William Druce "Bill" Manson

It is with profound sadness that Ann announces the passing of her beloved Bill, husband, companion and best friend of 58 years on November 3rd, 2021. A dedicated Hamiltonian, Bill was born, raised, and lived all his life in this unique city at "The Head of the Lake". Growing up here in the Crown Point Neighbourhood, he received his early education at Memorial Public School and Delta Collegiate Institute. Graduating from McMaster University in 1963, he joined the Hamilton Board of Education, where he served for 35 years as a teacher, department head, program consultant and program coordinator.
During his teaching career, he volunteered on the local Hamilton Secondary School Teachers' Federation Executive for 23 years. He held several officer positions including Council Chair, Provincial Councilor, and Local District 8 President.
Throughout his professional career, Bill was a ground-breaking advocate of student-centred learning through drama in education and was an instructor in this approach to teaching for both the Ministry of Education and Brock University. During this time, he also served locally and provincially in the Sears Secondary Students' Drama Festival as district organizer, director, stage manager, and regional adjudicator. As well, he was active in the local theatre scene as a playwright, director, and designer. He also played an active role in the development and opening of Hamilton Place as "a place for the people."
During his retirement years, Bill became an active volunteer on several municipal organizations, including the Municipal Heritage Committee, the Municipal Arts Advisory Commission, the Hamilton Future Fund Board of Governors, and the Hamilton Historical Board, where he also served as chairman. As well, he volunteers on several not-for-profit organizations including the Hamilton Arts Council, Information Hamilton, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton. As a docent at the AGH, he sat on the AGH Volunteer Committee Executive in several positions, including Chair.
A dedicated Hamilton heritage advocate and historian, Bill authored several books and countless articles. For more than 20 years he developed dozens of illustrated historical presentations and heritage community walks and multimedia talks.
Over his lifetime Bill was the recipient of many awards and distinctions including a nominee for the Hamilton Senior of the Year, and OSSTF Honorary Life Membership, the AGH Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, Award of Excellence and Centennial Award, and the City of Hamilton Reverend T. Melville Bailey Heritage Award.
Lover of art, music and theatre, lover of walking history, and exploring heritage, lover of teaching and learning, lover of discourse and debate, lover of good food and great wines, lover of travel, Bill led a full and fulfilling life in a city which he loved and actively promoted. If you so desire, donations to Dr Bob Kemp Hospice or the Art Gallery of Hamilton would be appreciated by the family. Cremation services were held. Memorial Visitation Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at P.X. Dermody Funeral Home (7 East Ave. South, Hamilton, ON, L8N 2T3). Share memories at www.dermodys.com