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
Thinking of you and yours @ this difficult time. Take care of youself.
Regards Ruth
We are very sorry to read of Bill’s passing in the Herald. We send our sincere thoughts of sympathy.
Roy, Millie, Shawn, and Kevin Sidebottom(Springbank, AB)
Colleen, we send our condolensces to you and Bill’s family with sadness. Memories of playing hockey at Springbank, principal’s meetings and conferences (New Orleans) will remain with us. Bill had the ability to see positive things in life and was always fun to be with.
Jim and Frances
Marilyn & I first met Bill in the summer of 2005 at UVIC. He was teaching a 7:30 a.m. leadership course to a group of misfit M. Ed. students, ourselves included. What emerged during the four-week course was an image of a wonderful educator and equally wonderful story-teller. Even in his seventies, Bill was a vital force with a wealth of knowledge which he was only too willing to impart to his students. On behalf of our entire cohort, we’d like to extend our condolences to Colleen and family. The ‘Hammer’ will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to know him.
Colleen, our deepest sympathies are with you at this most difficult time. We have very fond memories of Bill, his fun loving nature and his dedication to his profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Most sincerely, Gerry and Sharon
Dear Colleen
I was saddened to read in the Herald of Bill’s passing. From the time we spent together in Cdn. Rockies School Division, I grew to appreciate a wonderful man. Intelligent, sensitive, articulate and gifted with a wonderful sense of humour. His larger than life presence will be missed by all those who were privileged to know him.
Colleen you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers,
Wishing you every blessing,
The Rev. Bryan Beveridge,
Past Cdn. Rockies School District, Trustee.
Colleen, I was so sorry to read of Bill’s passing in The Herald this morning. I am sure you are blessed to be surrounded by family and friends. My thoughts are with you.
Kathi Kerbes
My deepest condolences to my brother Kelly and to my Uncles, Aunts and cousins. My thoughts are with you all.
Colleen my deepest sympathy to you – thank you for being there and taking care of my father.
Susan
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Colleen, and wanted you to know that you are being thought of with sympathy and caring. Bill will be greatly missed.
My sincerest condolences in the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yours truly,
Laurel Schwab