Bill SMILEY

With great sadness we announce the passing on March 5, 2024, at age 87 years, of Bill Smiley of Nanaimo, BC. Bill was born January 7, 1937 in Manitoba and was brought westward to Vancouver while still a young child. After high school, he completed a Diploma of Education in the late 50’s and then taught in Richmond for eight years. In 1967 he and his wife Dana moved to Nanaimo where they raised their family. Over the next 27 years he taught elementary grades and transitioned from teacher to school administrator. Education was important to Bill, not only in teaching but also in learning; he completed a Bachelor of Education from UBC to increase his skills and then a Masters of Education from San Diego State University. Not only an intellect, Bill was also an active man, gardening, camping, fishing, skiing, curling, and golfing; so active that he played hockey into his mid-70s. In addition to his family, Bill Smiley will be remembered by many former students, his colleagues, his friends, and his hockey buddies to whom he was known at their weekly coffee gatherings as “Twenty Dollar Bill”.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday April 28th 2pm. at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvrd.  Nanaimo BC. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Bill’s name to Parkinson Canada or to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation.

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