Bill boarded at The Geelong College from 1955 to 1959, commencing in the Preparatory School. A talented all-round sportsman from the outset, he won the Preparatory School Sports Championship in his first year.

At Senior School, Bill’s sporting abilities continued to shine. He worked up to the 1st XVIII football team and was regularly listed among the best players in Pegasus match reports. He was awarded multiple House and School Colours, as well as a School Cap for football.

Bill also represented the College in cricket—joining the 1st XI in 1959—and competed with the athletics team. He captained the U16A cricket team in 1958. He was a member of Shannon House and appointed House Monitor in his final year. In the Cadet Unit, he attained the rank of Cadet Under Officer (CUO) and attended the second day of "Operation Firepower" at Puckapunyal.

After leaving school, Bill returned to western Victoria to farm at Condah. In 1964, he married Kay, and together they raised three children. Bill remained active in his local sporting community, playing both football and cricket for Heywood for many years.

Bill’s sister, Kaye Braden (née Satchell), who attended Geelong Grammar, married Don Braden (OGC 1956), further strengthening the family's ties to the College community.