Bill Wyllie dies after cancer battle

Perth property tycoon Bill Wyllie has died today aged 73 after a long battle with cancer.

The chairman of the Perth-based investment company, the Wyllie Group Pty Ltd, died at home with his wife Rhonda and children Melissa and Luke at his bedside. Melissa took the operational reins of the business during the past year or so.

Mr Wyllie is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and children, Craig, Stephen, Suzanne, Melissa and Luke, and grandchildren, Jade and Scott.

Mr Wyllie's funeral will be held on Sunday 19th March, 3.30pm at Christ Church Grammar School.

Mr Wyllie was listed in the BRW Rich 200 list in 2004 with a net worth of $423 million.

In 1943, Mr Wyllie began his working life by delivering telegrams for the Scarborough post office, which he soon combined with a paper round.

In the 1950's he raced motor cars on the South-East Asia circuit including the Macau Grand Prix in 1958.

In 1964, Mr Wyllie moved to Hong Kong where he became a leading business man, regarded as a corporate doctor and turn around expert for some of the regions biggest conglomerates, up until his return to Perth in 1994.

In WA, Wyllie Group has been involved in some high profile investments, including major stakes in Burswood Ltd, the convention centre and Multiplex.