William Walter Koski, lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on November 24, 1940, in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan, and moved to British Columbia in 1980, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Bill was predeceased by his mother, father, sister Sylvia, and his loving wife Ann, with whom he shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage.
He is survived by his brother Ken; children Paul (Jenn) & Marilyn (Dan); his grandchildren, Jacob (Aluna) and Bailey (Joel); and his two most cherished great-grandsons, Dominic and Willow, who brought him immense joy.
Throughout his life, Bill worked a variety of careers, always with dedication and integrity. His work journey included positions with BNS and Quaker Oats, Saskatchewan Power, and ultimately a long and meaningful career with the Federal Department of Corrections. He began in Prince Albert, continued at Kent Maximum, and concluded his career at William Head in Victoria, BC—a role he often joked was a “life sentence.”
Bill was a volunteer at heart. He was deeply passionate about his involvement with the Lions Club, proudly receiving his 60-year membership pin on his 85th birthday—two milestones celebrated together and a moment he cherished greatly. Through the Lions Club, he dedicated countless hours to services, including many years participating in Speed Watch. Giving back was simply who he was.
Bill will be remembered for his humour and his well-known sayings. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply, “60/40, 70/30—still looking at the grass from the right side.” And when saying goodbye to his daughter, he would sing, “Once you have found her never let her go… I have always loved you, always have, always will, dear.”
He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Bill’s memory to the Lions Foundation OF Canada Dog Guides, a cause close to his heart. In his memory, a tree will be planted in the Memorial Forest.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Koski” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Gerry Webb
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Ann Glas Ann and Bill were caring people, great neighbors and good friends.
We are sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and send family our condolences and prayers.
Ann and Don Glas
Harbour’s End
I first met Bill when I was transferred to Esquimalt in 1988. My wife, Marion, and I became close friends with Bill and Ann and we spent many times together over the years. It was Bill who conned me into becoming a Lion and sponsored me into the Esquimalt Lions Club in 1991 – a privilege I still enjoy today. Bill was a dedicated Lion who served in several clubs prior to moving to the island and transferring into the Esquimalt Lions Club. Later in life, he and Ann moved into a facility in Ladysmith and he transferred to a Lions Club in that area where he served until he passed after serving a total of 60+ years as a Lion. They leave behind them a wonderful family and he is greatly respected by the many Lions he has known and sponsored over the years. He will be missed. Farewell my friend, now you and Ann can once again be together.