Saturday September 21st, 2024

Abbotsford Arts Centre

7:00PM

Tickets $22.63 via Eventbrite

Local Mother-Daughter filmmakers, Kim Laureen and Megan Nicole (Fresh Independence

Productions) are set to release their third feature length documentary this fall called, “Losing

Coach Mac” based on BC Football Hall of Fame inductee and Father of Abbotsford Football,

Dr. Bill MacGregor.

BC Football Hall of Fame Inductee Bill MacGregor enjoyed a successful career with the

Vancouver Meralomas, SFU Clan, and was 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 lasted a lifetime.

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

treatments to slow down the effects.

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

touches their lives.’

The title, ‘Losing Coach Mac’ was inspired by Pam who has shared her talents with the

community as a former realtor and now a custom cookie designer. The MacGregor’s have

offered their story to raise awareness about Brain Injury and the struggles families are facing

navigating the challenging road with Dementia.