarkshire in the West Leagues.
Bill was also active on the SSBU committee, and among his many other coaching roles, he held numerous summer coaching courses at Inverclyde and Holy Cross High in Hamilton.
Away from the court, Bill spent much of his time re-stringing rackets, including during the 1997 World Championships in Glasgow.
In 2005 Bill was presented with the Derrick Roarty Award, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to badminton, and in 2015 Hamilton Sports Council recognised his achievements, presenting him with the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils (SALSC) Services to Sport Award.
A Badminton Scotland spokesperson said: “Bill just loved badminton, and despite fighting MS for 30 years, through his coaching and other activities he inspired thousands of children and adults to enjoy the game along with him.”
Hamilton badminton star Jamie Neill was Bill’s grandson, and paid tribute to an inspirational ‘Grampa’.
Jamie said: “Grampa was devoted to badminton for 60 years, as a player for Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, coach to thousands of children and adults at every level, plus a key figure in the Lanarkshire Group and wider Scottish badminton community.
“He was the biggest influence for me to play, succeed and coach in the sport, plus he was a brave and determined man who dealt with MS for half his life, but it never stopped him giving his all.
“Badminton was his favourite thing and gave him so much joy, that he passed on to many at tournaments and clubs.”
Jamie added: “He had the Bill Neill Sports shop in the town in the 1970s and 80s, and was arguably at his most active as a coach then.”
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 22, at 12.15pm at Hamilton Baptist Church, Kemp Street, Hamilton, ML3 6QL. Tea will be served afterwards in the church.
He was a brave and determined man