Bill was born in Windthorst, Saskatchewan on March 24, 1932 and on June 12, 2010 he passed away peacefully at home.
Over his 51 years in education, Bill served as a teacher, principal and Superintendent of Schools. He also taught graduate courses in educational administration at four universities – Victoria, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Calgary. And it all began, at age 17, when he took his first teaching position in a one-room school close to his family farm in Manitoba.
His career took him to Manitoba, Alberta, B.C., the Yukon; Germany and St. Lucia. As a lifelong learner, in 1990, he earned a PhD at the University of Alberta.
In 2000, he received an honourary life membership in the Alberta Teachers’ Association, its highest award, for what the ATA described as his tireless energy and enthusiasm for public education.
In 2003 he received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his many contributions to education.
As a young man he played semipro baseball in Manitoba and in 2001 he was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Colleen, constant companion Alpo, brothers Leonard (Shirley), Gerald (Donna) and son Kelly as well as numerous close relatives and friends.
Sincere thanks go to cousin Bruce Paul (Noni, David, Doug) for their constant love and support the past 16 months. Also to Mary and Norm Gidney, the Calgary crew of Purdy, Ross, Craven and Park and longtime friends Bernie and Rose Chandler and Joy Phillips. Special thanks to Dr. H.P. Marshall and the Palliative Response Teams, home care nurse Linda Pearce and support worker Barb.
Donations can be made in Bill’s memory to The Palliative Response Team, Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort Street, Victoria, V8S 5J2.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on June 26, beginning at 2 p.m. at our home, 404 Proctor Place, Victoria.
52 Responses
Bill was a true gentleman and a perfect host to those who went to visit himself and colleen,he loved to have a wee rum and a game of cards [contract whist] which he did not like to lose especally to colleen !!!!!!!.His hospitality and his willingness to share stories from his past will remain in our memory for ever.
Our prayer are with colleen at this time.
MIKE AND GERARDINE
Dear Colleen,
Harvie and I have such positive memories of Bill, his smile and wonderful sense of humour always brought a smile to others.
Our very sincere sympathy goes to you Colleen,
Judy and Harvie
The world has lost a wonderful man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Colleen,
My warmest thoughts are with you and your family. And, the wonderful memories of Bill will remain with me now, and forever.
Sincerely,
Pat Barton
Colleen, Our deepest sympathy at Bill’s passing. Joan & I still talk about the great time we had with you and Bill in Las Vegas.
Clarence & Joan Longeway
Dear Colleen and family:
Andy and I are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Bill was a fine man and a very well-liked and respected Principal. I shall always remember him fondly.
My favourite memories of Bill will always be when he coached the Foothills Comp senior boys volleyball team to a tournament victory in Taber in 1985 (Doug our coach was away for the weekend). He was so proud that weekend especially receiving the trophy for the team. My second favourite is a classroom visit at Springbank Middle. Colleen was the Superintendent of Rockyview and she mentioned I was a first year teacher. Within a few weeks Bill was in my classroom with a big smile on his face encouraging me all the way. Again he seemed very proud that day. I was honoured to have known him and very proud that such a kind man had an influence in my life. God bless you Colleen, our thoughts and prays are with you and your family
Sincerely,
Chris Hall (FCHS Grad 1985 and FSD Teacher), Kristyn Gour/Hall (FCHS Grad 1987) and our children Abbey, Katie and Keegan.
Dear Colleen,
Thinking of you at this time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Carole
Dear Colleen – I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I hope you are surrounded by lots of love and support.
With fond memories.
Brian Fitzsimmons
Dear Colleen
Thinking of you during this difficult time. I will be in touch with you at a later time.
Best
Patricia Sollars