It is with great sorrow that we advise of the death of past Captain Bill Wallace this week. Sadly few members will recall Bill as he has lived interstate from the mid 1960s and so only visited the club when in Melbourne.

Bill was a giant of rowing not only at Mercantile, but everywhere he lived during his long life. Whilst far from the tallest senior oarsman to row, he achieved much in senior Australian rowing, and became a giant of the sport as a school, club and State coach, state and national selector, boat race official and club administrator.

At Mercantile, he rose from a raw beginner during WWII to a senior oarsman in 1947. He won many Championships through to 1954 including two King's Cup wins, before he retired from active rowing. Coaching beckoned and he became a highly sought after coach, particularly of lightweight men. Such was his standing throughout Australia, from 1966-1970, he acted as a National selector.

Bill was a great character who achieved much and was simply larger than life. Like so many of the Mercs' Captains, he was one out of the box. During his time as Captain of the Club was memorable for the many recruits he enticed to the Club, many of whom went onto great things in the sport. 

A more extensive background on Bill can be found at: Wallace, William L N - Australian Rowing History (rowinghistory-aus.info).

Bill third from the right as a member of the winning 1953 Victorian crew

Bill had a fall recently, breaking a hip. This triggered off a rapid decline and eventual death.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Penny and family.