It is with great sadness that the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee announce the death of one of our members.
Dr Bill Macfarlane Smith, a member of the Baker and Bonnetmaker Crafts, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in Ninewells Hospital, on Friday, December 20, 2024, aged 82 years.
Bill had a background in plant breeding and genetics and was an Honorary Research Fellow at the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie, now known as the James Hutton Institute. Throughout his career he served on a number of industry and government committees on crop production and improvement. Prior to retirement, he was SCRI’s Head of Scientific Liaison and Information Services (SLIS).
Dr. Bill Macfarlane Smith left the High School of Dundee in 1960. A graduate of the Universities of Aberdeen and Reading, he maintained his links with the School over many years, having a major involvement with the Old Boys’ Club, the Patrons, the Trust Fund Appeal and the Parents’ Association. He was also a member of The School’s Board of Directors for many years, standing down as Vice-Chairman in 2009 to free up time for his position as District Governor of Rotary District 1010.
After a chance meeting with Chris Bonnington Bill, an avid mountaineer, hiked the perilous paths to make it to Everest Base Camp, an event that Bill would go on to described as an experience of a lifetime.
Our thoughts are with Bill’s wife Daphne, sons Edward, Peter and Alexander and wider family at this sad time. A service of thanksgiving will be held at The Invercarse Hotel, Dundee, on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1.30 p.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. No flowers, at the family’s request, but donations, if desired, can be made at the service and will be shared between Dundee Stroke Exercise Club and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.