Dr. W.J. Lambie

DR. W.J. (BILL) LAMBIE Ed. D December 20, 1936 - April 19, 2011 With great sadness, Bill's family announces his death at the Haliburton Hospital. As a native of Kirkland Lake, Bill developed a great love for the outdoors, particularly grouse hunting. From his father, he inherited a lifelong passion for books. In 1958, after completing his BA at the University of Toronto, he returned there to teach. His creativity and commanding classroom presence revealed a natural teacher sealing his lifelong commitment to education. His perceptiveness quickly thrust him into administration. During a 30-year career at the Peel Board, he was a trusted secondary school principal and a respected superintendent who contributed directly to the board's strategic growth. In the 1980s seconded to the Ministry of Education he coordinated the curriculum revision that eliminated grade 13. Bill became Toronto Phi Delta Kappa's Educator of the Year in 1985. These experiences with the political processes of education led to his doctoral thesis. After early retirement, he embraced teaching graduate courses in Education Administration at Brock University. On his move in 2001 to the sandy shoreline of Horseshoe Lake near Minden, he blossomed as a supporter of local arts, was a founding member of the Haliburton Arts Council and organized the Arts Exposed fundraiser. Bill was energetic, articulate, demanding and generous. His enthusiasm for life and teaching came together in his finding and mentoring talented people. He was an ever-loyal friend; a professional inspiration to many. He could precisely articulate models of decision making, yet forget the punch line to any joke. He loved music and regretted his inability to carry a tune. Golf was a self-inflicted wound; despite a fickle drive 'Minden Rules' somehow always rescued his scorecard. An adored and loving husband, he will be sadly missed by Stella Voisin, his cherished wife and the light of his life for 30 years. He was a devoted dad to Kerry (Dana), Maureen (Dave Pellizzoni), Brian (Armanda Pinho) and Chris Voisin (Diedre McKay). He enjoyed being Poppa Bill to Ryan, Kevin, Alicia, Tiago, Miguel, Alexis and Tison. He will be missed by his brother Kerry (Beverley) of Mississauga, his cousin Nadyne (Bob) Dell, of Sarnia and members of his extended family, friends and colleagues in Mississauga and his beloved Minden. The family will welcome friends at the Gordon A. Monk Funeral Home Ltd., 127 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden on Tuesday, April 26th between 7 and 9 p.m. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at the Minden United Church on Newcastle St., Minden on Wednesday, April 27th at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of his life will also take place in Mississauga at a future date. The family thanks Dr. Kristy Gammon and the nursing staff at Haliburton Hospital for their outstanding nurturing. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in his memory to Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation (HHHSF) or the Community Hospice Program at SIRCH (www.sirch.on.ca), Box 687, Haliburton K0M 1S0. www.gordonmonkfuneralhome.com