In Loving Memory
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of William Craven Blackburn on June 2nd, 2026, at the age of 91.
William, a kind and compassionate man, known to his family and friends as Bill, was born on November 16th, 1934, in the Burrows District of Dauphin, Manitoba, near Riding Mountain National Park.
He came from a proud farming family where he developed a strong work ethic, sense of judiciousness, quiet resilience, and the ability to find humour in everyday life.
After high school, Bill worked in the mines in Flin Flon, Manitoba for a short while before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force where he discovered a love for travel, spent time in France and other European countries, and developed many lifelong friendships that he fostered well into his final years.
He earned his Teacher’s College certificate after completing a bachelor’s degree in political science at York University in Toronto, Ontario circa 1967 as one of the university’s early graduates and started his teaching career in the Toronto suburb of North York.
Bill moved to Gold River, BC in 1973 with his wife and two young children to join the faculty at Ray Watkins Elementary School. Over the next three decades he taught students in grades 4, 6 and 7, and served as Vice Principal for a time. He remained in Gold River for nearly 30 years as an exemplary teacher, devoted father and wonderful husband.
He retired to Victoria, BC where he enjoyed square dancing and playing Scrabble with his wife, curling, gardening, teaching English as a Second Language at UVIC, reading, genealogy, photography, and volunteering with Seniors Serving Seniors to provide companionship and social support to seniors in the community.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Cynthia of 56 years, daughter Susan, son Michael (Theresa), granddaughter Chloe, grandson Kenneth, sister Bernice, and many close in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is predeceased by his parents, Edith and Ernest Blackburn, brother Barry, son Ernie and best friend Ray Watkins.
Bill’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Luther Court Care Home for their exceptional care, compassion and support.
To honour Bill’s life, a small Memorial Service and Celebration of Life was held at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church on June 15th, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill are gratefully accepted for Hope for Dementia, an organization dedicated to making the prevention of dementia a national health care priority, by scanning the QR code below.
Forever in our hearts.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
This obituary is the property of the “Blackburn” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Jason Adair
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Angela Frame Cynthia,Susan, Michael and families I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My sincere condolences to all of you.I remember Bill as a very kind and gentle man. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
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Susan Gurney So so sorry for your loss. Bill was a gentle man
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Seija Parnanen I’m so very sorry to hear this. What a wonderful life he had, and although I did not know him well, he has made some lasting friendships with those he was around in Gold River. He will be deeply missed.
Sending love to the Blackburn family from the Parnanen’s
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Mel & Louise Platz Dear Cynthia, Susan, Michael & families,
Cheryl Annala was kind enough to send Bill’s Obituary to us.
Sending you our deepest sympathy and thinking of you all at this sad time. Love, Mel &Louise Platz
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Cheryl Annala Our sincere condolences to Cynthia, Michael and Susan and family . We were so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He lived such a full life . We have fond memories of Bill and his great sense of humour. May you feel the love of the Lord as he surrounds you with his love! Next time we come to Victoria we will come for a visit! Please send me your phone number please. With love, George and Cheryl Annala❤️
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Ed Hebert Mr.Blackburn was a great teacher. I will always remember him as a peaceful man with great respect for students whom wanted to learn. He had alot of patience for me because he saw potential. He wasn’t wrong. As we get older you finally realize what adults were trying to teach you. I use his same teachings on my grandson and it seems to be working out great. May his next journey be as fulfilled as he had done in life. Rest in peace, you will always be remembered by me.
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Brenda taiji So sorry to hear of Bills passing. I worked with him for several years and he also taught my girls. Such a lovely man.
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Graham Stewart I am sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to the Blackburn family.
Sincere condolences to the Blackburn family.
Mr. Blackburn had such a positive influence on so many lives. Through his teaching, he encouraged kids to recognize both their strengths and their weaknesses, helping them grow with confidence and character.
He was always there supporting Michael at hockey games—I was fortunate enough to get many rides with them over the years. Beyond the classroom and the rink, he raised a wonderful family and leaves behind a remarkable legacy through his children and all those whose lives he touched.
I always thought it was so cool back in elementary school to watch him come flying down the steep trail from his home into the schoolyard. It’s a memory that has stayed with me all these years and perfectly captures the energy and spirit I remember so well.
A life well lived. Rest in peace, Mr. Blackburn. ❤️