William Sampson McQUAID

McQUAID, William Sampson (Bill)
was born in Southey, Saskatchewan, June 8, 1923 and taken from us as a result of an accident April 26, while vacationing in Spain with Marie, his best friend and beloved wife of 52 years. Our memories of Bill are filled with the many legacies he leaves behind. For us, his children, his greatest gift of all is the large and inseparable family that are gathered to remember his life. Wendy (Chris), Bruce (Hettie), Brian (Pat), Bill (Katie) and Kathleen (Terry); grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Jonathan & Emily; Sarah, Meghan & Sean; Courtney & Kyle; Cody & Luke and the many, many friends who have become family over the years and whose kindness and support are helping us through this difficult time. Dad's devotion to giving back to society and the community began with his joining the Royal Canadian Navy as a young officer on the corvette ;Oakville during the Second World War. He served with distinction throughout the duration of the war. He moved to Vancouver in 1946 and began a long and successful career in the investment industry. Eventually evolving into his own firm, William S. McQuaid & Associates, carrying on business in the field of mergers and acquisitions. Even after attempting to retire, he continued to work on special projects for friends until he was suddenly taken from us. Bill did a masterful job of balancing his family time with his charity work and business endeavors. Among his many charitable activities, which began with the YMCA and included the CNIB, United Way and Vancouver Community College, he truly cherished his involvement with the British Columbia Children's Hospital, which began in 1978. As Chairman of both the hospital board and the Children's Hospital Foundation, he was also a founding influence in the creation of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon and other fundraising events that have raised millions of dollars over the years. He helped bring special life to the Hospital which has become a vibrant, world class institution. Bill will be remembered for his many good works and his honesty and integrity as a business leader in Vancouver for over 50 years. His family will remember a man whose heart knew no bounds. His kindness, generosity and humor inspired two generations and Bill and Marie's home created an extended family that far exceeded the five children they raised together. For the many generations that will not have the opportunity to meet ;Poppa, they will at least know him through the legacy he leaves behind. Our lives are enriched simply by having been touched by this great and good man. Memorial Service will be held at West Vancouver United Church at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2000. In celebration of Bill's life, the McQuaid family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of Dad's main passions, the British Columbia Children's Hospital.