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
We were really saddened to hear the news of Bill. Bill always had a special way of making people feel at ease with his kind and good nature. He was the sort of person that left a lasting impression on those he met, and one whom you were always happy to see. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences, Bill will be terribly missed.
Dear Gail and family: My heartfelt condolences goes out to all of you . My days at Re/Max were memorable mainly due to Bill’s presence and support – his kindnesses will never be forgotten.
Concetta Peluso
Dear Gail and family. Colin and I wish to express our sincerest condolences to you. We are so sorry to hear the very sad news, he was such a gentle, kind man. It is truly a loss for all that knew him. Sending our thoughts, strength and love.
I served with Bill on the Victoria Crime Stoppers Board. His leadership and vision were a true asset, helping to make the community a safer and better place. Sue and I enjoyed our adventures with Bill and Gail at Crime Stoppers conferences in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Melbourne, Australia. We will remember Bill fondly. Our condolences to Gail and the family.
We are so sorry Gail for the loss of a truly wonderful husband and great friend of ours for over 40 years. He brought hope, happiness, fun into every room that he entered. We will always cherish the memories of our times with him. With love and condolences, Lynn and Grant.
Pam and I were saddened to learn of Bill’s passing.
I was privileged to get to know Bill through our involvement in the Real Estate Business. He was an honorable caring and ethical person who as President of the Victoria Real Estate Board represented the industry very well. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him.
So sorry to hear of your loss Gail. Our blessing to you and your family. Could not have asked for a better friend and a true gentleman. Dale and Sharon Kulyk
Bill will always be remembered for kindness and a sense of humour, along with so many other qualities. My condolences and love to all the large wonderful family at this difficult time.
Such a kindhearted gentle man, whose smile lit up a room. He will be missed by those who got to meet him. Condolences to Gail and his whole family. Laura Cook and family
Dear Papa, You are so loved and words cannot express the gratitude for knowing you. Brave, kind and loving soul. Will we ever know why you had to go so soon? You set such a good example for us all. We hope there is green grass, blue skies and great sunsets where you are now. Your camera captured many a good sunset. You are held dearly in our hearts forever – safe travels Papa Bill.