Bill passed away peacefully on June 21, 2010 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre in the presence of his loving wife Lynn. Bill spent his youth in Ogden playing baseball and hockey. He attended Michigan Tech on a hockey scholarship where he acquired his geology degree. While attending Michigan Tech, he played goal for a Chicago Blackhawks farm team. After working at Home Oil for some time, Bill chose to follow his passion and became a teacher. He attended the University of Alberta and University of Calgary to obtain his teaching degree. Bill shared his love of teaching in various rural Alberta communities, including terms as principal in Stoney Plain, Alliance, Sedgwick, Cochrane, and Lomond. Before retiring, Bill spent his time in Vulcan teaching primarily Chemistry and Math, as well as coaching high school baseball. He was instrumental in organizing the Marine Biology program with his close friend and colleague, Glen Hutton. He had a passion for teaching and an unparalleled ability to inspire those in his care.
Bill will be greatly missed by his wife Lynn, his children Rick (Carmen), Randy, Colleen (Ian), Krista (Brock), Jay (Danielle), six grandchildren Ryan, Emily, Paige, Reid, Tiana, and Kaden and his sister Lorell.
Memorial Service will be held at the Vulcan Cultural Recreation Centre at 2:30pm on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Bill’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Community Health Centre Long Term Care, Box 299, Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Bill will always be remembered for his compassion and connection with his students. He always went the extra mile.
Dear Lynn and family: sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of Bill. I had the pleasure of working with him at Oilfields High School, Black Diamond, 1980-81. He was a gifted teacher with a particular strength for reaching the non-academic student. I have often wished we could have worked together for a longer time.
Most respectfully, Don McCuaig.