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William BIRNEY Obituary
Bill completed his undergraduate studies at UBC and completed a Master's in Mathematics at UCLA. In 1970, Bill and Marsha joined the "eclectic" Hampshire Road community in North Vancouver, and for 20 years, revelled in the block parties, volleyball games, and progressive dinner parties. They and their children formed lifelong friendships in this truly unique community.
No one really knows what Bill did for work, as he would only offer up, "I'm a computer guy" and leave it at that. Instead, we celebrate his love of travel, his days water skiing at Lake Sutherland, his volunteer work at the Jazz Society, and the Times Colonist Book Drive.
A few days before passing, Bill finally stopped complaining about the government and declared it was no longer his problem. He finished his last cryptic crossword and was very much at peace. The family would like to thank Bill's many tennis and bridge partners, as well as members of the band, for bringing such joy to Bill's life. We also are deeply grateful to those who cared for Bill so beautifully: Dr. Govender, Nicky, and the staff at the Royal Jubillee. We also appreciate the overwhelming support from friends all over the world.
Friends are welcome to join Bill's celebration of life at the Birney residence on Saturday, March 15th, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Contact [email protected] for details.
Memories and Condolences
for William BIRNEY
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
12 Entries
Joan Geber
March 17, 2025
I met Bill through the Capital City Tennis Club. Bill was always kind, welcoming and generous. He was patient with everyone (but himself - when he wasn´t playing as well as he felt he should be, I saw a wee glimpse of his temper!). Bill had a wry sense of humour that I always enjoyed.
My condolences to Bill´s family.
Bill, I will miss you on the courts!
Donna and Bill
March 15, 2025
I will miss our chats in the alley and visits at Moss Street Market. To Marsha and family, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Ian Daniel
March 15, 2025
ONE MEMORY OF BILL
I first met Bill at the Oak Bay Tennis Club. He was truly a friendly and welcoming ambassador for the club, making sure newcomers felt right at home.
As we got to know each other, Bill learned I did odd maintenance jobs and he had me over at his classic Rockland Avenue home for a few repairs including replacing the newal post at the peak of his roof.
It was no small task—balancing on a 32 foot ladder, handling heavy ridge boards. and wondering if I was in way over my head
But through it all, Bill was there—my unwavering moral support, my ladder steadier, and the only reason I didn’t bail on the job.
Looking back, it wasn’t just about fixing something on his roof—it was about Bill being Bill. He had a way of standing by you, steadying you, and making sure you got through whatever needed doing. I’ll always be grateful for that lesson.
Thank You Bill
Ian Daniel
Bonnie
March 13, 2025
Bill's friendly manner, with his quirky smile, will be missed at the Victoria Tennis Club. I'm glad we had one last time playing doubles at Beacon Hill on a beautiful sunny morning last summer..that's the way I'll remember Bill - enjoying the game and finding something to chuckle about in between points.
Brooke Phemister
March 13, 2025
I, and the members of the Victoria Tennis Club, will greatly miss Bill's participation in our weekly tennis matches, his good cheer and friendly nature. I will not miss his crazy spin shots!
Bill - you were a great guy who will be missed by all.
Eric Wuolle
March 13, 2025
Bill was indeed "a computer guy", one who fixed problems without any fanfare, knew where to look for problems before they arose, and kept his workmates in awe, gracefully. He was one of a kind, in a good way, and very kind to all he met.
Don Simister And Wife Sheri.
March 13, 2025
Bill was a great person and I played with and against him in a lot of tennis matches. He was great at the net and had a lot of drop shots. I will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his Wife and Family at this sad time.
Jill Maase
March 12, 2025
I met Bill through the Victoria Virtual Tennis Club (now Capital City Tennis Club) when we first moved to Victoria almost 10 years ago. He was funny, engaging and convinced me to help with his tennis event while he and Marsha were on holidays. I learned over the years that he was a jazz drummer, a lover of older BMW's (purchased in Palm Springs) and a wearer of cashmere sweaters when the winter temperatures at Oak Bay Recreation Courts were largely unregulated. Bill was a long time volunteer with the VVTC and the Capital City Tennis Club until his health took him away from the courts. He was proud to show off his photos from Wimbledon with (I believe) Earle and was quick to offer advice on the queuing system there for us wannabes who may hope to attend one day. To Marsha and the rest of the family I offer my deepest condolences. The tennis community in Victoria will miss Bill's lanky presence.
Kelsey Jo
March 12, 2025
Sending my thoughts to the Birney family. Thinking of you and memories of Bill with care and love.
John Coombs
March 12, 2025
always a calm and rational response to any bridge problem... will miss his calm presence...
John Coombs
meg macmillan
March 12, 2025
Bill first welcomed Paul and I into "Devon House" - as complete strangers - when we asked him about the ceramic plaque facing Mary Stuart's laneway . . . he was warm, witty and thrilled to introduce us to Kanga, one of the Devon Rex kitties he adored. We later came to share not just our love of cats but for gardening, Lund's, cryptic crosswords, jazz and for cutting bouquets for those we love.
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