RESPECTED school football coach Bill Taylor has died aged 64.
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Taylor, who coached players of the ilk of John Longmire, Brett Kirk and Leo Barry during his time at the helm of the Riverina and NSW CHS schoolboy sides, passed away on Monday after a long illness.
Originally of Culcairn, he taught at Maroubra Bay, Murray and Albury high schools before finishing his teaching career at Billabong High School.
Taylor was instrumental in the formation of the Armidale City Football Club in the 1970s while attending university in the town.
He later played in two senior premierships with Walla, won the club best and fairest in 1982 and coached the Hoppers’ thirds in 1987.
Taylor also served as president at Culcairn.
Life-long friend Peter Donovan said Taylor had made a huge impression on youth through his teaching and coaching.
“To me his most outstanding quality was his compassion and devotion to his students,” Donovan said.
“He was absolutely devoted to encouraging young people.”
One of Taylor’s proudest moments was when his son, Luke, was rookie listed by Sydney Swans in 2003.
Taylor’s funeral will be at Culcairn on Monday.