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
33 Responses
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
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.
My condoléances to the family
Daniel Gallagher
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
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
Hilary, Meganh, Ryan & families, saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Sending our condolences to you all from Len & Julie Harman and family.
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.
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.
He gave me life advice as my homeroom teacher and school counselor that I now share with my kids. What an amazing human.
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.