Born in Drumheller, Alberta on December 4, 1933 and passed away December 21, 2010 after battling cancer for 6 years. Survived by his loving wife, Janice of 54 years; his 5 children Sherryl Skaalid (Leiv), Jim Duke (Donna), Lori McKinnon (Bing), Bill Duke (Jeanna), Christine Hollins (Clay); 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and sister, Anne Beach; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At age 17, Bill left his home town of Rosedale to attend the University of Alberta where he completed a B.Sc. in 1955, B. Ed in 1956 , M. Ed in 1966 and his Ph.D. in 1970.
He started his career as Principal in Edgerton then moved to Innisfail for one year as principal- designate. The family then relocated to Delburne where Bill was Principal for 4 years. The next career change was as Superintendent of High Prairie School Division and then as High School Inspector in Lethbridge. Bill, Janice and family moved to Edmonton in 1968 where Bill completed his Ph. D. and held various positions with the Department of Education ending his career as Associate Deputy Minister of Education in 1990.
Bill joined Western Management Consultants soon after retirement and came to Victoria for a one-year contract however they remained for the past 15 years where Bill taught at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads.
As a life-long learner Bill presented many workshops all over North America and was a respected educator. Many of his students hold his “Billisms” with fond regard. He will be most remembered as a man who held a genuine interest in all his colleagues, students and friends as he treated everyone with good will and integrity. His sense of humour, intellect and love for animals will be missed.
The Duke family would like to thank special friends: Chris Burke, the DeSorcy’s and Pasini’s as well as Janice’s sorority sisters and neighbours.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on January 8, 2011 at 2:00 pm at OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 798 Goldstream Avenue, Langford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice, Richmond Pavilion 1952 Bay St. Victoria BC V8R 1J8 or www.victoriahospice.org
22 Responses
Sorry i coulded be there
I have many fond memorys of Bill.
These are a few of the many good times our family had with Bill Jan. Bill always asked jim to play the gambler it was his favorite country song which Bill sang at one of his kids weddings.
Then one scarry one was New Years day in Mexico. Bill being the good man said him and i could shop on the way too the boarder then jump back in the car .Will I have never seen so many red cars .So Mr Bill had a plan walked accross then we would go to the police station as they told their kid that is how they would find them. Lucky for us we didint find one as later Jan said we would never looked there so kids good thing you never got lost .
Janice and family,
So sorry to hear of Bill’s death. We had many grand times at the Cranbrook residences. Bill was passionate about leadership programs for Educational Administrators and his vision and his persistence made the RRU MBA for Educational Administrators the excellent program it was.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to work with him. He will be missed.
Cheryl Thomas
Dear Janice,
Your dear husband, the father of your children and grandchildren, a friend to all who had the privilege of meeting Bill, what an amazing individual. My memories are from those years in Delburne and the very positive influence he had on me and so many of my peers during high school. My parents, Georgie and George always held Bill in such high esteem. He was an individual who could relate to all. And Janice thank you for the effort that you and Bill made to attend those Delburne High School Reunions – your presence really added a special touch.
Sending you loving wishes, holding you in prayer and may the love of family and friends surround and hold you and may you feel comfort and peace.
Blessings, Bonnie
To the Duke Family:
It was with great sadness that I learned of Bill’s passing today. I only knew him for a relatively short time through our work together in the MBA program at Royal Roads. He left a lasting impression on all of us and made it possible for us to feel a tremendous sense of pride in our work. It was a privilege to consider myself among his colleagues.
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Maurice
To The Duke Family
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s death. My prayers will be with you, especially as you celebrate his life on Saturday. I will always remember Bill at Hastings Lake. He made everyone feel welcome at the Duke cabin and was a good friend to all.
Diane Buffel
Dear Lori and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Please know that you are in our hearts and our thoughts.
Janice and Family,
We have thought of you and Bill often and our hearts go out to you and family. I must admit, I am still having trouble getting around the passing of Bill. Even though there were years of no contact, there were many times I referred to Bill as “that great Principal” who came to Delburne. I remember, as many do, our first day of school. We had been told that a new Principal was hired to “clean-up” the place along with new staff. We all sat nervously in the gym and Bill came on stage. Wow, he held our respect from that moment on. He was so fair, kind, and because of him many went on to greater things. We will miss him. He was a great man with so much understanding and direction.
Bill, you will never be forgotten.
I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. For many years I was fortunate to have worked quite closely with him. He was my Director in the Field Admin, Services branch, then later as an A.D. M. in the same areas of Alberta Education in which I served. He was an excellent boss — always fair and reasonable. He was a true professional . He will be missed by all of us. Bill Weber
Our hearts go out to you in this time of deep sorrow.
May your memories give you strength.
Dear Lori & family,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
May your memories give you strength.