Frederick William "Bill" Conconi

CONCONI, Frederick William (Bill) June 4, 1941 - May 21, 2022 It is with sadness that the family of Bill announces his peaceful passing at SPH Palliative Unit following 18 months of wonderful care provided by his physician Dr. S. Djearam, Victoria Cancer Agency Oncologists Dr. J Rauw and Dr. S Parimi and staff, and the doctors and staff of the SPH Palliative Care unit. Bill was born in Flin Flon, MB and moved to Victoria at the age of four. His father was in the navy and his mother bought property on Tanner Road. In 1968, he and wife Ellie, moved to this home where he grew up and where he lived till his death. Following graduation from Mt Newton High School Bill completed his 4-year apprenticeship as a machinist at the Dockyard, worked there for 2 years, then at United Engineering, Crofton, and then following a 3-month drafting course worked for Mackay Cormack Shipyards until it closed. It was then time for serious decision making, and he chose to peruse an education degree. Teaching and working with youth were his passion. He spent his whole teaching career (1971-2002) at Mt. Douglas, teaching industrial arts in the beginning and then Social Studies, History, Outdoor Education and Leadership in later years. Bill always believed every student had promise and potential in contributing to their community and this world given time, a little patience and guidance along the way. Outside of the classroom he co-sponsored the Mt. Doug Outdoor Club, coached rowing, worked with the student council and graduation committee, chaperoned school trips to France and supported any school activity that required teacher presence. He was instrumental in the inception of the Canadian Student Leadership Association and was the Executive Director of the organization until 2016. Due to his deep connection to Navy, he put together a program called the Oriole Adventure Challenge that saw students from across Canada spend 5 days aboard HMCS Oriole to experience and witness leadership and team building firsthand. Accolades from students, fellow teacher, advisor, and friends of the CSLA spoke of him as "a mentor, a man of integrity, human decency, generosity, and an unending belief in the power and promise of our youth, once given the chance to thrive". The Bill Conconi bursary has been established by CSLA and is awarded to a student in recognition of their outstanding achievement and contribution to leadership in their secondary school and community. Bill's passion for yachting started as a Sea Cadet. He was Commanding Officer with the local Rainbow Sea Cadet Core, Commanding Officer Esquimalt summer camp, and Administrative Officer Quadra summer camp. In 1978, he and Ellie joined the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Again, Bill became totally engaged and served on the Executive Committee, was the Commodore, served as Swiftsure Chair for 17 years, was made an Honourary Life Member and served as Honourary Commodore for 6 years, and continued to be an advisor and a member of various committees until his death. He loved to cruise the Pacific Northwest, especially the west coast of Vancouver Island, the central coast and Haida Gwaii and to share his experiences and knowledge with anyone interested in exploring those areas. Bill's service to his community, province, and country included involvement in Victoria Tall Ships Society, Victoria Foundation, President of the Naval Association of Canada - Vancouver Island Branch, President of Naval Association of Canada, President of the Princess Louisa International Society. He received a Gold Award for "exemplary achievement in service to the N.A.C. and Canada". Despite his involvement with different organizations, family came first, and he usually found a way to work around any time constraints to be with his family. He was truly loved and respected by his family as he was always ready to give a smile, hug, and sage advice. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Flo Conconi, he leaves his wife Ellie of 56 years, his daughter Margaret (Diarmaid), grandsons Eamonn and Suibhne, siblings Arlene, Bob (Diane), Dave, sister-in-laws Carol and Dianne, nieces Katie (Christian), Tori (Karlee), Rachel (Brian), Julie (Dallas), Carla (Dana), nephews Alex (Lauren), Adam (Maria), Alan, Brian(Tammy), Nick (Jen), Kevin (Farlee), BJ (Jamie), 5 grandnieces and 6 grandnephews (the youngest William born May 15/22) and several cousins in BC, Manitoba and California. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on August 14 @ 2pm at RVYC. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Victoria Foundation RVYC Fund for purchasing of RS Quest dinghies for use by families: www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/rvyc-fund Princess Louisa International Society: www.princesslouisa.bc.ca or the Canadian Student Leadership Association: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-association-of-student-activity-advisors/campaign/bill/