Uncle Bill, father of PPM leader, dies aged 87
(CNS): Local businessman William McTaggart, better known as “Uncle Bill”, the father of Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart, has died. The announcement was made by the PPM chairman and former premier, Sir Alden McLaughlin, who said the Progressives family was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.
A respected Caymanian entrepreneur, McTaggart was best known for the hardware and bicycle store he founded in October 1964 after he invested in two dozen tins of paint and ten windows.
“Like so many across these Islands, I am saddened at the sudden passing of Mr William ‘Bill’ McTaggart, also known fondly as ‘Uncle Bill’,” McLaughlin said.
“Uncle Bill was one of that generation of iconic Caymanians whose entrepreneurial spirit and community-mindedness helped shape the Cayman we enjoy today. I have known Uncle Bill my entire life. The McTaggart family resided on Crewe Road, where I grew up, and his son, Capt. Chris McTaggart and I went to school together.”
McLaughlin said that McTaggart was well known and much loved for his jovial nature, generosity, and community spiritedness.
“Although he was engaged full-time in building the successful business which now bears his name, he still devoted much of his life to community service. One of my favourite childhood memories is of Christmas time, and Uncle Bill dressed as Santa Claus with Mr Graham Thompson as the Clown arriving at the airport on the Cayman Airways DC 3 to distribute candies to hundreds of excited children.”
“Beyond that annual community service, Uncle Bill was a stalwart member of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and was involved in numerous community projects and programmes for many decades.
“Today, Cayman has lost a true pillar of the community. He was a man who loved his country and people profoundly and contributed generously of his time and means to make the lives of others happier and better,” McLaughlin said, as he offered condolences on behalf of the Progressives and his widow, Debbie, the PPM leader and other family members.
McTaggart’s death comes just days after that of his generational peer, Benson Ebanks, who was also 87 and owned a hardware store in West Bay.
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Category: Local News
R I P UNCLE BILL
We are saddened to hear of Mr. McTaggart’s passing. Our sincere condolences to his wife, Debbie, his son William and the rest of the family.
We Caymanians are losing vital pieces of our history. I hope we can keep alive the memories of the true spirit of who we are.
RIP Uncle Bill – where I got my first bicycle <3
My first 10 speed was a Western Flyer from Benson. But I used to dream of a fancy Raleigh from Merrens or, even better, a Bianchi from Uncle Bill’s!
Sackalapackala and RIP Uncle Bill.
Rode my Bianchi ten speed from prospect to George Town every day. Loved that bike and loved going to Uncle Bills for tune ups and parts…. RIP Uncle Bill…. Condolences to the family.
Sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. William “Uncle Bill” McTaggart.
Praying for strength and comfort at this time to all family and loved ones mourning his loss.
God bless,
Orrie 🙏🏻🇰🇾
RIP Mr. Bill and condolences to all his extended family. He was an inspiring gentleman.
He was. He was one of us, and representative of the self-starting. entrepreneurial spirit that we once honoured.
Rest gently Sir, you are home.
Condolences to his wife and other family members. Rest Peacefully Bill.