Mar 17, 2018
During Bill's 15 year long journey with Alzheimer's Disease, many who knew him and many who came to know him commented on his strength. Through all those years, he faced the disease, and the life it gave him, with the kind of courage and resilience few of us can imagine having, until on March 17, 2018, he died peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family.
He grew up in Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask. Always athletic, in high school he played hockey and football. After graduating grade 12, he attended the University of Sask., Regina, to obtain a Bachelor of Administration degree. During his university years he competed on the university speed swimming and waterpolo teams. In 1972 he coached the Saskatchewan Waterpolo Team in the Canada Summer Games.
Bill believed in swimming as a life skill, and in recreation as an important component to a healthy lifestyle. In 1979, he moved with his family to Quadra Island, B.C. For the next 26 years he managed the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex. He also believed in serving his community and did so at work by being a member, Secretary and then President of the Recreation Facilities Association of B.C., and at home by volunteering with: the Quadra Island Fire Department, Greenways Land Trust, and the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society.
He also loved animals and children, and enjoyed "hobby-farming" in Dawson Creek for the 7 years he lived there, and on Quadra Island. Family was all important to Bill.
He is survived by his wife, Jocelyn; children, Stephanie (Dean) and Chris; grandchildren, Haley, Lily and Jaden; sisters, MaryAnn (Hank) and Cindy (Jim) and nieces Stacey and MJ. All will miss him.
A celebration of Life will be held at the Discovery Inn - Tyee Plaza in the Quadra Room on March 25, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.