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
Constable Chisholm, as he was then in 1960, led our Calgary Safety Patrol and Band, (Stanley Jones School) and every one of us found him to be a wonderful and kind leader, always with the biggest smile and encouraging word. Through the years, from a ‘kid’ of 13 years in grade 7, I had not forgotten him. One does not forget such an extraordinary and generous-spirited officer. With sympathy to his wife and family.
Sincere condolences to Jan and to Bill’s entire family on his passing. I have good memories of working with Bill over the years. He made a very positive contribution to his community and will be remembered fondly and with respect by family, friends and colleagues alike.
Derek and Marcia Egan
Jan
We were very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He will me missed.
We first knew Bill relative to old timers hockey. He was a guiding light in the early days of establishing the Sidney Rereads Hockey Club and played many enjoyable years with the club.
We are thinking of you and your family.
With warm regards.
Jan:
When we think of you and Bill a big smile comes to our faces. Remembering all the spaghetti, barbecue sparerib, etc.dinners with all the laughs and good times we shared. We are sad that Bill has passed, but are grateful for the times we enjoyed together.
May the Magic of Your Memories
Heal Your Broken Heart.
Cliff and Pat Coulter
Heartfelt condolences to Jan and family. In 1968, Bill was the founding member of the Victoria Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. In Bill’s active days of singing with us, the Chorus was known as the Victoria Village Squires, and we are currently known as South Island Harmony.
Bill was an icon, a leader, friend of all who met him, and well known for engaging the Chorus in community outreach activities. And, he could really sing! He was especially well known for singing Lead in the well-known and well-loved Totem Tones quartet.
I was so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I have many fond memories of him when he and Jan lived next door to my parents. I can still see his tanned face and big smile in his garden and the flowers were always so beautiful, and he was always generous with sharing what he grew. I used to see him riding his bike in the neighbourhood and enjoyed his company on the beach with the other neighbours. Sending strength to Jan and family
Hello Jan and family. I was sad to see your “Sweet William’s” obit Jan. Wish we could turn the clock back 30 years. Never had such an enjoyable time as sitting on the beach with my fellow beach bums. That ‘Bunny Bus” I’m supposed to drive is getting smaller all the time. Miss you and hope to see you again.You’re always welcome at our place. If you are in our neighborhood make yourself known. Our condolences …..,
Brad and Linda Trace
Chisholm Family,
I offer my sincere condolences to you. I was a youngster who was in Saanich School Patrol and Cst Bill was the officer who supported program at Hampton School. Under his guidance, we won many awards as a “smart troop”. As a teen who attended the SPOT dances, Sgt Chisholm was a mentor and role model to many youth. I connected with Sgt Chisholm over time in the community. He was Community Policing before it was more widely adopted. Many years later, I become an RCMP Auxiliary Cst and used what I had learned from him in my role as school liaison officer.I also lead school patrols and was the civilian Manager of out Crime Prevention programs for 17 years. “When you make a difference in the life of a child, you have truly succeeded” – thank you Sgt Chisholm. May you continue to cast a bright light to us.
My sincere sympathies.He was a good guy,always with a smile,I had the chance to play hockey with him for many years
Lynn and Garry Kikgour
Our condolences to Jan and the family. I have so many fond memories of our days working together on B Platoon. Bill was a great boss and a kind person who always represented the police department with distinction. We shared a love of hockey and talked often about it. I will miss him especially at the Retreads annual Christmas Hockey Tournament.