Fresh Independence | Losing Coach Mac

Losing Coach Mac is a powerful and deeply moving film that captures the heartfelt struggle of families and survivors living in the aftermath of brain injury. Through raw storytelling and emotional depth, it shines a light on the urgent need for early intervention, long-term support and prevention efforts. More than just a personal story it serves as a wake-up call— demanding the recognition of brain injury as a public health crisis in Canada. This film is not only compelling— it’s necessary. Janelle Breese Biagioni
National Strategy on Brain Injury

Losing Coach Mac is a powerful and emotional tribute to a man who’s leadership lives on in all of us. Bill MacGregor was more than the first principal of Rick Hansen Secondary School in Abbotsford, he was a builder of legacy. He saw the potential in every student and he was committed to building a community grounded in inclusion and accessibility. Bill’s unwavering example left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to encounter him as a coach, mentor, and friend. This film will offer hope and strength to families facing the similar challenges of caring for a loved one who is battling dementia and CTE. It will remind them that legacy isn’t lost, that it lives on through love, connection and courage. Rick Hansen
Founder, Rick Hansen Foundation

Losing Coach Mac is a deeply moving film that provides a poignant look into the profound and often heartbreaking effects of brain injury, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and dementia. It is a powerful tribute to Bill MacGregor’s enduring legacy as he and his family openly share their difficult journey to help raise awareness about the urgent need for research, early diagnosis, and treatment. Carol Paetkau
Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association

Losing Coach Mac is a wonderful film that sensitively tells the story of a community legend, the journey of navigating his life with a neurological condition and the very real impact on his family. The film provides a perspective and insight into both the challenges and the silver linings of living life with a chronic degenerative health condition. Elaine Book
BC Brain Wellness Program

From an educational perspective, this film bears witness to the awesome impact and therefore responsibility of the teacher/coach. You can see the lifelong affects on youth and the value to society. From a medical standpoint, you see and feel the overwhelming devastation of dementia and the need for continued research toward slowing the progression and eventually finding a cure. Denis Kelly
Coach Notre Dame Secondary

Losing Coach Mac is a wonderfully told story through the lens of writer and director Kim Laureen. Her team has captured the essence of a man who was instrumental in coaching, counselling, directing and in many respects re-directing the lives of youth in Vancouver and throughout the Fraser Valley. Memories shared by past students, players, coaches, former teammates and colleagues is true testament this man was special and extremely influential on so many levels and in varied environments. Conversations through out weave a theme about the influence Coach Mac has had on people’s lives. Kim was able to capture the love that transcends every environment Coach Mac has ever been associated with. This film would serve as a wonderful piece of viewing for anyone interested in the coaching and teaching profession including parents with young kids entering the school system. Further, anyone who has sustained a brain injury or those having to support such a person would benefit from engaging the MacGregor family story. Mario Luongo
Former Player / Teacher

Losing Coach Mac is an essential documentary for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, brain health, and the personal toll of CTE. It’s a powerful, emotional exploration of a coach who, despite his success on the field, was ultimately sidelined by the very sport he gave his life to. This documentary is a must watch for anyone concerned about the long-term effects of brain injuries in sports and the urgent need for change in how athletes’ health is managed. Rob Lazeo
14 seasons CFL

Watching, “Losing Coach Mac” stirred tremendous emotions and memories for me. First and foremost, my deep admiration for the bravery of all the family to share, so openly and honestly, their story. Secondly, a profound sadness to see Bill, once larger than life, change and struggle, as he has. Finally, to appreciate the importance of sharing this story in the hopes that others may benefit. Brian MacGregor
Bill’s Brother

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.’

Together, We’ve Made History—And We’re Not Done Yet

In 2024, brain injury advocacy reached new heights. For the first time all parties at the federal level—and governments across provinces and municipalities—united in recognizing the urgent need for a coordinated response to brain injury in Canada.

Thanks to cross-country support, the call for a National Strategy on Brain Injury passed unanimously at Second Reading and the Standing Committee on Health in the House of Commons. It’s a major step—but the journey isn’t over.

With the 45th Parliament before us, it’s more important than ever to stay engaged. Follow us at nationalstrategyonbraininjury.ca to stay informed on the progress and to help us keep the momentum going.

Upcoming Screenings

Stay Tuned

You can host a screening of this documentary to inspire others.
For more information or to book the filmmakers contact:
[email protected]

Coach Mac Scholarship

Recipients
2024 – Harshan Oberoi WJ Mouat Secondary School

If you would like to support the Coach Mac Scholarship please reach out to [email protected]

Losing Coach Mac in the Media

GLOBAL NEWS

Conversations with Ben O’Hara-Bryne

ABBY NEWS

Director’s Message

We truly never know where life will take us. I had the privilege of meeting Bill MacGregor as a young mom when our boys were attending the new Rick Hansen Secondary School in 1993. I held great admiration for their principal and considered it a blessing to have them study under his leadership.

Fast forward to 2021, when I ordered some cookies for a family event and became re-acquainted with Bill’s wife Pam with whom I had attended school. During our conversations she shared how their family as a whole is struggling with his diagnosis of dementia.

She was pondering writing a memoir with the title ‘Losing Coach Mac’ and asked if I might mentor her. I replied “yes of course, but perhaps you would consider a documentary film as well.” Pam reached back when she felt ready and we began filming in August 2023.

June 2024 we saw the first Abbotsford School District graduating student receive the ‘Coach Mac Scholarship.’ Born from this project – to carry on Bill’s vision and legacy as an educator, coach and mentor.

It’s been an honour for the MacGregor family to graciously entrust their story in our care. Our hope is that viewers will embrace the wisdom and messages of selflessness Coach Mac shares. As well may this film open a door to awareness, research and early diagnosis with treatment, for better quality of life.

Sincerely,