In Loving Memory
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of William Craven Blackburn on June 2nd, 2026, at the age of 91.
William, a kind and compassionate man, known to his family and friends as Bill, was born on November 16th, 1934, in the Burrows District of Dauphin, Manitoba, near Riding Mountain National Park.
He came from a proud farming family where he developed a strong work ethic, sense of judiciousness, quiet resilience, and the ability to find humour in everyday life.
After high school, Bill worked in the mines in Flin Flon, Manitoba for a short while before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force where he discovered a love for travel, spent time in France and other European countries, and developed many lifelong friendships that he fostered well into his final years.
He earned his Teacher’s College certificate after completing a bachelor’s degree in political science at York University in Toronto, Ontario circa 1967 as one of the university’s early graduates and started his teaching career in the Toronto suburb of North York.
Bill moved to Gold River, BC in 1973 with his wife and two young children to join the faculty at Ray Watkins Elementary School. Over the next three decades he taught students in grades 4, 6 and 7, and served as Vice Principal for a time. He remained in Gold River for nearly 30 years as an exemplary teacher, devoted father and wonderful husband.
He retired to Victoria, BC where he enjoyed square dancing and playing Scrabble with his wife, curling, gardening, teaching English as a Second Language at UVIC, reading, genealogy, photography, and volunteering with Seniors Serving Seniors to provide companionship and social support to seniors in the community.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Cynthia of 56 years, daughter Susan, son Michael (Theresa), granddaughter Chloe, grandson Kenneth, sister Bernice, and many close in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is predeceased by his parents, Edith and Ernest Blackburn, brother Barry, son Ernie and best friend Ray Watkins.
Bill’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Luther Court Care Home for their exceptional care, compassion and support.
To honour Bill’s life, a small Memorial Service and Celebration of Life was held at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church on June 15th, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill are gratefully accepted for Hope for Dementia, an organization dedicated to making the prevention of dementia a national health care priority, by scanning the QR code below.
Forever in our hearts.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
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