William (Bill) Rinaldi (SPC 1958-60, PY1963)

Marie and Bill Rinaldi. Photo: Adam Trafford

We are saddened to hear of the passing of William (Bill) Rinaldi (SPC 1958-60, PY1963) on April 29, 2021, aged 75 years and extend our deepest sympathy to Bill’s extended family.
Bill was born in Hopetoun in 1946 and was a student at St Pat’s from 1958 to 1960 after attending Warrenheip Primary School.

Upon leaving school, Bill was employed by George Farmer in Ballarat East for 25 years whilst running the family farm at Warrenheip.  In 1960 Bill’s father established the Mount View Riding School and upon his death in 1968, Bill assumed the running of the riding school which he continued to do until his passing. He was assisted by his wife Marie whom he married in 1971.

For many years Bill competed in equestrian events at the Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show, as well as many country shows and together with his son Michael, were the National Novelty Champions for a number of years.

Bill was renowned across the equine industry for his horsemanship and passion for breeding, and breaking in, horses. In addition, he taught many to ride, some of whom went into fulfilling careers in the equine industry.

Since 1977, Bill and Marie provided horses for Ballarat’s Riding for Disabled Program which catered for students with various physical and intellectual disabilities. In the 2021 Australia Day Honours list, both Bill and Marie were honoured by being awarded an Order of Australia Medal, which was presented to them at Government House on April 22, seven days before Bill’s death.

In a tribute following Bill’s death the RDA Ballarat president, Bob Bath, said “They’ve never charged us for the use of their horses for RDA, and you can imagine how many riders that have had the pleasure and satisfaction of using their horses. Bill’s knowledge and willingness to share it is going to be a great loss, he was a wonderful person, a bloody good bloke.”

Thank you to Frank Moloney (SPC 1947-56) for help in preparing this tribute. Another wonderful tribute to Bill can also be found here

Bill Rinaldi, pictured in his proficiency class photograph in 1960.