William Hill
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In the early morning of 27 July 2020 we DBSAC lost a dear brother Mr. William Hill.
DBS has a long tradition in athletics, and has produced many excellent athletes over the years, including Olympians. But one athlete legend fondly remembered by all DBS boys is William Hill. For many years when we attended the inter-school athletics meet, the biggest annual event for DBS boys, we saw William’s astonishing 200m (21.60s) and 400m (49.1s) records prominently displayed in the big screen of Wan Chai Stadium. Until this day, no school boy has come close to breaking William’s 400m record! Only because of change of age limits for inter-school competition in 2013 that William’s 400m record no longer appears on the big screen of Wan Chai Stadium.
William is regarded by all DBS boys as our true legend not only because of his records and sporting achievements, but also because of his radiant smile, kindness to all people around and humbleness. All people that know William will testify that he never bragged about his records or looked down on his opponents. William simply loved athletics. DBSAC revived our training for old boys in 2015 and without hesitation William joined DBSAC again and competed in several HKMAC whenever he was fit to do so. When William was around, he was more than willing to share his stories and experience with all boys around. For those of us that were not in his era and had not met William before, it felt so unreal that we could really talk to him! Just listening to his amazing stories with our late Mr. Lowcock and Olympic experience would make our day.
William, our beloved brother, we know you had still been training hard to compete. We know you hate to call in a day without saying proper goodbye to us all. We know you would still like to run, to throw, to jump and to compete in DBSAC jersey. We shall remember your spirit at heart and carry your mantle to fly DBSAC flag with pride and humbleness.
May you rest in peace!
From all your brothers in DBSAC family!
Message from Rosemary and Anthony (widow and son of William Hill):
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from the DBS community. There are simply no words that can express how thankful we are for the donations of money, time, counsel and many other things that have helped us during this time. My Dad was very proud of his alma mater. As much as he was part of DBS, DBS was part of him. I was never able to fully grasp his deep connection to the school until now, however I feel blessed to finally experience why it meant so much to him. My dad is remembered for his speed, and I know that he was very proud to witness the speed at which the DBS brotherhood rallied around to help him in his hour of need.
Dad passed away peacefully while I told him stories of his life; recounting how proud both we and the broader community were of everything that he was. A father, a husband, a friend, a champion.