The death of Bill Proudfoot
General and widespread has been the regret at the passing away last Sunday of Mr. William Henry Proudfoot, licensee of Wall's Hotel, Werribee. Death took place at a private hospital, Richmond, of which the deceased had been an inmate for about three weeks. Although not quite unexpected, the end came as a shock to Werribee residents and the host of friends that Mr. Proudfoot had endeared himself to during a life or particular activity. Deceased suffered a breakdown in health about six months ago and just before Christmas was obliged to enter hospital.
The name of "Bill" Proudfoot is an honored one at Collingwood, especially Victoria Park, the headquarters or the famous "Magpie" Football Club, and his memory will ever remain green there.
Born at Kilmore 62 years ago, "Bill" Proudfoot became associated with the Collingwood Football Club in 1890. For 16 years he gave the team loyal and faitnful service on the football field. A champion in the full-back position his deeds are still recounted by old-timers. Since retiring from active participation in the game, the late Mr. Proudfoot has always evinced the keenest interest in his old club. He made it a point to attend as many matches as possible in which Collingwood were engaged, so strong was his love for the sport and practical his support for the team.
In the "Magpie's" dressing room, whether at home or abroad, he was a welcome visitor. Through business and other ties, the deceased found it impossible to spare as much time as he would have liked in giving advice to local teams, but he was able on several occasions to visit the room of the Werribee club during a match and suggest a plan of campaign, as well as tender useful hints to individual players. The Werribee Cycling Club is a sporting body tnat is deeply appreciative of Mr. Proudfoot's generosity as a patron of the club.
Deceased was a member of the Victorian Police Force for many years and by dint of perseverance rose to a high position. He was for a time connected with the Licensing Branch. In June, 1926, he retired from the Force, and two months later, took over Wall's Hotel. Locally he was also held in the highest respect and his personality won him a large circle of friends. The remains were interred in the Fawkner cemetery on Tuesday, when about 300 relatives and friends attended to pay their last respects. Included in the vast throng were many notable representatives from various organisations. Messrs. Syd. Coventry (captain of the Collingwood football team, League premiers for the past four years), Jock McHale (famous coach of the Magpies), H. Curtis (president of the Collingwood club), and Jack Ryder, (Victorian cricket captain and leader of the Collingwood eleven) were among those present. Left to mourn their, loss, are the widow, and only son, Gordon.
Footnotes
Title: Obituary - William H. Proudfoot Publisher: Werribee Shire Banner (Vic, 1911 - 1952). Date: Thursday, 15 January 1931, p.5. Web: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/74576739
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