Bill passed away peacefully on October 16, 2024 with his wife and children at his side. He was born on January 28, 1949 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Victoria in July 1953. Predeceased by his parents, Dorie and Ike, in-laws, Sadie and Bobbie Gallagher, brother-in-law, John and sister-in-law, Sandra. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Hilary, children, Meghan (Lindsay) and Ryan (Melissa), grandchildren Mackenzie, Declan, Lexie and Ella; along with sister, Marilyn, brother-in-law, Rob and many extended family members.
Bill grew up in Oak Bay, spending many summers on the family farm in Saskatchewan. He excelled in school, where he was an active member of school activities and played community baseball, soccer and golf. He continued to play slow pitch, soccer and golf throughout his adult years. Bill’s passion for helping people, along with the guidance of his grade 10 shop teacher led him to UVic and BCIT to pursue a degree in education.
Bill started his teaching career in Quesnel in 1971, but after a year, returned to teach at Royal Oak Junior High in the Industrial Education Department. Bill spent 32.5 years teaching in the Saanich School District; 27.5 of those years were spent at Stelly’s Secondary School. He started in the wood shop as a teacher and then transitioned into the counseling department where he stayed until he retired in January 2005. Bill was a highly respected, kind and hard working staff member who made a significant impact on thousands of students, their families and the school community. Always working and more importantly always willing to lend a hand, after retirement Bill started a second career doing home renovations.
Active within the community, Bill coached Peninsula Soccer, Peninsula Minor Hockey and Sidney/North Saanich Little League Baseball for many years. Not only was he a key player in the building of the Rotary Park, Bill was also committed to helping his neighbours in various ways such as, lending his tools, blowing their leaves or helping them with home repairs. He was fiercely dedicated to being a blood donor, having donated over 200 times.
Bill met Hilary in 1966; Bill, from Oak Bay High and Hilary from Vic High, were from rival schools but found friendship and love at Friday Night Skates at Memorial Arena. They married in 1971 and spent a brief time living in the Cariboo region before returning to Victoria in 1972. Their family grew to include daughter Meghan, followed a few years later by their son Ryan. Family was at the core of Bill’s values. He treasured ski trips to Mt Washington and Silver Star and summer trips to Parksville with Hilary, Meghan and Ryan. Bill loved being a Papa, and loved time spent with his grandchildren watching them play sports, reading books or just being together. He cherished time with his sister, sister-in-law, brother-in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and cousins at many family dinners and celebrations. Friends became family to Bill and he enjoyed many special times on the golf course, at the ski hill, building a deck or sharing a meal together.
Bill was a selfless man, who preferred to work behind the scenes but would always drop his hammer to help a friend, family member, colleague or student. He was a gentle soul who led with his heart putting others ahead of himself. Bill will be remembered for his calm, caring demeanor and his dedication to his family and career. His legacy lives on in the values he passed on to his children, his grandchildren and all those blessed to have known him.
The family would like to thank the staff at Broadmead Lodge for their kindness, care and attention given to Bill.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at Stelly’s Secondary School on Saturday December 21, 2024 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Blood Services.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Dan Horth
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Christina & family To the Braun family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you all. Mr. Braun was a kind and lovely man, and I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
You are in my thoughts.
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Leonard GJ Nolan Len Nolan
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. A man I had the utmost respect for, an intelligent, compassionate and fair man. My condolences to the Braun family.Len Nolan
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Jadine Happynook I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Mr. Braun is well remembered among his students.
My condolences.
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Kilbey Family Ryan
We are so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Thinking of you and all your family and sending our deepest condolences.
Jeannie, Kane, Kelsey and Kiara Kilbey
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Arlene and Garry Antonik Thinking of you Hilary and all your family at this sad time.
Bill was an extraordinary man who contributed in so many ways. I’m thinking especially of his work as a Counsellor at Stelly’s Secondary.
He was first and foremost a family man and you will all be missing him terribly.
Just want you to know we are thinking of you and Ryan & Melissa and all the family at this difficult time. Hugs ‘n Love, Arlene & Garry
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Joy Lenton I was sorry to read of Bill’s passing. He was a lovely person. I have memories of the many times as supportive parents we watched Ryan and my sons, Jeff, later Darcy playing soccer together. Weather did not deter us. My hope is the many memories you have created with Bill, over the years, will bring comfort to your family. Hugs to your family.
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Gail and John Jameson Hilary, Meghan, Ryan
We are deeply saddened by your loss of Bill. He will be sorely missed.
With our sympathy and love.
Gail and John
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Richard Honey Mr. Braun was my homeroom teacher. He had an amazing temperament and patience about him. It was always great to try to make him laugh. He was a kind man and I had such respect for him.
My condolences to his entire family.
