The Dakers family wish to pass onto the club and community the sad news of the passing of Bill Dakers after a long and brave battle with myeloma. Bill died peacefully on 24 June 2021, aged 85.
Bill was the surviving brother of David and Derek, all three attending Heriot’s and continuing in the proud tradition of a Heriot family, with two generations subsequently passing through the school’s numbers.
Bill played for the school rugby first XV and cricket first XI, together with Ken Scotland and the late Eddie McKeating; and then followed in his brother David’s footsteps playing rugby for the army during his National Service. The story goes that whilst watching a Pathe news reel in Benghazi with the Royal Signals, there was footage of the Army vs Navy game, in which David was featured scoring the winning try. Bill’s CO turned to him and asked if he was related and if he could play? He was on his way to Tripoli to play on the wing for the army in the North Africa Cup the next weekend.
As well as playing for the rugby club – including Old Crock’s 7s – Bill enjoyed competing for the FP golf club for many years, alongside his roles as Secretary and then President of the Lothians Golf Association. Golf really was his sporting love, achieving a best handicap of 4.
A lifelong member and supporter, Bill loved being down at ‘Goldie’, in the stand with memories of old rivalries and on the side-lines on Saturday mornings and school Sports Days. Bill was devoted to his family and the family of the church at Murrayfield, and our thoughts are with his wife, Doreen and the Dakers family.
Following a private committal, there was a service of celebration of Bill’s life, which has been recorded and can be viewed for a short time, with the following link:
Funeral Service Link: William Dakers
