Bill Boomer

As recorded in brief in our 2018 edition, William Alexander (Bill) Boomer died on 27 July 2018. He was 78. Bill started his school life at Donoghodee Public Elementary School, situated on The Porode in the town. He moved to Connor House in 1949 and then to Bangor Grammar School in 1951.

Bill developed a lifelong passion for rugby at the school, representing it at Medallion level and then on the Colts before progressing to the 1st XV during his final two years, 1956/57 and 1957/58. Bill was also selected as a school prefect in his lost year at BGS. When his schooldays ended Bill joined the Civil Service, where he worked in the Pensions Branch until his retirement at the age of 55.

Bill had joined Donoghodee Rugby Club while still a pupil at BGS 37 38 and continued to ploy until he wos well into his 40s, captaining the side for a number of years Following his retirement from the ploying side, Bill served the Club in many capacities. He was fixtures secretory (for 25 years), long-standing committee representative at the IRFU, secretory/ manager, chairman, and, finally, President from 2001 to 2017.

Bill was also on enthusiastic member of Donoghodee Cricket Club, still ploying the 'summer game' in his 50s. He captained the 2nd XI for three years from 1966 and again in 1974. A decode later he captained a youthful 4th XL Many times he hod to make a difficult choice in September: 'Do I finish the cricket season or start the new rugby season?'

He was a lifelong member of Shore Street Presbyterian Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, on the Church Committee and as o member of the Kirk Session. Bill also held the position of Church Treasurer for more than 30 years In recent years Bill was on enthusiastic member of the Closs of 1951 and regularly attended the Bangor dinner with former classmates. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Mork, daughter Claire, son-in law Paul, and grandchildren Abby and Ewan.

JIM SCOTT