LEIGH GEORGE “BILL” MORLEY. MBE. BEM

“A tribute to a Navy legend”

With the “Crossing of the Bar” of our Bill, it brings to an end the life of one of the most consummate Naval Officer and Rating I have ever met. From the very first time I set eyes on Bill he stood like a colossus among the trainees at the “Rock” His presence, mana and stature told you that he was destined to be a sailor who would rise to the top and be respected by all whom came to know him.

An Officer, Warrant Officer and Gunnery Instructor is what Bill was and the entire Navy of his time were in awe of this man. I think I can say that Bill was also a very good sportsman and in the Navy sports book he wrote of himself, and I quote:

“I have done reasonably well but never quite made it to the ladder as I possibly could have. People may say that I achieved, others may say I didn’t, but at the end of the day it is nobody’s fault but my own.” Such was the humility of this man.

Bill also had a love for the outdoors and with mates Ken Johnston and Jim Senton they went duck shooting, fishing and hunting. There is no doubt in my mind that Bill will receive a funeral fit for a person of his mana and esteem, we all owe this sailor that. Bill now goes to join his son Mark. To Rosemary, family, relatives and close friends, Te Heramana whanau (Family of Sailors) send you their sincere condolences.

“The clock of life is wound but once and no one has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. But for Bill it has stopped and will never be wound again.”

“Haere ra dear friend.”