WILLIAM A. W. NEILSON

Son, husband, father, grandfather, public servant, law professor, and friend of the Pacific Rim; born in Montreal to Jean and Walter Neilson, Bill passed away at his home in Victoria, BC, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Coline, whose patient and loving support daily enriched and gave meaning to his life from their first meeting in 1962. He leaves behind his dear children, Lindsay (Brian), Allan (Allie), Maryse (David), and Suzanne (James); 13 very special grandchildren - Alison (Carlo), Lauren, Jessica (Jenna), Andrew, Hannah (Matt), Ethan, Will (Briana), Graham (Jenna), Ethan (Cassidy), Jacqueline, Naomi, Ella, and Annie - and one great-grandchild, Amalia. He is also survived by sister, Nancy Jean (Michael); and sister-in-law, Donna. He was predeceased by his brother, John. Bill's family and his pride in their accomplishments and their support for each other meant everything to him. An honours graduate of the University of Toronto (Commerce), UBC (Law), and Harvard (Law), Bill enjoyed and prospered in several careers, including law professor at Osgoode Hall (1966–1973) and UVIC (1977–2004), founding Deputy Minister of BC Consumer Services (1973–1976), Dean of UVic's Law Faculty (1985–1990), and Director (1992–2004) and Law Chair (2000–2004) of UVic's Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI). From the early 1980s until his "final" retirement in 2010, his expertise in public sector governance law, legislative systems, and comparative economic law facilitated his leadership of numerous legal programs throughout the Asia-Pacific region, then Brazil, and the Balkans. Blessed with abundant energy and goodwill, Bill internationalized the Law School's unique co-operative education program, developed an enduring network of scholars and legal professionals around the Pacific Rim, and elevated CAPI into a globally recognized interdisciplinary centre. Recognition of his efforts came in his nomination to the International Academy of Commercial and Consumer Law, Canada's Internationalization Leadership Award and Vietnam's Justice Service Award, plus numerous visiting appointments in universities in Canada, Europe, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. He remained ever thankful to UVic staff, colleagues and students, and many overseas friends for their valued friendship and support over more than 30 years of collaborative endeavours. Bill loved to travel with Coline and together they saw the world, often meeting up with their children, grandchildren, and close friends. For much of his life, he was an avid and amateur photographer and his family would gather for epic slide shows in their living room after special dinners. He was a devoted grandfather, carving out special times of bird watching followed by hot chocolate and donuts, museum trips, feeding the ducks in Beacon Hill Park, and falling asleep on zoom while reading stories during COVID. He loved entertaining and many will remember walking into their beautiful home on Barkley Terrace to a joyful welcome and a glass of wine. Bill had a solid rotation of silly Dad jokes and songs that will be remembered for generations. He was always up for a spirited debate and shared his opinion - solicited or not - with gusto and enthusiasm! And music … there was always music. Despite not playing an instrument or singing particularly well himself, he raised a family that all loves music and he loved to listen to them perform. Condolences and memories may be shared via email to mjneilson@shaw.ca. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Our Place Society at www.ourplacesociety.com.