West Ryde identity BILL GOLDS-WORTHY (pictured) had four great loves in his life.

First and foremost was his beloved wife Dorothy, his immediate family and extended family; Second were the mighty Balmain Tigers; swimming and Dr Resch’s came third and fourth.

Born on February 4, 1912 he enjoyed a fascinating life until losing his battle with illness on October 9, 2008 at the age of 96.

Over the years, Bill answered to many different names. Most recently Pop and Poppy were the most frequently used. However, people might remember names such as Will, Bill, Willy, Billy, Old Bill and the Kelpie.

When rounding up gangs of wharf labourers, the Kelpie was often extended to ‘The Yelping Kelpie.’

While each name was simply a term of endearment, Bill would go on to say that: “Everybody sees how you seem, but only some know who you really are.”

Throughout his life, Bill always tried to help family, friends and colleagues. He had a generous philosophy of giving without exception and never once belittled his humble beginning.

Bill was very proud of his Balmain roots - his swimming achievements and to a 60 year commitment to the Masonic Lodge. In all his endeavours, Bill was a fighter who never gave up - his only reward being the pleasure of helping others.

To his family, friends and others he demonstrated repeatedly that not only was Bill Goldsworthy a person of great integrity, sincerity and compassion but also a man who strongly believed that happiness is a voyage - not a destination.

Bill would often say to his family there was no better time to be happy than now. Live and enjoy the moment.

Trust and loyalty were a trademark of Bill. He liked to keep things simple, his word was his bond. If he ever stated he would do something, it was promptly carried out.

When Bill commenced as doorman for the Balmain Football Club at Leichhardt Oval he was instructed not to let ANYONE into the dressing rooms without a pass.

When the Parramatta players arrived without their passes, Bill would not let them enter. He had them bailed up outside. All the threats and intimidation didn’t move him whatsoever.

Baby faced rugby league players were nothing compared to the hundreds of hard and tough wharf labourers Bill managed on a daily basis.

It was like a Mexican stand-off. Bill simply stated that as far as he was concerned, Balmain would win by a forfeit.

From that day onwards, no rugby league player ever forgot to bring his entry pass to the Leichhardt Oval dressing room.

Like all wharf labourers, Bill has access to a very colourful vocabulary and his repertoire included many comical phrases.

epending on the subject matter, Bill would often commence with: “I’m telling you” or “Let me tell you.”

These phrases became synonymous with Bill Goldsworthy, especially when accompanied with finger pointing.

Most people who came into contact with Bill soon realised that he was a person of high moral and social principal.

Bill’s humble beginning at the east end of Balmain was the catalyst for encouraging, not only his immediate children, but also his grandchildren and great grandchildren to grow, learn and succeed.

He was generous with his time and words of encouragement usually concluded with: Be true to your word; Dream whatever you desire to dream; Go wherever you wish; Always consider the other person’s position and Always smile in spite of difficult times.

Bill Goldsworthy will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

* Eulogy written by son Colin Goldsworthy.