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William GARNER Obituary

GARNER, William John 1933 - 2012 Sadly Bill passed away very suddenly at home. He lived life to the fullest and shall be missed terribly by his family and friends. He leaves behind his loving wife Gloria Metzger, his three children of whom he was so proud, Deena (John) and Lisa (Tim) and Trent (Dina) and five grandchildren whom he adored Bria, Maren, Kiara, Dominik and Victoria and his sister, Betty Cottrell. Bill graduated from Normal School and went on to complete his degree at the University of Oregon on an athletic scholarship and completed a Master's degree there some years later. Bill was a respected educator in Victoria for over 36 years. He taught at Lansdowne Junior High and Victoria High School, was the principal of Central Junior High, Reynolds Secondary and Victoria High School and finished his career as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Greater Victoria School District. Bill touched so many lives throughout his career. It was near impossible to walk anywhere with Bill and not have someone come up to him and speak of his influence on their life. Bill gave freely of both his time and energy over many decades and was admired for his successful coaching career in both basketball and track and field. He was recently inducted into the University of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. He gave back to the community through his involvement with the United Way, the McPherson Foundation, Braefoot Athletic Association and as the starter for the Times Colonist Open. He loved golf and the friendships developed both on and off the course. He and Gloria had a passion for literally traveling the world together and with their friends. At Bill's request a Celebration of Life will be held at the Uplands Golf Club on Saturday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m. Bill felt one of his most treasured honours was the creation of the William Garner Leadership Award at Reynolds Secondary School. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this scholarship fund. Cheques can be made payable to the Greater Victoria School District William Garner Leadership Award and mailed to Financial Services, Greater Victoria School District, 556 Boleskine Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1E8.
Published by Victoria Times-Colonist from Jun. 5 to Jun. 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for William GARNER

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52 Entries

Maren Gray

March 19, 2013

I miss you Grandpa. I love you lots, and cherish the wonderful moments we spent together, and especially the dinners we had together just you and me. Love you lots, and I'll eat a tomato for you ?

mike hubbard

December 2, 2012

I'm sorry I never had a chance to know you. I pray and hope that Gods gentle spirit rest and comfort be with your loved ones at this time of grief.

Terry Marra

July 12, 2012

Mr Garner had a god given talent for dealing with students and people and it always showed. Our discussions are still vivid in my mind about whether soccer or basketball was the better game .I saw him last at our grad reunion (Class of 1976) and on the golf course a year later... and it was like I never left school. He appeared to remeber everyone he encountered..Very sad to hear of his passing.... Terry Marra

lorettachelini

June 20, 2012

What a loss, im very sad to hear this terrible news. I rememeber him so vividly at our grad reunion 5 years ago,, he commented how he heard my voice outside the venue and recalled it was the same as in high school a voice he will never forget,he made me laugh so much. He had such a huge magnificent presence about him, it will always be etched in my mind

June 16, 2012

Bill was a true Gentleman. Our dealings at the T.C. Open were always enjoyable even if we disagreed on some things. Our discussion over breakfast were quite educational. Bill was an extremely intelligent man, he will be so very missed. There will never be another like him.

Gary Kirk Victoria B.C.

John & Koko Carlson

June 15, 2012

Bill will truly be missed. We had great fun together!

Our warmest best wishes to his wife Gloria and his family.

June 14, 2012

Bill was such a special person. He brought joy into every room he entered and left us all with great memories of a life well lived.

Wendy Harris

Wendy Harris

June 14, 2012

Bill was such a special person. He brought joy into every room he entered and left us all with great memories of a life well lived.

Kevin Starling

June 12, 2012

My heart-felt sympathies to his family. As another of the many students at Reynolds, to say that he commanded respect was an understatement. As a teen, he was enormous in character. There were songs written about him. I will remember him as a good man who did his best to help guide our futures. Thank you, sir.

Ron Hampton (Class of '79)

June 12, 2012

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Garner's passing. He was an incredible educator and a true legend of a man. It was certainly my privelege to have known him and many memories of him will be with me forever. My sincere condolences to his family.

Robin Brayne

June 12, 2012

I was very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was larger than life in so many ways, and was a very special friend. My thoughts are with you, Gloria, during these difficult days.

Bruce Doig

June 11, 2012

Sorry to hear this news. Although Mr. Garner was on my case a lot (deservedly so, I would add), he led a wonderful group of educators and created an environment for students that allowed them to thrive. My condolences to his wife and family.

Karen Spencer (nee Lawrence) class of 79

June 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Garner's passing. I have some great memories of him from my time at Reynolds. I still have the lovely letter he sent to my parents just before I graduated, and I will never forget his kind words to me at grad . He was a great principal...

David McIntosh

June 11, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Garner's passing. I was at Central Junior High when he was there, and years later enjoyed his company at morning workouts at Henderson Rec Centre. He was a great educator and a good man. My condolences to Deena and the family.

