DR. WILLIAM C. WONDERS, MA., PhD., DR., F.R.S.C.
April 22, 1924-January 24, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William (Bill) C. Wonders. Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Lillian of 60 years, daughter Dr. Karen Wonders (Dr. Nicolaas Rupke), son Glen (Karen), and predeceased by daughter Jennifer. Loving grandfather of Nik Varga, Rebecca, and Adrian Rupke; Craig, Kirsten and Katrina Wonders; Simon and Samantha Lotzkar.
Bill was accomplished in the field of Polar and Boreal Geography. He received a B.A. in Geography from the University of Toronto in 1946, M.A. in Geography from Syracuse University in 1948, and a Ph.D in Geography from the University of Toronto in 1951. Bill held numerous academic positions; was elected to significant association offices and professional responsibilities; authored numerous publications; and received a multitude of honours and awards including the “Order of Canada” and the “Queen’s Jubilee Medal”. Bill’s legacy is a lifetime of commitment and excellence to Canadian Geography.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
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Chris Taylor
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JohnStager Lillian and Family:
It was with great sadness that I saw the obit in the Globe and Mail. Keith Fraser had said the day before that Bill had died, and it was a a real jolt to have such news. Bill and I had many interests in common, and we were collaborators of a sort for his book on the North, where he used one of my papers as a chapter. And we were joint reviewers of the Geography Department at the University of Saskatchewan, many years ago. Of course we encountered each other over many years of the CAG, and even in visits to the UofA. I have fond memory of our friendship, and wish you to know of my deep sympathy and condolences to you and your family.With every respiect, JKS
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Izi and Peter Beck We are sorry to learn of Bill’s passing.Our condolences to you and your family Lillian.
The Beck Family
Dear Lillian and family,
May I extend my sincere condolences to you on the passing of Bill.
I remember well the generosity you both showed me when I visited you at your home, in August 2004, to photograph your painting, “Yellowknife”, by my father J B (Jack) Taylor. Bill regaled me with the history behind the painting, his time at the U of A his life’s work in field of Geography of Canada’s north, and your wonderful art collection. That visit was a highlight in my quest to locate and catalogue my fathers paintings. That continuing quest has led to a website on my father and an upcoming exhibition of his mountain paintings at the Whyte Museum in Banff in April 2012, followed by a book on his art coming out later this year.
I am very thankful to you and Bill for being so generous and helpful in my endeavour. Again, I extend my deep condolences to you and your family.
Respectfully,
Chris Taylor
Edmonton