To Be About Me – 02/21/19
so many friends, family, true kin
calling, texting, emailing, coming in
paying their tribute
sharing their piece
loving a being
wanting to release
that knot of pain
that yearning to say
your time’s not up
day after day
and what was the reply
of this beautiful being
feeling the emotional impact
of what others were feeling?
with tears in his eyes
overwhelmed by the love
he simply said
“i never wanted it to be about me”
and this is how he has lived
caring first about others
and so loved
loved for who he is
a loving being
being love
This was our dear Bill – a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew and a friend to so many. Bill’s birth was announced in the middle of his Dad’s hockey game in Edmonton. On their farm, they flooded their own hockey rink – he never tired of playing hockey with his brothers Rick and Dave who were his life-long friends. Bill attended U. of Denver, graduating with his BSBA, playing for the lacrosse and the hockey teams. Denver Pioneers won the NCAA championship in 1969. Teammates have cherished many reunions and celebrations. A professional hockey career was followed by over 35 years in real estate culminating in many great friendships with colleagues and clients. Bill served on many committees, as a director and then president of the Victoria Real Estate Board in 1995. Bill loved his local squash, hockey and golf circles. His favourite places were Tofino, Pender Island, any golf course and exploring on the Island Myst.
Bill lived a life of service spending time with the Parkinson’s and Epilepsy Board, Victoria Crime Stoppers, Vancouver Island Family Business Association and heading a team of dedicated individuals who care for our son Tyler.
Bill’s life is celebrated by his loving wife Gail, children Tyler and Brooke (Paul Hillsden), Alex Hoole (Lindsey) and Angela Getz (Darnell) and grandchildren Liam, Abby, Georgia and Gus who adored him. Bill will be missed by his aunt Joyce (Vancouver) and uncle Barry (April), brothers Rick (Laurie), Dave (Linda) and their families as well as Al, Bev, Chris, Darren, Dave, Deb, Donna, Garrett, Guy, Jason, Keira, Keith, Lance, Mike, Murray, Reg, Ron, Ross, Stephen, Tom, Trevor, Paul, Pam, Walter, Wayne and so many more – he cared for us all.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be shared at a later date.
If desired, donations in memory of Bill may be made to the BC Cancer Agency, the Option Institute (Autism Centre of America) or HeadWay (Parkinson’s and Epilepsy) in Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
28 Responses
Bill and l were line mates at the university of Denver. He was a good friend.
Dearest Gail,
My deepest sincere condolences to you and family.
I am so so sorry to hear such devastating tragic news of losing Bill…
Such sad and tragic sorrow to bear in this time of your lives.
I will always remember Bill sharing joy with such joy and happiness.
Just ran across this news. I am so sorry Gail. We go back along way. I was privileged to work with you at Century 21 in Qualicum years ago. You taught me how to drive a stick. Stay strong and may you find peace and comfort knowing Bill is watching over you and your family.
Pamela Thomas
Gail, Brooke, Ty and Pettinger families – Holding you all in my heart as you navigate life without the man so many of us have held dear for so long. Whether golf, hockey, business or charitable pursuits brought us together, Bill’s ready smile, loyal friendships, dry wit and charm, along with his love for family and personal involvement in the care and concern for others, will ensure his memory and legacy live on. Our heartfelt love and condolences. Marilyn and Bevin
Sometimes there are just not enough words to express feelings.
Just know we are thinking of you.
Our thoughts and prayers to all the Pettinger family.
Liane and Garth Cunningham
Dear Gail and Family,
Our hearts break with your loss. Bill was a truly amazing gentleman, someone we feel we would like to emulate in our own lives. His kindness, gentleness and integrity were an example to us all. We will miss Bill and his cheerful and positive outlook on life.
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
With all our love.
Henry and Susan Kamphof
Gail and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Bill for many years and admired him greatly. He was a kind and considerate person who loved his family dearly. Bill had a great sense of humour and always had positive attitude. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely, Carol Lawson
Bill was considered a great friend and an important figure in our lives. He was admired for his leadership, professionalism, humour, and skill that was always demonstrated in the humblest of ways.
He will be missed and always remembered. One is very lucky to get the opportunity to associate with people like Bill in their lifetime. We are better people because of him.