William (Bill) Silversides ('54)

I would like to advise the School and Old Boys of the passing of Bill Silversides on 20 December 2022.

Bill entered Trinity as a boarder in 1950 and established himself as a good natured and popular member of the Boarding House. He participated in all sports and excelled particularly in cricket, being in the A team for each year and, finally, a member of the 1st XI in 1955.

Apart from his sporting achievements, he was a better than average student, a very good chess player and a school librarian.

Bill matriculated in 1954 and entered Sydney Teachers’ College in 1955. After graduating, Bill undertook further study and became a Master of Mathematics. He taught in several High Schools, both in the country and in disadvantaged areas of western Sydney and was Head of the Maths Department in most.

While Maths was his forte and passion, he was equally concerned with his students’ general development. Bill had grown up in ‘the bush’ at a small town on the Lachlan, Euabalong. Consequently, he was well aware of the disadvantages associated with remote locations. He also recognised the adverse problems suffered by students in lower socio-economic situations. Bill became equally passionate in encouraging improvements in the lives of his students and this concern led to a strong rapport with many in his classes. He and his wife, Coralie, encouraged students to visit their home and they became significant influence in ‘the lessons of life’.

It is remarkable that many of his ex-students attended his funeral.            

Bill was a loving husband and father, a true educational professional and a great mate.