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Sarah Winkler My condolences to the Braun family. He was a lovely man and always so kind. I enjoyed my time as a peer-counsellor working with him as a student at Stelly’s.
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Hilary Sandford Dear Hilary and family,
I taught at Royal Oak School and at Stelly’s with Bill; I believe we moved up from RO to Stelly’s together when it opened. Bill was always an upbeat, helpful, sweet, gentle guy and would patiently explain or answer any question at all about shop work. I can still picture him in his long brown coat that he always wore in the shop. Bill was the epitome of a gentleman; the world has lost a fine man.
Hilary Sandford (Coupland).
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Sonia (Burling) Polson Hilary, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I knew that he had been ill but that doesn’t soften the reading of his passing. As I read the beautiful tributes and memories, I could feel the Bill that I knew in our younger years, 50+ years ago. The words used to describe the adult/teacher Bill, sound exactly how I would describe the younger Bill. If there had been a “nicest guy award” or a “kindness” award in Junior High School, Bill would have won that award hands down. He was a gentle soul even back then and he always had a sweet smile for everyone. Bill was a good athlete and a good team member. I remember that he excelled in Industrial Arts and I know from students that he went on become a wonderful IA teacher, outdoor leader and counsellor at Stellys. Thinking of you and your family with caring thoughts. Be kind to yourself as you move through the days ahead. I saw Marilyn recently so I’m also sending my condolences to her. Bill made a big and quiet impact on so many….he was what I call a “good human.”
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Sandra McFadden To the Braun Family
We are so very sorry to hear of your husband / Dad’s passing .
Your dad was an amazing, kind and caring individual. He truly was loved at Stelly’s . Your memories will help you through this time of healing ❤️
Sandra, Maurice McFadden and Family
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Ted Daly What more can be said about Bill than that of which everyone has already posted. I am so very, very sorry, Hilary, Meghan and Ryan to read of his passing. I of course remember Bill from our little league days and he was always one who could be counted on for wise counsel and support. I treasure the memories I had with Bill and your entire family from those times. I am so very sorry that I will not be in town for the celebration of life, but I will certainly be with all three of you in spirits. May your precious memories of your husband and dad carry you through your loss at this time , my heart is with you all . I suspect nothing that anyone can say, will ease your hurt and sorrow at this time, but as the accolades and tributes continue to pour in, you will be buoyed I hope by the profound impact that he made in so many peoples lives. May those tributes lift you up and carry you through this time, love and hugs to you all
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Lonni Swanlund Hilary, Ryan and Meghan, I am so sorry for your loss. My family loved being your neighbors for over 30 years. We first got to know Ryan and Meghan as they babysat our two boys and over the years we got to know Bill and Hilary through visits at the end of the driveway putting out the garbage or collecting the morning newspaper.
I was happy to see leaf blowing mentioned in Bill’s tribute – he did that a lot!! It was a rare day that Bill would finish his driveway, and if ours hadn’t been done, that he wouldn’t continue on up our driveway. When my husband passed away in 2017, Bill made it his mission to make sure my driveway was cleaned every Friday by the time I returned home from work – one less thing for me to have to worry about with this big yard on my own. If it snowed while I was at work, I knew there would be a path in.
Although our relationship, in practical terms, could be characterized as superficial due to the passing nature of our conversations and interactions, I felt close to Bill. I experienced his kind and caring nature through his deeds and felt his loving nature in every meeting. I know he will be missed by so many.
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Daniel My condoléances to the family
Daniel Gallagher
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Bob Lee Hilary, Meg and Ryan, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Bill was a great friend and Stelly’s colleague and epitomized our Stelly’s school “the People Place” philosophy. I will always cherish the over 20 Nitinat/West Coast trail outdoor education trips we led together with over 500 students participating. Bill’s quiet and patient personality in any situation was calming for all. We will greatly miss Bill.
Bob and Susan Lee
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Shevaun North (Wyers) Ryan and family ,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing , I have very fond memories of him while I was a student at Stellys, he was the head of our grad committee and I always remember how Patient patient and kind he was , he will be missed
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Julie & Len Harman Hilary, Meganh, Ryan & families, saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Sending our condolences to you all from Len & Julie Harman and family.
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Donald Lacy It was an honour to be Bill’s colleague at Stelly’s, and a pleasure to teach his children. I will always remember Bill for his kind and caring manner. My deepest condolences to the Braun family.
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Holly Mair The first time I met Bill, I was facilitating a PD Workshop. At the end of the session he was one of the few people who stayed behind and helped stack chairs and fold up all of the tables and move them into a storage closet with me. I never forgot his kindness and his wiliness to step in to help someone he had never met before. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Anne may He gave me life advice as my homeroom teacher and school counselor that I now share with my kids. What an amazing human.
