AT least 100 people turned out to farewell popular Balmain identity Bill Swindail (pictured) at his funeral on October 13.

Bill - a life member of Balmain Leagues Club - was a member of at least 20 clubs. His ‘second home’ on weekends was the Bondi Icebergs where he was a member for 40 years and he also swam with the Union of Old Swimmers.

William Robert Swindail junior - known as ‘Young Bill’ was born on May 22, 1936 in Paddington.

He attended Rozelle Public School and later joined the Balmain Leagues Club in May 1957 where he was employed for 44 years.

A surprise to many during Bill’s national service was his prowess as a boxer - he was a champion heavyweight boxer who was undefeated in the Army during the late 1950s.

Bill was a member of the Fishing Club as was his late father Bill senior and brother John.

There was always plenty of fish in the Swindail household on fishing days.

When his hearse was driven past the Balmain Leagues Club it triggered a loud three cheers for Bill - just what he would have wanted.

Bill will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

BILL SWINDAIL - long serving Balmain Leagues Club employee.