Bill died peacefully on November 22, 2020 in Victoria, B.C., after a long decline from dementia. Bill was born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton on September 29, 1935.
Bill is survived by his wife Ellen; his daughters Lynn, Patti (John), Shari (Dale) and Jackie (Paul); his grandchildren, Troy, Sarah, Kate and Will; and his great-grand daughters Sienna and Scottie Rose. Bill had an amazing sense of humor, the kindest of hearts and was a true soulmate to Ellen. He was a light in our lives and will be missed tremendously.
Bill and Ellen grew up in Cape Breton before marrying in Montreal, Quebec, on August 11, 1956, where their daughters were born and raised. After a few moves (Calgary, Alberta and Burlington, Ontario) Bill and Ellen retired to Victoria, B.C. in 1997, to spend time with their grandchildren and enjoy a year-round running season. Until his early 80’s Bill was an avid runner, skated weekly with friends, and explored Victoria and areas on foot with Ellen (where he greeted every dog that crossed his path).
Bill loved travel, good wine and he would never turn down a Guinness! From a young age, Bill gave back to his community. As a young adult, he volunteered with little league baseball in Sydney Mines. In Burlington, Bill volunteered with the CNIB and in Victoria, he volunteered with seniors at the Oak Bay Care Home.
Due to COVID-19, a private family service will be held for Bill on December 2, 2020. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion who cared so much for Bill and his family during COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion, in Victoria, B.C.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kelly and Robert Cottrell
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Hal and Brenda So sorry to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing. I do have fond memories from back in the Montreal days he was a joker and I remember his sense of humor. Thinking of you all in this very difficult time.
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Boni Millar I remember Bill always challenged me to substantiate my opinions and claims of expertise. He provided the space and enthusiasm for a project like building stairs for a deck, and the laughter that resulted lives in my memory to this day. Many heartfelt ♥ thanks go out to Bill, and Ellen as well for the generosity and love they extended to two lonely newly weds.
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Bernadette Cooper Ellen and family. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
It seems like yesterday that Bill was skating around the Oak Bay rink, working out and running. Your life has changed so much in a relatively short time Ellen. I can only imagine how hard this is for you. I am hoping that I can get to see you, when this strange time is over. In the meantime I hope that the love of family and others will be a comfort to you. Bernadette.
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Marlene Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
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Doris Ayers Ellen and whole family . Please accept my condolences
For so many years we were all like family.
My prayers are with all of you .
Love Doris
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Roland and Wendy Cotter With our deepest sympathy. So glad we were able to meet him and he also meant others in The Cotter clan.
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Magi Basi So very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing thinking of you all and sending our love and hugs. Magi and family
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INEZ WALKER BILL WAS A REGULAR AT THE OAK BAY SKATING RINK, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY.
HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND A STORY WHICH REFLECTED HIS LOVE FOR HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. HE WAS A PLEASANT PERSON AND WILL BE MISSED BY OUR GROUP ESPECIALLY AT LUNCH TIME GATHERINGS.J
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY,
A FORMER, SKATER,
INEZ WALKER.
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Patti Valentyne Bill was always so kind to me. He was a true gentleman and host.
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Orion Petrykanyn I remember the twinkle in his eye, the joy he had making people smile and the size of calves from so many runs. You will be missed.
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Bindi I am very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing my dearest condolences to all family members may God bless you all Bindi.
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Angela & Al Goldfinch Dear Ellen & Family,
Our deepest condolences on this tremendous loss. Words can’t take away the pain you are feeling, but we want you to know how much we care. Sending you all love and strength in this time of great loss.
Angela & Al
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Karen Mac Donald So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was so active as a senior, I certainly admired him. To Ellen and families my sincere condolences.
Karen Mac Donald.
Dear Ellen, Rob and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Bill will be greatly missed. We are thankful that you have your family with you during these difficult times and we are looking forward to the end of this stupid pandemic when we can all visit again. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you.
– Kelly & Rob