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.