Bill Spackman with Scott, and Money Road in 1993 at Harden.

Bill Spackman will be remembered as a country man with a love for his family and his animals. He has been a long standing member of the twin town community. In July, he would have become a great grandfather for the first time.

Bill passed away in Wagga Base Hospital on Tuesday night after a crash near Illabo near Junee.

Bill was the sole occupant of his vehicle. He suffered minor injuries in the crash, however, his condition deteriorated and he past away around 5:30pm that night. 

His wife of 51 years, Sue Spackman said her late husband was someone with a “tireless work ethic with great strength. He was lovely and cheeky with a very outgoing personality,” 

Bill was born on January 2 in 1948 and lived in the Harden area all of his life. He went to Harden-Murrumburrah Public School and was raised on his parent’s dairy farm, with his three siblings Bob, Trish and Margaret.

He then ran a dairy farm with his four sons John, Scott, David and Paul.

Outside of farming, he played rugby league as a child and loved watching the NRL. Racing was his biggest passion alongside his birds which came later in life. 

The Spackmans have long been known for their love of horses and their ability to understand them and train them. They are what those in the horse game can often describe as horse whisperers.

Residents of Harden will forever remember Money Road winning the 1993 Harden Picnic Cup. What made that win even more special was that Money Road was ridden by Bill’s son Scott, who since that win has gone on to become one of Wagga’s finest trainers.

Sue said, That’s probably the highlight of his life. It’s also because Scott starved himself, because he’s quite tall, to ride his racehorse for him,” 

Sue described her late husband’s relationships with animals as “amazing”.

She said. “He always tended to his much loved farm animals and had an amazing affiliation with his cattle. He had an uncanny ability to develop strong connections with them and was always more in tune with animals than humans. It was beautiful.”

During retirement, Bill found a new passion for animals, breeding ringneck parrots. He excelled at the venture and the offspring of his progeny went all over Australia.

Sue  said what exemplified his caring nature was that after the crash, he got out and told ambulance paramedics to notify the man he was delivering the bird to that he was running late.

She said, “Unfortunately, in hospital, he had a brain haemorrhage due to the accident,” 

“He walked away from the crash, but it got him in the end.”

Mr Spackman is survived by his wife, five children and 15 grandchildren. He is sadly missed by them, extended family and friends.

Reporting With Toby Vue, Wagga News.

Funeral Notice Patterson Funerals

Mr William John Spackman better known as Bill

Passed away suddenly on 14th April 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Much loved husband of Sue. Devoted father and father in law of John & Lisa, Scott & Donna, David & Sharon, Kellie & Randall and Paul & Julia. Cherished Pop of Larissa, Harry, Jessica, Olivia, Billy, Jake, Hannah, Charlie, Sarah, Rylee, Jorja, Oliver, Thomas, Juliet and Lara. Sadly missed by extended family, his many friends and his adored dog Roadie. Late of Scott Street, Harden.

Aged 72 Years
Rest in Peace

A private service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held in the Harden Lawn Cemetery.
Please contact Patterson Brothers Funerals for further information.