Bob Overgaard

June 11, 2012

I will be ever grateful for the profound influence of Bill Garner on my life and career. His mentorship made many things possible, and I have tried in turn to follow his Talent Scout model over the years. My deepest condolences to Gloria and family.

jackie baker

June 11, 2012

so sorry to here of Mr Garner"s passing .. he will be surely missed

christine davenport

June 10, 2012

So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful principal of Reynolds where I went>He will be greatly missed

Christine Davenport (Victoria)

Susan Née Last

June 10, 2012

So sorry to hear of Mr. Garner's passing. I have fond memories of him through my years at Reynolds Secondary (75-80). He showed a tough shell, but he was a real compassionate person on the inside! He listened to his students with a fair and open mind (that in itself, was a caring Principal) Ms. Metzger, I do remember you, although I was never in any of your classes. Stay strong and hold your family close.

Ron martin

June 7, 2012

A great pitcher and a good friend, going back to our days on the Farmer Construction baseball team of years and years ago. Bill , you will be missed

Colin Quail

June 7, 2012

Gloria
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. My memories span the years of working with Bill to a warm friendship during his retirement. He will be missed by so many.

Dugan Doherty

June 7, 2012

Thanks Bill for being such a great guy - literally to everyone you touched.
You will be missed.
My thoughts are going to Aunt Gloria and family.

Boeing Quan

June 7, 2012

Mrs Garner and Family, I will always remember Bill for his humor and quick wit from my days at Central, to the time he gave me my first part time job, to all those times that he had mentored me. I have thought about him often and of the positive role model that he has been in my life. He will be missed but always remembered. Please accept my condolences.

Miriam Curtis

June 7, 2012

Dear Gloria and The Garner Family -
My heart goes out to you at this time of great loss. Bill was an amazing person and he always went far beyond his role as educator. He was my first "true mentor" and continued to encourage me long after I'd graduated. I will always remember him as “a big man with an even bigger heart!”
Warmly, Miriam Curtis - class of '78.

June 7, 2012

Yours has been a fulfilling life well lived Bill.
I can recall our times on basketball courts and baseball diamonds as well at Vic High.
Rest well.
Chue George Ing

Greg Doherty

June 7, 2012

I will remember Bill for many things, his zest for life, Cooking, Fines wines, Home grown tomatoes, and his love for Gloria. Nancy and I had hoped you would have made one more trip down to NZ, Happy Trails to you now Bill. Greg Doherty technically your nephew but you felt like a mate.

June 6, 2012

Our condolences to all the family. Our friendship with Bill was through Uplands Golf club and the memories are all fond ones. RIP Bill
Ray & Terri Elston, Parksville BC

Bill Hamilton

June 6, 2012

You can be assured Bill had a profound influence on the lives of many underachieving students. He challenged me to mend my ways in Grade 8 at Landsdowne Junior High 1955-56. I followed his example and completed 2 degrees at the University of Oregon, teaching Geography at Okanagan University College 1971-1999.

Bill Hamilton, Vernon, BC

John Horgan

June 6, 2012

My condolences to Gloria and the Garner family on the passing of a tremendous educator and individual. Bill had an extraordinary ability to steer wayward students back on track. His influence on my life was profound. He could have left me to my own devices but instead actively intervened and I will be forever grateful. Thank you Bill, you had an impact on so many and will be greatly missed. John Horgan, class of 77.

Nancy Doherty

June 6, 2012

Bill was a "larger than life" person. We always enjoyed our visits with Gloria and Bill. They were such a perfect match. In true to Bill form - when it was time to go he went. I am glad he did not "hang around" being unwell.

June 6, 2012

Mr. Garner's family - so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Garner played a huge role in me graduating. (I'm sure many others too). Had it not been for him introducing the 1/4 system to Reynolds along with his guidance & patience I would have left long before graduation. RIP Mr. Garner; take care Mrs. Metzger,
Mary Ready
Class of '75

Susie Jones

June 6, 2012

Dear "Uncle" Bill - so sad to hear this news. Bill had such a magical way with kids, his easy way with little people made them feel special and understood, I can attest. I have very fond memories of his smile, expressiveness and fun nature. My love and deepest sympathies to his family. - Susie Jones (Dave's daughter)

June 6, 2012

From my vice principal in grade 8 to a 20 year working relationship to good friend, Bill touched my life. I will not look at another tomato seedling without thinking of him and smiling. My heartfelt sympathy Gloria to you and the family. I know we will all miss him.
Helen Dalby

Linda Wharf

June 6, 2012

My condolences to Gloria, Betty and the Garner family. I remember my first day of Grade 8 at Reynolds School in 1973. Over the PA system, Mr. Garner called me to the office. He told me that I was not on the register for Reynolds and I should be attending Cedar Hill School. But with a twinkle in his eye he asked me if I played basketball (me being almost 6 feet tall!). I replied with a timid "yes"� and he said "no problem. I'll take care of it. You're in."� So ... I became a part of the most amazing girls' basketball dynasty at Reynolds until 1978 when I graduated. I'm sure there are thousands of stories out there from students who Mr. Garner supported, helped, or influenced along the way. A Victoria legend.

