A key member of that wondrous Tiger-Cat team of the 1960s. I saw him play - I got his autograph. Condolences to the family…
His numbers were never outstanding but he was rock solid steady and reliable in his 8 year career as a Cat . RIP Willie B and condolences to your family .
Condolences to the family. So many great memories watching him and his team mates lighting up the sixties.
My seats were right behind him at IWS.
I remember sitting near a couple of legends at one of the training camps at Mac - him and Ron Lancaster - and just listened to the lore coming from them.
Sadly never got to see him play but a solid player on those powerhouse Cat teams of the 60s. Made his home in the city post football and sold cars for years. Lots of legends passing on these days. RIP Willie and condolences to your family.
Always sad to hear of a great Ticat passing. RIP and my condolences
Cats were class of the East for most of the sixties. High standards, high expectations. To be a steady player in that era like Bethea says a lot.
My stepmom worked at Chedoke Hospital and she brought me home Wille’s autograph as he was there for some reason.
I was a huge fan
I was over the moon, Will never forget!
(And with my failing memory, thats saying something)
Huge respect, RIP Willie
I golfed with Willie at Chedoke . He was very humble . I met his wife at the course as well . They were a great team . RIP # 16 .
He worked at Stelco for awhile, I think while he was playing.
And, later, I believe he was a saleman at Bay King Chrysler.
I remember as a kid buying the old program magazines that they used to sell at the stadium and seeing the ad for Bay King Chrysler with Willie’s photo featured on it .
Would see the ads in the Spectator all the time. I remember asking my dad if he saw him play…
Watched Willie play his whole career in Hamilton.
His team mates had given him the nick name of "X-RAY !!!
You can figure out why. A great guy for sure, who during his playing days loved to go out with some team mates to some local watering holes such as The Swinging door and the Junction Bar in Hamilton.
In those days I worked at the good old Vic Tanny’s health clubs and a lot of the players were given complimentary memberships to use the facilities !!
Got to know most of the players real good back then and usually went with them on their weekly trips…LOL.
RIP Willy. A great man for sure !!!
Dr. Ogilvie , an orthopaedic surgeon, worked out of Chedoke Hospital . Perhaps Willie was getting some work on his knee .