Bill passed away very peacefully on March 19, 2021. He leaves behind his loving wife Jan, having shared 49 years of marriage. Bill leaves behind his two daughters, Debbie and Leslie Chisholm and his step-daughter Lynn Pendergast, all from a previous marriage.
He served with the RCMP, Calgary and the Saanich Police Dept. from 1951 until his retirement in 1990. Bill was a strong advocate of community policing. Highlights of his career included along with fellow police officer, Don Hanson the organization of the Calgary Safety Roundup TV program and the Calgary School Patrol Band and Drill Team. Serving on the Saanich Police Force, he organized and hosted “Cablevision’s You and the Law” program. He created the “S.P.O.T.” club (Saanich Police Organization of Teens), plus the “Victoria Police Chorus”. Bill was the founding member of “The Village Squires Barbershop Chorus”. He sang for many years with “The Totem Tones” Barbershop Quartet donating to charities. In his later years, he promoted and played old-timer hockey enjoying the exercise and fellowship. Gardening was one of his favourite pastimes, supplying his wife with perfect homegrown produce. Daily exercise was also a priority in his life, competing in two marathons and bike riding until he was 89 years old.
This man’s energy and enthusiasm made a positive impact on many people.
There will be no service at Bill’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations to “Cops for Cancer Tour De Rock” https://www.tourderock.ca/
may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
44 Responses
Jan and Family
I have some distant but very fond memories
of Bill. Especially his spirit for life in the many ways he lived it. I am sure the many memories you hold will keep him forever close.
Sincerest condolences.
Bill Bell
Jan and family,
So sorry to read of Bills passing.
Until Covid appeared I was able to enjoy short visits with Bill
at the Gym, he always had a warm welcoming smile.
margaret ottewell
My condolences Jan and family. Bill was truly a wonderful human being. Kind, caring and giving with a great zest for life. I was fortunate to have Bill as a fellow police officer, a boss and a friend. He made a very positive difference during his life and he will be missed.
Rob and Nancy Cawsey
I was one of the students in the Calgary school patrol program and remember Officer Chisholm because of his leadership in that program. He was a good man.
Dear Lynn and Laura, Thoughts are with you. So sorry for your loss.
I remember Bill from his days at Saanich police department and with the Greater Victoria Police Chorus. Bill’s smile could light up the room and he was a true police ambassador. Rest in peace Bill.
I remember CST Bill, coming to Renfrew School in the mid 50s. Although I was a bit afraid of the police, I knew that CST Bill was one of the good guys. I eventually joined the Calgary Police Force. My condolences to friends and family! RIP CST Bill!
Constable Chisholm came to Lakehill School in the 60’s for School Safety Patrol and later for S.P.O.T. dances at Reynolds High School in the 70’s, I believe. I never knew that he had previously served with Calgary Police. He left a lasting impression with me and I have to believe that he had some influence on my choice to become a police officer. I proudly served with Calgary Police for 26 years and often thought of him over those years. Thank you Bill for being such a wonderful role model for me and so many others. Rest in Peace my friend.
Bill was a regular visitor to Royal Oak Elementary when I was there as a kid in the 1960’s – he was considered a rock star of community policing – looked up to and respected by all of us kids.
I will never forget Bill and the positive energy he brought to every community.
I was so fortunate to have Bill as my Sergeant in the community and traffic division of Saanich Police. A very fine person indeed.