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 in1995. 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
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Russell Bill Pettinger December 14 1948 April 7 2019..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique