William (Bill) Braun

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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