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Anne Louise McFarland Bill was an anchor at Stellys. He always had a friendly ear and a solid shoulder for those that needed help. His door and heart were always open to students and staff alike. He will be sorely missed.
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Dave Bate Thank you for being an amazing Uncle Bill! Other than my parents, you were probably the most influential person in my life growing up. I was blessed to have you as my Uncle Bill, to lift me up as a child, guide me through buying my first deadbeat cars and offer advice during those difficult breakups in younger years. I am a better person because of you, and will carry the lessons you taught me, the examples you lived in front of me and the memories of our times together forever.
You were a quiet man and deep thinker – a rare trait in our family. But you also had an easy smile and great sense of humour. We could never get you into those silly card games at family dinners – but you enjoyed laughing at all the banter and bad jokes that flew around the room. You much preferred listening and contributing to conversations with the older men of the family during their long walks after dinner through Cedar Hill Golf Course. You grew up with them and enjoyed being part of them.
You were not a big traveller. No post-retirement cruise ships for you. There was no way we were getting you on a plane to visit us in South Africa. I think it was because you were happiest when you were surrounded by family and friends – whether at home with Hilary, Meghan and Ryan around the kitchen table, at slow pitch games, on the ski slopes, golf courses or the West Coast Trail or just hanging out with the grandkids. You did not need to see the world – your world was right in front of you. When you did travel, the Prairies were about as far as you would go. I think it was because you were surrounded by family – the family you spent youthful summers with and the family that understood your determination to be a hobby farmer in Saanich. Reunions and visiting the Prairies were important to you. It kept you connected with the extended family. It reminded you of where you came from and who you were. It was the only part of your world not in front of you in Victoria.
Your lived your life by your values – the Prairie values that our family so cherishes: sacrifice; selflessness; kindness; contribution; generous with your time and honest in your dealings. You were always there for family and friends; you always pitched up to help neighbours in times of need; whatever challenges life threw your way, you rolled up your sleeves and got on with the job without compliant; you were rare with a harsh word; and you spend hours and hours helping so many people, especially students, realize their goals and dreams. You were a Prairie boy to the end.
You were all about family. The family you came from and the family you built with Hilary. But also the family of friends you created over decades with co-workers, students, coaches, athletes and friends inside and outside of the classroom and on and off the playing fields. You touched so many lives and left the world so much a better place than you found it. All of your family will miss you, Uncle Bill. For a lanky kid from Saskatoon, you did pretty good.
Rest in peace, Uncle Bill. Enjoy your carpentry and slow pitch in Heaven. You deserve it more than anyone else.
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Grant and Diane Franceschini Remembering a fine man and extending sincere sympathy to Bill’s family and friends.
Grant and Diane Franceschini
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Joshua Essery Our heartfelt condolences to your family from the Essery family. Daisy worked with Mr. Braun at Stelly’s for many years. He was a great man, devoted, and full of integrity.
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Julie Malone I have such good memories of Mr. Braun from being his student at Stelly’s (Grad ’89). I remember him as always approachable and kind. You could tell he enjoyed his job and really liked helping the kids.
Condolences to the family.
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Sarah Windle Many fond memories of Mr. Braun from my time at Stelly’s. Such a kind and gentle soul. Deepest sympathies to the family.
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Reg Wilkes Meghan, Ryan; we were so very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. We knew Bill was having some significant health issues the past couple of years, but this was truly unexpected.
Our hearts go out to you both, your children and to Hilary. Bill will be missed terribly.
I remember Bill with great fondness and saw him as a calm and gentle spirit who never seemed to let anything rankle him. Your Dad’s impact on the countless people and students he touched throughout his life will never be forgotten.
We are thinking of you as you remember and celebrate your Dad’s life. Your Dad’s legacy has and will continue to live on through both of you and your wonderful children.
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Love,
Uncle Reg and Gaylene
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Sean Lillis Ryan and family,
Very sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
He was a great guy especially dealing with us as our high school counsellor. Man must have been a saint.
He will be missed.
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Julie Ryan, Melissa and family
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you Todd, Julie, Montana and Malia
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Alyson and family Mr. Braun will always be the one who brought me and Megs together. Endless memories of sleepovers at the Brauns, giggles through the awkward years high school and being part of the graduation class of 96’ under the helm of Mr Braun. Mr B will always have a special place in my heart. My love to Hilary, Megs and Ry. ❤️
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Doug & Louise Head What a wonderful tribute to Bill. He really was a caring, stay in the background kind of guy. As cousins, we have always had miles between us, but it still felt like family when we were together. The family dinners over there on the Island, were an event to look forward to. It is said that one goes to a better place and Bill certainly deserves that honour.
So sorry to hear about Bill. I only had him for one year at Royal Oak in the 75-76 year. I do have to say he did make an impression on me. He was such a nice man, and he was very good with the students.
Condolences to the entire family. He will be very missed.