Bill Sharkey died on the 27th October 2016 after a short illness at QEU Hospital. Bill, aged 83, was a founding and long serving committee member of New Gorbals Housing Association.

Bill became a founding member of New Gorbals Housing Association in 1989 and served on the management committee for 27 years up until his death. Bill was the Association’s chair for three separate spells totalling nine years, vice chair for three years and secretary for three years. He was re-elected to the management committee as recently as the 15th September 2016.

Bill’s contribution and leadership were characterised by a selfless commitment to the Association and the Gorbals. He gave his unstinting support for everyone at the Association, committee member and staff alike. Bill’s remarkable input was a key factor in the acclaimed regeneration of his beloved Gorbals which he lived to see reach its final stages.

Bill’s tireless work for the Gorbals started long before 1989. He was a key figure in the famous Gorbals Anti Dampness Campaign which successfully fought for over 700 tenants to be rehoused from the infamous Hutchesontown “Dampies”. Secretary of the campaign group, Bill refused rehousing until every other household had been moved.

Bill’s contribution to the Campaign is highlighted in this 1983 Brass Tacks BBC documentary