It is with indescribable sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of William Robin Harlow Douglas (Bill) on September 8, 2019, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, 1-month shy of his 75th birthday. Bill leaves his wife Melanie, daughter Samantha (Jarrod), son Ben (Becci) and his four grandchildren, Ava, Evyn, Rachael and Ollie.
We cannot convey the enormity of the empty space he has left behind. His integrity, trust, respect, and love were the cornerstones of our family. He had a quiet but expansive heart and always a wide-open mind. He was one of a kind, an exemplary, gentle, smart, caring man who loved well and was well-loved. Bill dedicated his working life to public service, from representing his much-loved local community of Willis Point to his work in Emergency Operation Management with the World Health Organization.
There will be no formal service at this time.
In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family would greatly appreciate contributions to the Willis Point Volunteer Fire Department (WPVFD), 6933 Willis Point Rd. Victoria, BC V9E 2A1.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
I can not even begin to imagine the hole Bill’s passing has left in the hearts of his family. I am forever indebted to him for his wise council and home truths served sympathetically as I have navigated a consulting career in Emergency Management. More than a tremendous source of knowledge and experience, he was a true ally to those he believed in and always available for advice and support. The world is better for having had him in it.
Bill was an extraordinary man with exceptional mind and a the courage and commitment to sincerely make this world a better place. His work toward strengthening the emergency operations centers around the world will have a long lasting positive impact. May peace be with him and all those who loved and cared for him.
Godspeed to the Douglas Family as Bill was truly an iconic mentor to so many across the global humanitarian continuum. He is missed dearly and his life saving brilliance has made this world a better place – Joel @ Pacific Disaster Center
It was a shock to learn that Bill has left us. Bill is such a great person — he is professional, conscientious, knowledgeable, reliable, and with deep humility as an expert(he was an advisor to WHO/EOC-NET and played a fundamental role in its development); he is caring, kind hearted, thoughtful and trustworthy as a friend. Bill will missed by many of us in WHO and around the world.
Sincere condolences to Melanie and the family…
Dear Melanie and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you upon the passing of Bill. He was a person of real substance. Bill will be remembered in the many hearts and minds he touched personally and professionally.
Melanie and Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Bill’s death, truly a great loss to our community-at-large as well as you his family. Memories of working together in Mental Health Services at the Ministry of Health all those years ago still make me smile, as he so often did himself with that trademark quick and gentle wit.
May your memories of Bill buoy your spirits at this difficult time.
Alan Campbell
Melanie and family,
Wanted to reach out to you at this time. Bill was a kind, generous man with a delightful sense of humour.
I have many wonderful memories of the two of you. You’re in my thoughts.
Melanie and family, I am incredibly sorry to hear about Bill. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Melanie, I am so very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was such a gentle and compassionate man. I enjoyed working with Bill back in the day at MoH. My heart goes out to you and the family. Take care!
Nerys
I was very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill and I worked together for many years when he was associated with the Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response. I considered him to be a pioneer in emergency management, an outstanding public health professional and a great colleague and friend.