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| 5 Jul 2016 | |
| Obituaries |
The Class of 1951 sustained a further sad loss on 5 July 2016 with the sudden death of William (Billy) Trimble. Aged 76, Billy was a familiar figure at the annual Bangor Dinner while his health permitted it.
Born in Belfast on 15 February 1940, Billy moved to Bangor with his family while he was still a toddler. It became his home and remained so for the rest of his life. Initially they lived at Ballymaconnell before moving to Churchill.
At an early age Billy showed a great love for reading and he could often be found straddling a bough of a tall tree in the back garden with a book on his lap! Other lifelong interests included music and films.
Aged 11, Billy joined Bangor Grammar School, where he was nicknamed ‘Dozer’ because of his apparent slowness in answering questions posed by ‘The Bird’ (Mr Hawtin) about his English homework. However, Billy liked to think things through and always delivered a brilliant response.
He left BGS with A-Level results that were amongst the very best in the country but, ever a modest individual, Billy chose not to talk about it. The academic life at Queen’s University didn’t appeal to him, or his next choice, as an entry-level manual labourer at Shorts. He subsequently joined the Civil Service, rose through the ranks, meeting John Major along the way and becoming Director of Exports with the Industrial Development Board.
Although this afforded him the opportunity to travel the world, Billy always preferred being at home with his family and, of course, Bangor Rugby Club, which he had joined in the late 1950s from BGS. As a very competent scrum half, Billy gave great service to the Club for some 25 years. The highlight of his playing career was undoubtedly the 1st XV’s Past Players’ Cup success in 1969. Another special moment was playing alongside son Michael in a pre-season match against Malone – at the age of 45.
Billy served as Club president during the 1996/97 season and was later appointed a Club trustee, a role he performed quietly and with distinction.
Sincere sympathy goes to his wife Mavis, son Michael, daughter Cathy, sister Joan and the wider family circle.
Courtesy of Derek Gorman and Michael Trimble
