VALE BRUCE WILSON OAM

Bruce Wilson began his involvement in athletics in Western Australia in 1980 and became a devoted servant of the sport thereafter both at state and national level. He extended his involvement in many ways – not the least as an enthusiastic masters athlete. 

The geographic isolation of his state from the rest of the national activity in athletics meant that the sport nationally relied heavily on committed individuals based in WA for several key reasons. Almost from the beginning of his involvement Bruce was prepared to take on such roles.

Under the mentorship and guidance of his colleague Fred Napier, Bruce quickly came to understand the requirements for recognition of all competitions and what was expected in the staging of national and international meets. He also made sure this applied to state events.

Despite the challenges of distance, Perth was an enthusiastic participant in the National Grand Prix Circuit that ran from the early 1990s. Bruce was key to the conduct of these meets in myriad ways – always being available to receive and checking deliveries and provide support to Athletics Australia staff and officials prior to and upon their arrival in Perth.

Whether or not he was formally a member of the local organising committee for each grand prix meet or national championships, Bruce was always available to make a significant contribution. Within a very short space of time, many requests did not have to be made – Bruce would have already ensured they would happen.

The old stadium at Perry Lakes was difficult to master. It had been built prior to 1962 in a way well ahead of its time but very much with that year’s Commonwealth Games in mind. It had to be “cajoled” into working for smaller events but based on Fred’s tutelage, Bruce was adept at getting the best out of it.

The eventual move to the current venue not so far away at Mt Claremont made life a little easier for hard working servants like Bruce. But at both locations there were editions of national competitions in Perth that would never have been presented as they were without the relentless behind the scenes work of Bruce and those assisting him. 

It was not only in event management that Bruce made his mark – also being a highly qualified and committed technical official who was, more often than not, the go-to man to verify that high level performances in Perth were in accordance with the rules. 

This was particularly important when the national pole vault program was established at WAIS and world-class performances were often achieved at interclub competitions or state championships. The respect for Bruce was such that if he ticked it off, there was no further question to be asked.

His qualifications included the top level in almost all areas – track, throws, jumps, walks and administration. Bruce was highly competent in each and was a skilful and always reliable chief judge and referee but was particularly effective in the role of meeting manager.

Bruce supported athletics locally – officiating at interclub, state championships, schools meets (particularly appreciated by the Associated and Catholic Colleges Carnivals) and Masters Athletics WA.

Despite the considerable personal cost, Bruce was a regular attendee as a technical official at many competitions interstate for more than 30 years – both in and out of stadium – senior, under-age and schools. He has served as a technical delegate for national meets and championships and as a member of juries of appeal.

He did not seek appointment to the Sydney Olympics but served as a field judge for the 2000 Paralympics and as a track umpire for the IAAF Grand Prix Final in Melbourne in 2001.

Bruce’s contribution to athletics has been acknowledged through the AA Platinum Service Award (in 2021) recognising 40 years of quality commitment and with life membership of Athletics WA and in 2019 of Athletics Australia.

When in late 2016, the World Masters Athletic Championships (WMAC) were conducted in Perth drawing over 4000 athletes supported by over 200 national and international officials – conducted simultaneously over three track and field venues, with live streaming to over 170 countries, competition was conducted over 12 days with two rest days between for athletes and officials.

Bruce was assigned as the International Technical Officer at the Ern Clark Athletics Centre, the role commencing a week prior to competition to verify track and field equipment to ensure ratification for WMA world records. Supporting this role was Bruce’s input and assistance in establishing safe field of play areas, whilst ensuring the best public viewing and supervising a team of officials from around the world.

Bruce Wilson’s unassuming manner often understated his wide range of expertise and knowledge but is characterised well by his willingness to undertake any officiating role to which he is assigned. He was well known and highly respected at local, state and national levels by the Australian athletics community for his technical advice and his willingness to share his knowledge and practical expertise. Bruce was acknowledged with the Medal of the Order of Australia in June, 2022 for his service to athletics.

Bruce’s passing as a result of a heart attack on Boxing Day was sudden – he had only recently officiated as a timekeeper at the Australian 35km Race Walking Championships in Melbourne on 15 December and was looking forward to welcoming his interstate officiating friends to the Nationals in Perth in April.

Bruce’s Life was celebrated at St Aidan’s Uniting Church in Claremont, Perth on Tuesday 7 January. The Australian Athletics Family extends it condolences alongside its appreciation for his dedicated service to the sport to Marie, Andrew and Elspeth and Family.

By Brian Roe, Athletics Australia
Posted 7/1/2025