Name: Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre
Address: Surrey, BC

I think of Bill often. I remember the time in 1962 he and I decided to go to the World's Fair in Seattle. Somewhere around Omak my old car started making awful noises and soon came to a halt so we found ourselves a motel for the night. I was in quite a state of panic about what to do but Bill was his usual calm self and figured there was no reason not to finish the trip so that's what we did -- caught a bus to Seattle. Saw the Fair, and my car was rescued, thanks to my Dad who drove down and towed it home.

I never posted here when Bill passed because things seemed to be in flux and there was hope it would resolve soon, and there would be a better opportunity. Having missed that -  I feel compelled to say now, looking back on a career spanning decades, that Bill Webster was at the heart of the maturing professional Recreation and Parks scene for many years and, by his personality and actions was a central catalyst, an essential force, in the creation of today's Parks and Recreation sector. I never said that to you Bill, but I am now. Well Done.

Remembering your laughter, kindness and love every day. But thinking of you especially today, on your birthday. You are forever in our hearts and always on our minds. 
Love, 
Vivian et al.

Today is the day we had planned to bring together friends and family to share in my Dad’s Celebration of Life. It has been two months since he passed away. I miss him and think about him daily. Though there is loss and sadness, he definitely was a Dad that deserves to be celebrated. He lived with integrity. He was calm and kind, but also set high standards. My Dad listened to understand and spoke with a purpose rather than to hear himself speak. When he did talk, people listened. He taught me many life skills... not necessarily through words but by example. He worked hard but also loved to play. He put family first and he was always there for us. My Dad enjoyed walks at Crescent Beach and pretty much all games and sports. So, today (in our social isolation) we will celebrate by getting outside for a walk and playing as many games as we can! Thanks to everyone for your love and support during this tough time. Our family looks forward to celebrating together at some point in the future ❤️

Upon hearing of Bill passing it was an awful surprise. Vivian, our deepest sympathies to you and the family

Bill and I spent many years together in school. He lived just five doors away from me and he, Richard and I spent many hours playing basketball behind Peter Gridi’s house and Richards house. We played soccer and competed in track and field together. He was a great teammate and competitor. I could never beat him in the 100 yard dash. He was one of the fastest runners in school. 

Bill was always a good guy to be around, even tempered and pleasant all the time. I enjoyed his company no matter what we were doing. 

After graduation we all separated, going out to conquer the world. I never saw him again until he organized a get together a few years ago in the Oliver area. It was great to see everyone and talk over old times. It will be my fondest memory of Bill. 

So my friend keep the gate open and the beer cold until we meet again. 

Vivian, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

A quick read of the memories offered here confirms what we all know; Bill made everyone  fortunate enough to know him better with his quiet, reassuring, positive, encouraging and light hearted ways.  I look back at my short time with him at PERC and the ongoing connections throughout the years as being key to my growth, development and contributions to the field.

Bill’s stories, wisdom and welcoming character always brightened whatever room he was in.  Wonderful memories will be just one of his many legacies.

I had the pleasure and honour of calling Bill my friend for close to seven decades. We went through school together in Oliver and my enduring memory of him is his kindness and self-deprecating humour. After high school we went our separate ways but stayed in touch from time to time. When a few old school friends got together to reminisce a few years ago, Bill had lost none of his sense of humour and could still swing a pretty good golf club. Our heartfelt condolences to Vivian and family.

Bonnie and I reminisce often about our time with BCRPA and the Webster family from our days at Hornby Street's Sport BC offices in the mid 80's, marvelling at what a great team and organization we were fortunate to be a part of – life changing in so many ways and as close to a family as you will ever find in a work environment.  Bill’s empathy, eloquence, emotional intelligence, composure and sense of humour created a special environment.  Bill was simply one of the best people one could be fortunate to know, let alone work for!  Our hearts go out to Vivian, Rachel, Nathan, Tod and the extended families!  Peace be with you all!  Bless you William D Webster!

Before there was Linkedin, there was Bill Webster.  Bill knew every Parks and Recreation professional in BC and where each of us was on our career path.  Having a referral from Bill in any recruitment exercise was a sure ‘foot in the door’ and gave one instant credibility. I will always appreciate Bill for his kindness towards me after I arrived from Ontario in 1999 without a established network of my own.  I met more people through Bill, and by participating at the Harrison retreat and the RecreOpen golf tournament, two annual events that Bill and Vivian made certain were well supported.  Over the last 10 years, it has been hard to watch Bill lose his unique ability to connect with people within this network he fostered.  But he leaves a rich legacy of people still working in the field that learned so much from him.  

My heart goes out to Vivian and the family who have lost so much more than a professional mentor and friend. 


