Vale William ‘Bill’ Tucker

Is it with great sadness that we advise the passing of William ‘Bill’ Tucker, former Little Athletics WA and Little Athletics Australia Chairperson. Bill was the third Little Athletics WA Chairman, assuming the role from 1973 - 1976, before taking on the National Chair from 1976-1980. 

Bill was instrumental in the development and formation of the Gosnells & District Little Athletics Centre where he was Founder and Inaugural Chairperson in 1971. 9 clubs were formed and named after schools of suburbs in the Gosnells area, except for TK Harriers which Bill named after the Thames Valley Harriers Club in England where he had competed.

His dedication to the sport saw him subsequentially awarded Life Membership by Little Athletics WA. 

Bill was a dedicated club man and contributed a lot to athletics over the years. In his own words, Bill celebrated the sports' ability to help foster a generation of new Athletes, as highlighted by his Inaugural Message to the Gosnells & District Little Athletics Centre members.

"Let us never lose sight of the main object of Little Athletics, to provide athletic competition for all boys and girls as a recreational and social activity.  By appealing to all children, irrespective of their actual athletic prowess, we are able to provide a healthy atmosphere and interest in athletics which many of us hope may be instrumental in making athletics become truly a major sport." Tucker said. 

Bill's funeral was held on 17 November 2021, with Athletics West Chairman, Tim Lyons and CEO, Vince Del Prete, representing Athletics West.

Athletics West and its members extend their condolences to Bill's family and friends. 

Extra Reporting: Little Athletics Australia and Gosnells & Districts Little Athletics Centre