Tribute to Bill Nixon OAM - Champion of Libraries & All Things Local
Mentone Public Library would like to take this opportunity to remember and farewell a very dear friend and
dedicated advocate of ours:
Bill Nixon OAM
Bill Nixon OAM became a tireless ally for our library in 2010 when we invited him to join us for our 85th anniversary celebration.
Thereafter, whenever we reached out for help and advice, Bill would be there. No delays, no questions asked and no desire for anything in return for his time and wisdom.
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| A life committed to community: Sunday, 29 January 1933 - Saturday, 26 October 2019 |
Through
our highs and lows,
Bill Nixon OAM was always ready to fight
to preserve the history, voice and sustainability of
Bill Nixon OAM was always ready to fight
to preserve the history, voice and sustainability of
Mentone Public Library.
I wish to take note of Bill Nixon OAM's two final appearances at Mentone Public Library.
Saturday, 28 July 2018 -
Bill visited our library for what would be his final author talk attendance. We had invited Legends of the Skies Theatre Inc (LOTS) to showcase their local playwrights and shed light on their playscripts about local aviation legends.
Bill could not stay for the full session...I will explain why at the end of this post.
But his departing words to the LOTS team after congratulating them on their endeavours, was to find an indigenous aviation story for the community to learn about.
This year, Bill's advice was realised with the moving story of Australia's first indigenous aviator Len Waters portrayed by indigenous performer James Williams.
Saturday, 10 November 2018 -
This would be Bill's last attendance at our Annual General Meeting.
In previous years, Bill had been integral to ideas and efforts to help the library reach out further to the community.
On this occasion, Bill was mostly quiet, except to congratulate us on the year that was and our initiatives for 2019.
At midday, just as he had to for the final author talk he attended in July 2018, he announced his need to leave at midday.
This was, in fact, always the case for Bill, with every event he attended of ours.
And his reason was always the same.
"People, you'll have to excuse me, but I have a date with an angel, and mustn't keep her waiting."
The angel Bill was referring to, was his late wife.
Every Saturday afternoon, he would visit her grave to bring her flowers.
Bill...we know we cannot hold you up.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the time, support and friendship you gave us...
Go be with your angel, Bill.
Thank-you for watching over us.
Sincerely,
The Mentone Public Library Team.
This would be Bill's last attendance at our Annual General Meeting.
In previous years, Bill had been integral to ideas and efforts to help the library reach out further to the community.
On this occasion, Bill was mostly quiet, except to congratulate us on the year that was and our initiatives for 2019.
At midday, just as he had to for the final author talk he attended in July 2018, he announced his need to leave at midday.
This was, in fact, always the case for Bill, with every event he attended of ours.
And his reason was always the same.
"People, you'll have to excuse me, but I have a date with an angel, and mustn't keep her waiting."
The angel Bill was referring to, was his late wife.
Every Saturday afternoon, he would visit her grave to bring her flowers.
Bill...we know we cannot hold you up.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the time, support and friendship you gave us...
Go be with your angel, Bill.
Thank-you for watching over us.
Sincerely,
The Mentone Public Library Team.
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