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
Our condolences to you, we are thinking of you.
Dave and Deanna MacDonald
Dear Jan,
Thanks to our mutual friend from Calgary, Merritt and I met you and Bill in North Saanich. It was a lucky day for us because a lovely friendship developed. Tree cutting, gardening, and fun parties were part of our activities together. We cherish our memories with you two and wish all the best for you. Bill is probably smiling and starting a singing group beyond the beyond.
Hugs, Benni Chisholm
Bill & I were fellow Calgary City Police officers. Bill was well known in Calgary for his community policing and he brought that expertise with him to Saanich Police Dept. After Bill moved to Saanich, I followed, and he was instrumental in helping me join S.P.D It was a pleasure working alongside of Bill. He was an extraordinary officer & person, and brought credit to Saanich Police Dept. Bill will not be forgotten.
Our condolences to Jann & family.
Jan and family
We are so sorry to read of the passing of Bill. So many wonderful get togethers through the 70s and 80s full of laughter and at the time we thought wisdom. Bill always was so wonderful with our sons and we were so grateful when he gave Michael driving lessons. Bill always had that wonderful smile and such a calm presence. The last time I spoke with him he was riding an excercise bike and working out at Panorama as fitness was always a priority with Bill. Often we would visit your home and leave with fantastic produce from Bill’s wonderful garden.
A really good man!
Sincerest condolences.
It sure looks to have been a full life of giving. I was a member of The Calgary School Patrol Band and Drill Team at Stanley Jones School while in junior high. All the teachings, guidance and efforts of Bill, Don and all the rest, I feel, came at just the right time of our youth and played a role in shaping us all into decent people. Bill took time from his personal life not just to teach us at weekly practices but to travel with us to Ottawa for the National School Patrol gathering, to Vancouver for the Grey Cup, to Kelowna for the Regatta, as well as trips each summers to Alberta towns for their parades. He was always marching along at our side with words of encouragement and praise at these and the Stampede parade. We owe him and thank him for so much.
Jan we are sorry to hear about Bill. We will always have fond memories of him and the “beach bum” years. I still smile when I think about the Christmas Tree light fiasco that went on for a few years! Our thoughts are with you. Paul and Linnette.
Sincere condolences Jan and family. I have many great memories of our time together in the Department.
May knowing that others share your loss, bring you some comfort.
Dear Debbie and family, I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Sending you love from Victoria. Jennifer Wells (Debbie Robinson’s daughter) xo
I was sorry to read in the newspaper of the passing of your husband/father. You don’t know me but Mr. Chisholm, through the Totem Tones, was instrumental in providing the first hearing aid for my son, Robert. At the time I told him that one day we would meet up again so that Rob could thank him. This did occur a few years later when I recognized Mr. Chisholm in a restaurant. I will always remember and be grateful for your husband/fathers’ contribution to my son’s development.
I pray that Gods’ strength and blessings be yours at this time.
Heather McDonald
Our hearts go out to all of Bill’s family. Bill was a kind and wonderful man who took great pride in his work, personal endeavours and family. I have so many memories of the fun times…sleepovers with Debbie, being part of SPOT, watching Bill slay those skis at Shawnigan Lake and Deep Cove. Bill, Bob and wives had the best parties, the photos from those still bring a smile to my face. It is these memories of Bill that I will cherish. Hold your memories close.
With sympathy
Karyn French and Bob Peterson