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 believed in the people he worked with. Starting at FCHS under his tutelage was an education in itself. His central tenet, in my opinion, “Believe in them, and they’ll reward you.” Life is about trust and love and belief in each other. Colleen, Bill personified that view of life. I’ll remember his guidance and faith in me always. He will be rewarded in heaven.
Dear Mrs. Brownlee,
I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. We only got to see him a few times at Springbank High, but you always spoke so lovingly of him – I am sure he is deeply missed.
My condolences to you and your family, and know that those of us from Springbank are thinking of you.
Colleen
Please accept these (late) condolences from myself and my wife Sharon. We all worked together for Red Deer Public School District, and Bill first appointed me as a vice-principal many years ago. I consider Bill as one of my role models, and only hope that I can continue to contribute to education for as many years as Bill did. I remember him as kind, collaborative, and as a visionary leader. I note that one comment above states that Bill was “larger than life”, and that is very true. You were both a superb team, and our world is poorer for his passing.
All the best for you in this difficult time.
Alan and Sharon Cooper
Red Deer, Alberta/Grand Forks B.C.
It’s hard to believe that a man who was larger than life, is no longer here to share his life. Our thoughts are with you Colleen.
Karen & Graham Hatch
Dear Colleen,
We’re thinking of you and extending our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Pete and I will always remember Bill’s wonderful sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends during this time of sorrow.
Pete and Marlene
Dear Colleen:
We were saddened to learn of Bill’s passing – he was far too young with so much yet to offer.
Bill was an exceptionally kind and generous person – traits that he brought to play in all of his relationships . As an educator, Bill was a superb leader to all of those who worked with him and I had the privilege of following him in Canadian Rockies – primarily because of Bill’s help. He was an administrator much loved by his teachers.
We send our sincere condolences Colleen -our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you deal with the difficult times ahead.
Merv & Barb
Dear Colleen,
I was sad to read about your husband, Bill’s death in the paper. My sincere sympathies go out to you, your family and friends on your loss.
My thoughts are with you, Colleen.
Sincerely,
Wendy Gedney
Colleen,
I am sorry for your lost and please call if I can assist in any manner. My thoughts are with you and your family. I will always remember our meetings with Bill and you as I feel our relationship has developed to one which I truly respect and treat as friendship. I will always keep with me Bill’s words “keep an eye on things for me.” and I will continue to do this.
What an accomplished life Bill has lead and I am a better person for knowing Bill.
A saying I believe fits Bill to me is “the footprints left in the sand by Bill are ones of a leader and respected person”
Love,
Paul
Colleen,
Sincere sympathies to you, Colleen. Bill epitomized what education is all about–dedication, professionalism and a good sense of humour. Cherish the memories!
Dear Collen,
Our thoughts are with during this time..we shall remember Bill for his kind and caring nature. “What a nice man!!” is what we all said after meeting Bill. Carol, Dave, Chrissy and family.