BC Football Hall of Fame Inductee Bill MacGregor enjoyed a successful career with the Vancouver Meralomas, SFU Clan and a 1973 BC Lions Draft Pick.
He then stepped into his favourite role as Coach Mac, building football programs like the Abbotsford Panthers who not only lifted up a trophy, but also their community. Bill earned his Masters and Doctorate in Education where as a high school principal the impact he had on youth has lasted a life time.
Along the way were unexplained changes until Bill’s diagnosis with CTE and Dementia. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy known as CTE is coming to light as a neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive brain injury. More research is required for early diagnosis and treatment to slow down the disease.
This is a story celebrating strength through adversity and all that Coach Mac has gifted to people, but also a reflection about what has been taken away from his family – who share heartbreak and loss in not knowing what was taking place.
Bill now spends his days with wife Pam who says, ‘No matter where we go former students, players, parents and colleagues stop to say hello and share a story about how Bill has touched their lives.’
Director’s Message
You truly never know where life will take you. I had the privilege of meeting Bill MacGregor as a young mom when my boys were attending the new Rick Hansen Secondary School in 1993. I remember holding great admiration for their principal and thinking what a blessing for them to be under his leadership. Fast forward to 2021 when I ordered some cookies for my parents’ wedding anniversary celebration and was re-acquainted with his wife Pam, who I had been school friends with. We had lots to catch up on, and it was in our conversations that I learned Bill and their family are navigating life with his diagnosis of dementia. Pam was thinking about writing a memoir titled, ‘Losing Coach Mac,’ and asked if I might mentor her. I said, of course, ‘but perhaps you might consider a documentary film as well.’
We began filming in August 2023, and it has been an honor and a blessing to be welcomed by the MacGregor family as they have graciously entrusted their story in our care. My hope is that viewers will embrace the wisdom and messages of selflessness that Coach Mac shares and also understand the toll this disease has taken on their family. With hearts wide open, they are sharing their story to help others who may be walking a similar path with CTE and Dementia.
This June 2024, we saw the first student receive the Coach Mac Scholarship, born from this project. May this film open doors for further research and awareness to make way for an earlier diagnosis and treatment—and to offer support for the caregivers who have so much to carry on their own.
I began by saying you never know where life will take you—but do understand it brings you to the very place you are meant to be. Bill and Pam—sending much love to you both.
Sincerely,
