William McKee CBE

William McKee (1963/70), who served as founding Chief Executive of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, died on
12 December 2018. He was 66. An 11+ pupil from Ballyholme PS, William was a teacher's son who always believed education was the best way to bring about equality in people. He wasn't a particularly outstanding pupil academically or in sporting terms, but
he was inspired by the Geography Deportment, under JV Smyth, to enjoy a life-long interest in geology and the world. 

He moved on to Queen's to pursue a degree in Botany, always saying it was "only because the female undergraduates for outnumbered the men!" Prior to university he hod undertaken a gap year (well before they were commonplace) to teach in a secondary school in Ghana, West Africa. It was on experience that would create lasting memories.

On leaving Queen's William joined the National Health Administration trainee scheme, subsequently gaining on MBA at the University of Ulster. He entered the Health Service in 1976 and rapidly demonstrated his managerial and leadership abilities. He held a succession of Chief Executive positions, ultimately at the Belfast Health and Social Core Trust (the largest Trust in the UK).

In the workplace William was an outstanding leader, who wore his Health Service credentials as a badge of honour and encouraged
everyone around him to do the some. His strong belief in the principles of public service meant that whatever Trust or institution
he worked for, or whatever workplace team he was entrusted with leading, he never wavered in his commitment to the development of community of leaders with o shored vision of serving the public and constantly to do things in a better way. One of William's favourite
sayings was "People need to know you are going to do the right thing in the right way"

He was a gifted mentor and communicator and many Health Service managers in Northern Ireland benefited from his guidance. His expertise was much in demand across the British Isles and beyond. He was proud to serve as President of the Institute for Healthcare Managers, the UK professional body of NHS managers, from 2000-02 William also worked on a number of international health-related aid projects in Central Europe and was in constant demand as a conference speaker. His services to health were recognised when he was awarded the CSE in the 2006 New Year Honours List William, who died ofter a long fight with kidney cancer, is survived by his wife Ursula, daughter Catherine and son William.
JAMES McKEE