Vale Bill Cossey AM

With great sadness, the Tennis family is mourning the passing of former Tennis SA President Bill Cossey AM on Friday 7 July 2017, following a short battle with melanoma.  

Melbourne VIC, Australia, 11 July 2017 | tennis.com.au

With great sadness, the Tennis family is mourning the loss of former Tennis SA President Bill Cossey AM on Friday 7 July 2017, following a short battle with illness.

Bill’s contribution to the sport of tennis in South Australia is indisputable.

A tireless club volunteer in various capacities, Bill spent 19 years as a member of the Tennis SA Board including 10 years as its President. He also served at the national level with a three-year term as a Director on the Tennis Australia Board.

During his time as a director, Vice President and President, Bill made a significant contribution to the game of tennis in South Australia and across the nation. This included overseeing the launch of the World Tennis Challenge, leading the implementation of the Member Affiliation model as a pilot for Australia and his involvement in the growth of ANZ Tennis Hot Shots. More recently he was responsible for the formation of the vision for the redevelopment of the Memorial Drive precinct.

Bill was held in high regard by the South Australian tennis community, commercial sponsors and Government partners for his commitment to the game and the South Australian community. This saw Bill be made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to Government and to the community in June 2004. In May 2016 he became a life member of Tennis SA.

Bill was a kind and generous man. An instrumental leader, a valued and trusted mentor, an exceptional friend.

Bill will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered by the Board and staff of Tennis SA, as well as the wider tennis community.

Please join us as we offer our sincerest condolences and support to Bill’s wife Kathy, daughters Terese and Merryn, and their families at this sad time.

There will be a private funeral later this week followed by a public memorial service at Adelaide Oval on Friday 28 July. All are welcome to attend this public memorial service which will be held in the Ian McLachlan Room (Level 3 Western Stand), 9:00 am arrivals for 9:30 am-10:30 am service.

The family requests no flowers or cards. However, if you wish to make a donation in memory of Bill then please do so. A donation to the Mary Potter Foundation or to the Melanoma Research Foundation would be greatly appreciated.