2003 Inductees

Bill Wilson Sr. 1900-1963

Many things come to mind that were special about William Blackburn Wilson, but none more than the fact that he was always available to talk and willing to help young and old who were interested in developing and promoting sports. Although he worked day and night he was a dedicated fan of sports at all levels particularly hockey and baseball.

Bill was born in Windsor, NS (hockey's birthplace) educated at Kings College and was always glancing at the sports pages. He naturally became actively involved. While attending Kings, he played rugby and participated in track and field- specializing in running the hurdles.

After graduating as a registered pharmacist from the Maritime College of Pharmacy he worked in Halifax, then in Lunenburg- where he met his wife-to-be Margaret. He also worked in Bridgewater. His interest in the Berwick Bruins Hockey Club was a major influence in his decision to move to Berwick. After coming to Berwick he married and had one son Bill Jr. He quickly became involved with the Berwick Bruins Senior Hockey Team in the executive capacity from 1936-38.

In the 40's and 50's Bill Wilson's Drug Store was a sports "Hot Spot". Ball and Hockey teams were often created and developed at the store. The Drug Store became a contact spot for fans, ball and hockey teams sometimes saw their operations headquartered at the store.

In 1942 he was deeply involved in the town hockey league, and ironically, was president of the Industrial Hockey League at the time of his death in 1963. He was involved as secretary/treasurer of the Berwick Bruins from 1943-1949. Winning two Intermediate Nova Scotia Championships and one Maritime Intermediate Championship, he was also secretary/treasurer of The Berwick Apple Kings- 1956-57 Maritime Junior Hockey Champions.

He also was active in baseball and softball. In 1947 he served as secretary/treasurer of the Berwick Junior Baseball Team, and in the same year was instrumental in reorganizing the Berwick Amateur Athletic Association. In 1948 he organized Little League Baseball and continued this activity for a number of years. Bill also served as secretary/treasurer of the Berwick All-Stars Softball Club in 1959 and 1960.

Bill Wilson Sr. was a charter member of Berwick Gala Days Committee, a member of the Anglican Church in Berwick, Berwick Masonic Lodge, Berwick Legion and the Berwick Minor Ball Association. He was also a First World War veteran.

He was indeed one of Berwick's great builders.

Inducted June 2003