Jannine Ranniger (Richardson

June 6, 2012

Deena,

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Thinking of the many memories of Central Jr. Take care

June 6, 2012

Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Garner. He was my Grade 8 teacher at Lansdowne in '57-'58. We had a lot in common, baseball, so we got along really well. He will surely be missed. My condolences to the family.
Dave Murdoch

Cate Jones

June 6, 2012

I am so very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was a Rockland neighbour and friend to our family.
I consider myself very lucky to have been at Central during his tenure. He was a brilliant, creative, energetic and wonderful principal. I thrived under the quarter system he introduced. The system allowed me to take the courses which challenged me with the teachers who inspired me. He gave me the opportunity to excel. I always look back on my years at Central very fondly and Bill deserves a lot of credit for those positive memories.
Thank you Bill. RIP
Cate (formerly Cathy) Jones

Sandi (nee Mottishaw) Duncan

June 5, 2012

In 1966 Mr. Garner's invaluable coaching led the Vic High Totems basketball team to victory over their then "arch-rivals" Oak Bay High. His unending, enthusiastic support of the team was inspirational to me, as was his support and guidance in the classroom.

Corrinna George

June 5, 2012

Mr. Garner was the Principal at Reynolds during my grade 8 year. Even though it was just one year, I remember him as follows: a smile that would light-up the entire school; a genuine and keen interest for each student; soft spoken words of great meaning; AND, he was always the best dressed guy in the building!! Mrs. Metzger, I also remember you and am deeply sorry for your loss. Tomorrow morning I will share some fond memories of Mr. Garner with my class of grade 3 students.

Sheila Cooksey (Ewing)

June 5, 2012

I was surprised to realise that Mr Garner was only in his late 20's when I was in his Math class at Lansdowne Jr High in 1961. He once held the class spellbound while he went through the whole proof of Pythagoras theorem. I have always considered him to be the best teacher I ever had, and I had enormous respect for him. My sympathy to all his family.

Mark Waldie

June 5, 2012

As a recipient of the William Garner Leadership Award, I can say that his generosity helped further my education. My sincere condolences to the family.

Bria Gray

June 5, 2012

Grampa... your humour, sarcasm and wit coupled with your never ending support and encouragement will be hugely missed and fondly remembered. It is all too soon to have to say goodbye.
Gloria... My heart aches for you but please know you always have us to call your family... I will miss your and grampa's playful banter and our crazy family dinners... I love you very much and am here for you always...

June 5, 2012

A wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed by those of us who knew him and his sense of humour. Jim Carter (Vancouer)

Lucie Jackson ( Martins)

June 5, 2012

Mr Garner was principle at Reynolds when my niece passed away. He spoke so elequintly at her funeral, and was so appreciated by her family. He will be missed

David Sarginson

June 5, 2012

I can still remember him directing student traffic outside of his classroom at Lansdowne. I enjoyed having him as a teacher and was glad he got me through Grade 9 science. He will be well remembered by his former students. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Liane Ashmore

June 5, 2012

Bill was the principal when I was at Reynolds High School in the mid-70's. Fair, firm, honest, compassionate, a great listener who also had a wonderful sense of humour. RIP Mr Garner, you were one of the best teachers I had.

Bob Bullen

June 5, 2012

Mr. Garner was my Math instructor at Lansdowne in the mid-60's. He stands out as being one of the best teachers I ever had. He often comes to my mind when I think of my junior high experience. My sincere condolences to the family.

Matt Sutton

June 5, 2012

36 years after Reynolds High Scool Graduation, my hat goes off to Bill and his family one last time. He was a kind and giving man who had the rare ability to be teacher and friend without comromising either role. Good job Mr. Garner.

Lucie Jackson (Martins)

June 5, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Garner's family. My fondest memory of him was when he returned to be our guest speaker at our graduation ceremony after he retired. A unanimous vote over all other celebrity speakers, the class of 1980 we thrilled!! He will be missed!!!

Sue and Dave Mead

June 5, 2012

Gloria, we are so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Thoughts of times spent with him have always brought a smile or a chuckle. It was a privilege and a joy to have known him, both at work and at play. He has impacted so many lives in so many positive ways. He has made his mark on this world and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and friends.

June 5, 2012

Dave and I were very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour. He will be dearly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the family during this most difficult time.
Dave and Sue Paterson

Cathy Laycock

June 5, 2012

I remember Mr Garner quite well from Lansdowne Jr Secondary. He was always kind and easy to get along with. He treated kids with respect and therefore received that respect back. He would actually help me when things weren't going well with the principle at that time. He was very supportive. RIP Mr Garner, I still think of you even now after all these years. You will be greatly missed.

Wayne Banks

June 5, 2012

Very sad to hear of Mr.Garner's passing my condolences to his family.
I found Mr.Garner was a great Prncipal at Central Junior High and great leader of the school all students admired and respected Mr. Garner. He was very personable and a great mentor.

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Memorial Events
for William GARNER

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