Tribute

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bill (William) John Gosling on March 2, 2022. Bill was born July 30, 1936, at the Royal Jubilee hospital in Victoria, BC where he grew up and graduated from Oak Bay High School. His love of sports started in school, mainly in soccer and lacrosse (the Victoria Shamrocks), ultimately playing for and leading teams to local, provincial, and national championships. After finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria, he moved to Squamish to begin his career in education. Early on in his career, he obtained his Masters of Administration and Supervision in Arizona. He continued his career after moving to Powell River in 1976, where he worked as a Principal and a teacher at various schools in the District, ultimately retiring in 1994. During his earlier life and after his retirement, Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing, and being outdoors. Until his mobility began to decline, Bill loved to travel, both on his own, with his wife Shirley, and with his children and their families, ultimately visiting almost 75 countries. Bill will be remembered as a generous man with strong morals, a quick sense of humour, and one who loved to talk hockey with everyone interested in engaging in that topic of conversation. He was a lifelong Canucks fan who always hoped to see them win the Stanley Cup, with his dream scenario being Vancouver beating the Toronto Leafs in a game seven. Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley, sons Alan (Francoise) and David, daughter Karin, grandchildren Amanda, Ashley, Steven and Ricky, sister Barbara, his first wife Avrille, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses in Powell River General Hospital who took care of Bill in his final days. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Carlson Community Club in Powell River on March 12, 2022, from 1:00 pm until 3:30 pm.