I am forever grateful for the impact that Bill as had on my life.  Taking a chance on me as a "fresh" university graduate and providing the opportunity to work with his team at the BC Recreation and Parks Association, Bill set me on a strong path for career and personal growth.    Bill's legacy as one who has helped to shape the leadership of the Parks and Recreation field is not to be undervalued.  He and Vivian have been great friends and mentors to many and Bill will be missed.

Vivian, Nathan, Rachel and family ... I am so sad to hear this news. Bill truly was the best - I can't think of a kinder, more humble, brighter and funnier person. What a pleasure it was to work with him and Vivian at PERC/Context, and to hear him speak so proudly about his children. He was a bright light in this world and I hope the outpouring of love you are receiving as people hear of his passing will help nourish you in this difficult time.
 

Our family is deeply saddened with the loss of our beloved Uncle Bill.  Our three adult children thrived as young children under Bill's calming influence and kind nature.  He was always there for family events, Christmases, good times and bad times, his smile always lighting up the room.  He was steady of mind at all times, in whatever situations that arose.  We all looked to him for guidance.  He was a rock; a gentle giant of a man.  And boy... did he love cookies!

We all adored the man, our Brother in Law, our Uncle.  He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.  He will be in our hearts & minds, forever & ever.

Valerie, John, Amanda, Bradley & Jennifer

My Dads (aka Billy) passing has been very hard on me, I have lived in the States, since I was a young child, and currently live in Florida, so we didn’t get to see each other, all that often, and we were not as close, as I would have hoped, but I have a lot of great memories of him, and my favorite, being the times we spent in Penticton, at Skaha lake and lake Okanogon, with Nana and all our family. Dad was always funny, smart, athletic, successful, dedicated to the family, his career, and I learned a lot from him. He will always be remembered as a good man, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. The obituary that Vivian and Rachel wrote was spot on, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him....


The obituary for Bill appropriately describes the person who touched so many people with his gentle ways, infectious smile and many kindnesses. My thoughts are with all of you as you mourn the loss of this wonderful person.

I am so lucky to have known him.

Bill was one of the first recreation people I met when I moved here from Saskatoon.  He did not know me at all, but yet took the time to sit with me in his office, providing contacts which led me to a position with Vancouver P&R.  That's just the way he was!  
Since that time, the Bill & Vivian duo have been colleagues, mentors and most importantly, friends.  Bill and I always needled each other about where his University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and my University of Oregon Fighting Ducks ranked in college football.  Our years of golf with Gordon and many others will always bring back fond memories and lots of laughs.  Gordon and I will have stories for years.
Bill was always the classy, dignified guy who cared about others.  He touched so many and will be greatly missed by multitudes.  He leaves a large void.  Earl and Karen Erickson

The loss of my Dad, Bill Webster (aka Papa Bill), has been very heartbreaking. He has been the most influential person in my life. The one I could count on to help me and my family at any time with no questions asked. My number one fan; my best friend; my kids’ favourite, tireless playmate. I am grateful to have had him as my Dad and I will miss him every day. I am happy that he is now at peace.

I first met Bill when he moved to Oliver in the mid 1950's and we were neighbours throughout our school years, graduating from S.O.H.S. in 1962. We later attended the same college in Ellensburg Wash. Bill loved sports and once persuaded me to hike 3 miles to the old Oliver golf course carrying our clubs, play 18 holes and walk home again. I remember Bill as a class mate, team mate and golfing buddy. In 1973 we were delighted to have Bill as a wedding guest.In 2012 Bill and Vivian organized a reunion near Osoyoos with best friends and we all enjoyed  a great weekend together. To Vivian and her family we offer our sincerest condolences and Best Wishes for the future.                  Lorne and Wylma Cousins

Deepest sympathy to Bill’s family and his many friends. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Bill since he and I shared the same hometown and many years later were on very similar career paths in the field of recreation and parks. Bill was always respected by all who knew him. His leadership was an inspiration to all of us. He will always be fondly remembered not only for his valued contributions and leadership in our profession but because he was a wonderfully kind and thoughtful person. Rest In Peace.

Carolyn Madge
Oliver, BC

I met Bill when he was Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation for Surrey, BC. He was one of six people on the interview committee for a new job I was applying for in the city with the Surrey School District. Bill was a super nice man and very open to trying new things. I always enjoyed talking to him, and having his wisdom and calming influence in our meetings. The last time I saw Bill was at the Safeway supermarket in Ocean Park about 12 years ago and we chatted for a good ten minutes or so.  A lot of people will be sad to hear of his passing and he will be missed. Thanks Bill for making a positive difference in this world. God bless!
Brian Rae Luckock  Calgary, Alberta

OBITUARY

William Douglas Webster

15 January, 1944 – 28 January, 2020

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre

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