By
Graham Davis
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One
of the late POPH Bill McBride’s last photos, taken recently
on HMAS Canberra.
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RAN
photographer, and the longest- serving Aboriginal member of the
Service, PO Bill McBride died suddenly on April 14.
PO McBride and his partner of the last eight years, Ms Michelle
Christie, had just left the dance floor, when he collapsed in
his chair.
Efforts to revive the 49-year-old Petty Officer were not successful.
At the time PO McBride was preparing to retire from the RAN and
was taking part in a re-settlement seminar.
A farewell morning tea had been planned in the Red Room of HMAS
Kuttabul for April 20. Bill planned to return to Western Australia
to mentor and counsel Aboriginal young people troubled by drugs
and alcohol.
He had been in the RAN for 32 years. Bill was proud of his Aboriginal
background and recently escorted nine Aboriginal youths from Walgett
when they sea-rode in HMAS Canberra down the NSW coast.
A formal naval funeral was accorded PO McBride on April 22. The
service, held at the Northside Christian Church at Everton Park,
Brisbane, attracted a large crowd of family members, friends and
workmates.
Bill’s remains were cremated at Hervey Bay on April 23 and a memorial
service was held in Sydney on April 28. Letters of condolence
can be sent c/o Navy News.
