September 9, 1939 – August 5, 2015
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Bill.
He was the eldest son of George and Naomi Buckle.
He will be deeply missed by his life partner of 54 years, Robert Porter, and four- legged companion Charlie.
Survived by his brothers, Robert (Michael) and Thomas (Christine); and nieces & nephews,
Amanda, Matthew (Tosha), Jennifer (Joshua), Tony; and Neil (Laurie), Shawn (Donna), Terri (Dave), Bobby (Carolin) along with great-nephews & great- nieces.
Born and raised in Victoria, Bill was a purser on a CPR boat in the summer while attending UBC and Washington State University. He started his teaching career at Glenlyon School, was then Assistant Headmaster at Malvern and Westernham School and later principal at St. Andrews High School before embarking on a number of business ventures that included garden centres and psychiatric care homes.
Bill gave much of his time and energy to support people with mental health issues. He was President of the Friends of Music Society and a board member of the Schizophrenic Society plus past board member of the Victoria Kiwanis.
Bill was kind, thoughtful, and funny with an effervescent personality that attracted people where ever he went. No party was ever dull when he was in attendance. He had a strong independent spirit that served him well. He was a steadfast friend and was known for providing wise counsel. His many friends and family are profoundly moved by his loss. The world is smaller place without him in it.
Bill had many interests that included gardening, yachting, travel, family times, Christmas, music, parties and animals. In his retirement, Bill was known to have tried out every coffee shop in the city.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015, 6:00-8:00 PM at McCall Brothers, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015, 10:30 AM at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Cedar Hill and Cedar Hill Cross Roads, with Pastor Ron Nelson officiating. Burial to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to Friends of Music and Schizophrenic Society would be welcomed. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Murray Doucette
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Claudia Parish I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. It has been a few years since I have spoken with Bill, but I always enjoyed his sense of humour and his energy, For a few years i did work for Bill as an on-call nurse, and he was an employer like no other. The world will be a little less interesting now without Bill and his unique personality that was always so kind.
I don’t think I ever had a chance to meet Bob, but I send you my deepest condolences Bob.
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Catherine Hall Bob I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You gentlemen always brightened my day when you came to visit at the bank and the annual Christmas party was not complete until you two had arrived !! Again, please accept my sincerest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this most difficult time.
Please know that love lives on forever in the memories and in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by this very special man.
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Frank and Val Szabo Words can never entirely express all what one would love to say, but within our hearts the sorrow says it all. A dear life taken away….The very one who from the first day we met as only neighbours in Shutters became then such a good friend. One who always showed such unconditional kindness, so supportive with even our own medical woes, and just continually showered us with such thoughtful gifts, flowers, and cards. Especially the cute and special cards from Charlie addressed to me, “The Cookie Lady!” We will always cherish the many fond memories of you Bill, as those shared together with dear Bob, for they can never be taken away, and somehow just feel your “happy soul” will still be amongst us all forever…
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Allie Bob so sorry to hear about your loss it was a shocker ,
Bill was the kindness boss I ever had, both of you were and still in my heart and think of you often
My condolence to you and your family and the little fury four legged buddy
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Wendy and Craig We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and will miss seeing him with Bob and Charlie around and about the building. Please convey our condolences to family and friends at such a sad time.
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Jane Milliken I am so saddened to hear of Bill’s much-too-soon death. We served together on the Board of the BC Schizophrenia Society Victoria for several years, and he was always a tireless supporter of the organization, the Friends of Music, and of all persons living with mental illnesses. My husband, Don, also knew and respected Bill for his service to the mentally ill community, stating that Bill’s was one of the best run group homes in the city. We ran into Bill recently and chatted. He seemed well then and so this came as a shock. You will be missed, Bill.
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Eberhard & Jeanette Hahn We will remember you very fondly ,Bill. And Bob- take care Also the extended family-we all miss Bill.
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Marjorie and Andrde Jobin Hi Bob We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was one of a kind ,we had plenty of laughs working together. He will be missed very much. Take care Bob.
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Christian Hauer So sad and shocked to hear about Bill’s passing. Many wonderful memories of him and a huge loss to anybody who knew him. My heartfelt condolences to Bob and the whole family!
I’ll miss you,
Christian
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Colin Craig Oh Bill, I will miss you so much…
You always made me feel special from when i first met you in my early 20`s to my 50`s when i didn`t think i was any more.
Your Parties were Famous especially at Christmas with your Santa collection.
Most of all i will miss seeing you and Bob together. Who would have known that two guys that met in line at the Odeon Theatre in Victoria would end up spending the next 54 years together!
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Bruce and Allen. Hi Bob, So very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. If there is anything we can, just ask. Hope to see you soon. xoxo
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Glenda Turner Words cannot express the tremendous feeling of loss we are experiencing at the Friends of Music Society over this sad news. Bill was our President for so many years for several reason; his effortless leadership, his unwavering dedication, his knowledge and direction with mental health issues, his passion for trying to change the lifestyle of those affected by mental illness, his commitment and involvement with the Society’s operations, his personal concern for everyone’s well-being, and of course, his love for music. He put the needs of our Society and all involved always in the foreground and asked for nothing in return but a smile. Many of our events, especially Christmas festivities, will not be the same without Bill’s loving touch. On a personal level, Bill, your gentle and welcoming nature made me feel like a part of the family on my very first day; I will miss your support, advice, concern for my well-being, but most of all, your comforting smile coming through the door with a coffee in tow for me. And my two fur babies Lou and Taz will miss their treats every Christmas from Charlie. On behalf of everyone at the Friends of Music Society our deepest sympathies go to Bob and all your family and friends. You touched so many lives with your thoughtful and caring ways that your presence will truly be missed. Good night gentle soul “the song is ended, but the melody lingers on”
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Susanne Danennberg Bill, you and your commitment to hope, humour and hounds will be much missed! You were a bright light among us and I hope you keep shining down to us from wherever you are . May you be in peace!
Susanne and Keenu with a big hug for Charlie.
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Hazel Meredith On behalf of all of us at the BC Schizophrenia Society, Victoria Branch (BCSS Victoria), I would like to express my sincere deepest sorrow at the loss of a champion for those with mental illness. Bill tirelessly worked to make a difference in the lives of people affected by mental illness and their families through his career and voluntary commitment. He had been a board member for many years with the BCSS Victoria and gave his unwavering dedication to seeing people’s lives improve through the Memorial Fund. He could be counted upon to share his passion, knowledge and true concern for the enhancement of people’s holistic needs as they sought recovery from serious mental illness. As the Executive Director for the last 9 years, I appreciated Bill’s advice, support and humour. As a champion since the early days of our organization 30 years ago, Bill provided a sense of vision to keep all the community members together in a dedication to achieve our mission. Over the years, we have appreciated an annual Christmas card featuring his pup “Charlie” and his thoughtful post cards which he sent from his travels. He always cheered our spirits at BCSS Victoria. On behalf of all of the board, staff, volunteers, clients and membership, our deepest sympathies go to his love, Bob, family and friends. And a big pat for puppy, Charlie, who must be missing his dad. Thank you, Bill, for all you have done to touch the lives of so many. You will be missed.
Bob,
Oscar and I have been out of touch and just heard about Bill’s passing recently. We have just moved back from out east. Hope you are doing okay drop us a line.
aoscarehanson@gmail.com
Take Care,
Murray and Oscar