Passed away at home peacefully, in the loving company of his family, on November 28th, 2014 at the age of 90. “Sweet William” was born on Michigan St. in Victoria, BC on December 29th, 1923 to Charles Leo and Helen Ferguson. Predeceased by his 2 younger sisters Edith and Yvonne, Bill is survived by his eldest sister, Helen; Mary, his loving wife of 68 years; his 4 children, Brian, Mark (Lori), Lloyd (Roberta) and Marianna Fiocco (Nick); his 9 grandchildren, Lani, Joseph, Kristen, Graeme, Carly, Tara, Dana, Marc and Dante and his great-grandchildren, Lola, Gracie and Nino. He will be dearly missed by many other relatives, friends, past employees and colleagues. After graduating from Victoria High School, Bill joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a wireless operator and served for his Country in WWII. Upon returning, he joined Canadian Pacific Steamships, plying the waters of the West Coast from Seattle to Alaska for 10 years. He worked as a Purser and later in the Victoria ticket office. In 1945, Bill met Mary while she was a nursing student at St. Joseph’s Hospital and they wed in 1946. He worked for Blaney’s Travel for several years and in 1963, founded Totem Travel Service. Bill was a prominent member of the business community in Victoria and a proud member of Rotary, Gyro, Capital City Executives Assoc., Sales & Marketing Executives and SKAL club. He was President of the Victoria Cougars Junior “A” Hockey Club in the late 60’s. In his leisure time, his love of the water would find him spending many years on the “Strega” and “San Pio” fishing and boating with friends and family. He also enjoyed golfing as a long time member of the Uplands Golf Club, curling at Playland and Victoria Curling Clubs and loved playing cards with family members (which partially funded his retirement!) but hated losing. He was a gentleman, had a brilliant mind for business and was sharp to his last breath. Special thanks to the Royal Oak Palliative Care Team.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory would be appreciated to the Salvation Army. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
16 Responses
Mary and family
Our sincere and heart-felt sympathy on the passing of Bill. We share your sorrow and know that he is in a better place forever. We will miss Bill at any future family picnics and even though he has left us physically his spirit will always remain in our thoughts. It is never easy trying to find the right words at this time, however Bill was a devoted husband and father and a true professional during his business career. He will be remembered as a caring citizen as his many official involvements in the community will be always remembered. Regards from Donne and Carolyn DiPasquale.
Another treasure in our lives has gone but left behind a legacy of life.
We have all been fortunate to have Bill pass our way on his journey through this world as we know it.
Many sincere blessings
Marianne, Nick,Mark,Dante and all the Ferguson family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you all for your loss, you are in our thoughts today.
I have so many great memories of growing up together and having such great neighbours.
Sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the family, Mary, Brian, Mark, Lloyd and Marianna and their families at this difficult time. Our warmest thoughts are with you all.
Mary and The Ferguson family
I am so sorry to hear of loss of your family patriach. Bill was such a wonderful man. I am happy I got to spend time with him on a couple of great vacations. Sending love and condolences your way.
My thoughts are with you all.