William John Spaulding (1955 - 2020)

brother, teacher, mentor, and friend, William (Will) John Spaulding on June 11 th of this year.

Will was known for his joyful, positive enthusiasm in living his life, always generous with his time and

willing to give others a helping hand. He was an inspirational person striving to find innovative ways to

make the world a better place. He will be remembered as an exceptional teacher and mentor, and as a

creative engineer with a calm and collected approach to problem solving and a high level of knowledge

and expertise in his field.

Born in Toronto in 1955, Will and his family spent his early childhood in England and Ottawa, eventually

returning to Toronto to settle in 1963. From a young age Will demonstrated a love for invention and a

passion for learning about the mechanics of how things work. These interests led him to begin a

Bachelor of Science at Brock University in 1977, and obtain a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Technology from Ryerson University in 1980, a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Mechanical

Engineering and finally a Masters of Engineering Science at Queens University in 1985-86. While at

Queens, Will also gained experience as a co-supervisor of undergraduate students, lecturer, lab

instructor and research assistant, and was the recipient of the McLaughlin Teaching Fellowship.

Will met his first partner, Jane, while attending Brock University in Ontario. They shared many happy

years together in Halifax where he began his first job as a mechanical engineer. In 1991 they moved to

the west coast, settling in Victoria; Will began his teaching career at Camosun College’s Mechanical

Engineering Department that same year. In March 1996 Will and Jane became the proud parents of a

beloved daughter, Drew.

In 2013 Will met and became life partners with Lesley. The two cherished each other, and along with

Lesley's son, Griffin, created a happy and loving home together.

While teaching at Camosun Will was also instrumental in laying the foundation for Applied Research at

the college, leading a variety of projects and hiring numerous Camosun students along the way. After

retiring from teaching in 2017, Will continued to work both as a consultant on several projects through

the college’s applied research department, and with his own private consulting company, Firefly Labs.

As Will was a guy with a naturally inquisitive mind, he had many interests and passions. In addition to his

professional life as an engineer, he was a dedicated cello player, knowledgeable star gazer, fabulous

hugger, seasoned traveller, loving father, and a general all-around “Mr Fix-It” kind of guy, with a

loveable and quirky brand of humour that was distinctly his own.

His twinkling blue eyes and ready smile will be deeply missed by many, including his partner Lesley, his

daughter Drew (Wes), Lesley’s son Griffin, his brother Neil, his sisters Betsy (Kathi), Rebecca (Chad),

Sarah (Mark) and Catherine (Jeff), his nieces and nephews Hannah, Amelia, Maya, Max, Ryan and Olivia

as well as by his many additional relatives and close friends. Will was predeceased by his father Tom

(Marguerite) and by his mother Alice (Bob).

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted sufficiently to

allow for travel and larger gatherings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation .