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William Cross Obituary
After graduating from Oak Bay High School, Bill went on to attain his teaching certificate and degree at Victoria Normal School and UBC. Later, with his young family in tow, he earned his Master's and PhD from Washington State University. He was very proud of his academic accomplishments and maintained a lifelong love of learning. Bill taught at various schools in Nanaimo and Victoria prior to spending most of his career at UVic with an emphasis on rural education. Throughout his life, Bill was an avid reader, gardener, fisherman, and hunter. As well, he enjoyed exploring BC, family camping trips, and travelling abroad, always with an interest in the outdoors and history of the area. In retirement, Bill spent countless hours volunteering for various non-profit organizations, including many years with Rotary and the Victoria Foundation. He was most passionate about his work at the Goldstream Fish Hatchery where he volunteered until last year.
Predeceased by his first wife, Goldy Cross (nee Hofmann), Bill is survived by his children, Gerry (Janice), Tim (Vicki), and Sue (Paul); grandchildren, Megan (Kirby), Jimmy, Mary Kate, Sarah (Alex), Sam, and Julianna and great-grandson Olsen; his second wife, Veronica and her children, Tim (Becky), Tamzin (Christian), Tuffy (Angela), Teeny (Matt) and five step-grandchildren.
A private family gathering will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association, 3686 Hatchery Rd., Langford BC V9B 5W9 or the Victoria Foundation.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cross
7 Entries
Dave Welham
November 5, 2023
Three of our Mt. View Grads of 1962 had Mr. Cross at Colquitz Junior High in the 1950's in his home room of class 9A. Many others of us knew him as a well-respected and well-liked teacher. Mr. Cross also gave his time to coach Junior Rugby at CJHS. Our condolences to all his family. How fortunate you were to have him in your lives for so many years.
Carol Hitchman
October 14, 2023
It was indeed a privilege to have Bill Cross as a professor and supervisor for elementary student teaching. He was an exceptional, humble gentleman and a wise educator. He pioneered the Internship Program and supported us tremendously. His efforts helped me to be in a student teaching position where I was hired for my dream job. And decades later, he attended my retirement.
Both he & Goldie warmly welcomed students into their home, and later, I was pleased to know Goldie in Saanich School District.
Many teachers were inspired by Bill´s love of learning, his care of students; and in turn, endeavoured to mentor student teachers the way he mentored us. His influence continues in ever-widening circles.
My sincere condolences to all the family. May you be comforted in your loss.
Edie Stewart
October 9, 2023
I was fortunate to have Dr. Cross as a teacher at Uvic. He was an outstanding example for student teachers who were learning how to teach.
My sympathy to his family and friends.
Edie Stewart
Edie Stewart
Ajmare Sundher
October 9, 2023
I had the privilege of having Dr. Cross as my Social Studies methodology teacher when doing my PDP at U Vic. Dr. Cross made the subject matter interesting and relevant. He was the type of teacher who built strong bonds and connections with his students. His focus was that every student he taught loved learning and could share that passion with the students they would go on to teach.
Dr. Cross and his wife, Goldie, were generous people. Every year, they would invite the cohort group to a celebration at their home. This was a considerate and generous gesture which exemplified the kind heartedness of the Cross family.
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Brian Harvey
October 9, 2023
Bill was the exemplar of a true gentleman, a trusted colleague, and a rigorous scholar. Bill exuded kindness and empathy; another huge UVic loss.
Brian and Mimi Harvey
Seattle
Robert(Bob) Thompson
October 7, 2023
First my sincere condolences to Veronica, her children & Gerry, Tim and Sue
and their immediate families. Bill & I became very good friends over the
years as one of his sons, Gerry, played hockey for me at the former Victoria
Minor Hockey Assn/Memorial Arena, now Save-On-Memorial Arena. I was also
fortunate to have taken a course with Bill while he was the Dean of Education.
He was a superb teacher and outstanding Dean, well respected on the UVIC
campus. Because of Bill I became a much better teacher later in my career. Enjoy
all the wonderful memories of a life well lived and yes.....ONE OF THE BEST. ([email protected])
Bob Gougeon
October 7, 2023
Bill and I worked together 40 (40!) years ago at UVic. I enjoyed the work and travel we did. I've often thought of him and the others in our offices - Ken, Dolores, Jeannie, and the good work we were able to do for Teaching.
My condolences to all of the family as well as to the profession. We've lost a good one.
Bob Gougeon
Coordinator of Elementary School Experiences
Faculty of Education (1980 - 1983)
Nanoose Bay
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