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

  • Catherine Harvey

    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.

  • Pamela Thomas

    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

  • Marilyn Erickson

    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

  • Liane and Garth Cunningham

    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

  • Henry and Susan Kamphof

    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

  • Carol Lawson

    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 Ennos / Darlene Popiel

    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.

  • Pender Island Golf Club

    It is with great sadness that we learned of Bill’s passing. Our sympathy and sincere condolences go out to Gail and your large extended family.

    Bill was a great addition to our club. He always had a smile, a kind word and was very enjoyable to play with. His quiet and gentle nature will be remembered.

    With our deepest sympathy,

  • Susanne & Keith Phillips

    Condolences to Gail and the Pettinger Family. My memories of first meeting Bill was as our real estate agent, and then his kind caring approach to our medical residents when they stayed in his house on Burnside Road. Thank you to you both, you made it so easy to place the residents. Rest in Peace, sweet, kind Bill.

  • Robert Ross

    Dear Gail,

    Deanna and I were saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences to you and your family. Over these past few years I occasionally ran into Bill who was often with his son. I found him always friendly and interested it what I was doing. Our conversations seemed to center around family and hockey. I know he will be greatly missed by everyone who was touched by him.

    Sincerely,

    Robert

  • Neil Rawnsley

    Dear Gail and family, Bill was a member of our real estate mentor group for many years until his retirement and although our relationship centred on the real estate industry he was one of the most respected people I know. His quiet confidence, his integrity and gentle nature made him someone you wanted to be associated with and he will be greatly missed. It was always a pleasure to interact with Bill and we are all better for having know him.

  • Randi Masters

    Dear Gail and family, I was so sad to read of Bill’s passing. The picture chosen for his obit truly reflected how many found Bill to be: Kind, of good humour and most importantly, a man of integrity. I am sorry for your loss of such a lovely man. Randi Masters

  • Donna Meyer

    It was with great sadness that I heard of Bill’s passing. He always had a ready smile and kind greeting whenever we saw each other. I admired his quiet strength, integrity, humour and commitment to others. I know that he adored his family and was so proud of each of them. Over the last number of years, I saw him often at the Victoria Golf Club. He had a large group of friends who loved spending time with him. Bill left a wonderful legacy with his impact on so many lives and our world was better with him in it. He will be remembered for the wonderful man he was.

  • Deedrie Ballard

    Dear Gail, Tyler, and Family.
    I read all the wonderful tributes to Bill, and your words, Gail, so describe our friend to so very many of us.
    Bill and I shared our wonderful assistants, Lea and Marilyn, for 6 years. We so enjoyed when Bill would bring Tyler in to visit. He was always interested in the city maps in our “drawers”. He would always ask about Gerry (Marilyn’s husband) and then they were off for an exciting adventure. When Bill retired – well he just never moved out….. one day, 2.5 years later, I sort of packed up his special things and “dumpstered” the rest. An amazing friend to many, will be so very missed. RIP BILLY

  • Amelia Donald

    My sincere condolences to the Pettinger family. I will always remember Bill and his caring nature and big smile at the VGC, I was blessed to have met him in my years of service at the club. He left a legacy for many.

  • Desarae McCulloch

    Gail, Alex and family, and Angela and family

    I want to express my deepest sympathies for your loss. Bill was a lovely, lovely man who always had a smile and kind word. He will be missed.

    Sending you love.

    Sincerely,
    Desarae McCulloch

  • Mike Hounslow

    Bill was a guy you loved being around, whether it was in a hockey dressing room or
    a pub after a game. He’ll be missed by anyone who ever met him. His smile was as genuine as he was. RIP Bill

  • Chris, Alison and Kerrington

    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.

  • Concetta Peluso

    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

  • WILLY MCCREA

    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.

  • Bob Gill

    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.

  • Grant and Lynn Erickson

    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.

  • Bev Highton

    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.

  • dale kulyk

    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

  • Jaqueline Gillespie

    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.

  • Laura Cook

    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

  • Angela Getz

    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.

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