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
Dear Colleen and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
I have many fond memories of Bill from my time in Red Deer.
Randy Skimmings
Banff was privileged to have Bill serving the best interests of its children and its teachers. He is warmly remembered. Colleen, we add our sincere condolences and know that you are comforted by loving family and friends.
Dear Colleen:
I am so sorry to hear that Bill has preceeded you into the next world. A part of you will have gone with him. I truly believe he will be with you always, by your side in this life and the next. Loving and caring between partners was exemplified by your relationship with Bill. I’m so glad you both “retired” while you had a chance to spend happy years together.
In my thoughts and prayers
Sharon (Reddekopp) Williams
Colleen, Ted and I were deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. Bill was a special man and I will never forget the time that we worked together.
Lynda Shacklady
Colleen, please accept my deepest sympathy at Bill’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits with you and Bill and Clint and Betty. Bill had a wonderful sense of humour, was seldom seen without a smile, and was a true raconteur around a campfire. The world is poorer for his passing.
Dear Colleen:
My thoughts are with you, Colleen. I remember Bill being such a pleasant, friendly, witty gentleman on the occasions I had to meet him. Your loss is so great, it is hard to choose words to express my heartfealt sympathy.
Sincerely,
Mabel Pugh
My deepest condolences to the entire family…particularily Susan and Bill’s grandchildren Ashley and Victoria
Mackenzie and Family
We would like to send our sincere condolences to Bill’s family and friends but especially Colleen, Kelly, Susan and Alpo.
Memories will keep Bill in your hearts forever…
Regards,
Calvin & Melissa
Colleen,
Sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. We remember him as a man of accomplishment and integrity. He was a fine educator and a fine man who always had a smile on his face.
We all will miss him.
Colleen Grover and Al Snider
Dear Colleen,
Sorry to hear of Bill’s illness and death. My thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Ruth Soroka