It is with indescribable sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of William Robin Harlow Douglas (Bill) on September 8, 2019, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, 1-month shy of his 75th birthday. Bill leaves his wife Melanie, daughter Samantha (Jarrod), son Ben (Becci) and his four grandchildren, Ava, Evyn, Rachael and Ollie.
We cannot convey the enormity of the empty space he has left behind. His integrity, trust, respect, and love were the cornerstones of our family. He had a quiet but expansive heart and always a wide-open mind. He was one of a kind, an exemplary, gentle, smart, caring man who loved well and was well-loved. Bill dedicated his working life to public service, from representing his much-loved local community of Willis Point to his work in Emergency Operation Management with the World Health Organization.
There will be no formal service at this time.
In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family would greatly appreciate contributions to the Willis Point Volunteer Fire Department (WPVFD), 6933 Willis Point Rd. Victoria, BC V9E 2A1.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Louise Mercer
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John Gray Elizabeth and my deep condolences to Melanie and family. Bill was not only a very fine person but a great “boss” to work for and with. His dedication to the cause of people with severe mental illness was an inspiration. He will be sorely missed.
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Peter Durrant Dear Melanie and Family.
I was so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you Melanie and your family. I remember working with Bill at the Ministry of Health – he was always so cool, calm and collected even when things were pretty crazy. I am hoping all of your happy memories of Bill will help carry you through this very difficult time.
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Louise Robinson Melanie, I was stunned to get your email with the very sad news of Bill’s death. I know that you have the support of your loving family and friends . . . this will be of solace during this time of incredible grief. My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Tamara I can not even begin to imagine the hole Bill’s passing has left in the hearts of his family. I am forever indebted to him for his wise council and home truths served sympathetically as I have navigated a consulting career in Emergency Management. More than a tremendous source of knowledge and experience, he was a true ally to those he believed in and always available for advice and support. The world is better for having had him in it.
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Ramesh S. Krishnamurthy Bill was an extraordinary man with exceptional mind and a the courage and commitment to sincerely make this world a better place. His work toward strengthening the emergency operations centers around the world will have a long lasting positive impact. May peace be with him and all those who loved and cared for him.
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Joel Myhre Godspeed to the Douglas Family as Bill was truly an iconic mentor to so many across the global humanitarian continuum. He is missed dearly and his life saving brilliance has made this world a better place – Joel @ Pacific Disaster Center
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Jian It was a shock to learn that Bill has left us. Bill is such a great person — he is professional, conscientious, knowledgeable, reliable, and with deep humility as an expert(he was an advisor to WHO/EOC-NET and played a fundamental role in its development); he is caring, kind hearted, thoughtful and trustworthy as a friend. Bill will missed by many of us in WHO and around the world.
Sincere condolences to Melanie and the family…
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Bill and Sheryl Fletcher Dear Melanie and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you upon the passing of Bill. He was a person of real substance. Bill will be remembered in the many hearts and minds he touched personally and professionally.
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Alan Campbell Melanie and Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Bill’s death, truly a great loss to our community-at-large as well as you his family. Memories of working together in Mental Health Services at the Ministry of Health all those years ago still make me smile, as he so often did himself with that trademark quick and gentle wit.
May your memories of Bill buoy your spirits at this difficult time.
Alan Campbell
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Nancy Denofreo Melanie and family,
Wanted to reach out to you at this time. Bill was a kind, generous man with a delightful sense of humour.
I have many wonderful memories of the two of you. You’re in my thoughts.
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Derek Rand Melanie and family, I am incredibly sorry to hear about Bill. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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Nerys Hughes Melanie, I am so very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was such a gentle and compassionate man. I enjoyed working with Bill back in the day at MoH. My heart goes out to you and the family. Take care!
Nerys
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Ronald St. John I was very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill and I worked together for many years when he was associated with the Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response. I considered him to be a pioneer in emergency management, an outstanding public health professional and a great colleague and friend.
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Larry Bredesen Melanie. Sherrie and I were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have very fond memories of my opportunity to work with Bill in the Emergency Management field, and of his thoughtful, insightful contribution to the field and kind support to his colleagues. His contributions were significant, and our world is a better place because of his presence. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Paul Bill truly had a beautiful mind. The impact of his work in health emergency management will live on for decades. Many of us will cherish the memories of not just the work together but the moments of sharing a glass of good scotch and pontificating after pulling off what we referred to as our suicide missions. Oh, the great moments we shared. I cannot say how much he will be missed.
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Eric Sergienko Melanie, thanks for sharing Bill with us. His passion & thoughtfulness in mentoring and his thoroughness in his work will all be missed. I don’t have enough words to express the loss.
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Mary Bruce Oh Melanie, my heart aches for you and your family. There are no words that can comfort you now, but my hope for you is that the outpouring of love and memories from those who knew and loved the wonderful man Bill was will bring you some solace in the days ahead. With loving thoughts and prayers, Mary
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Ray and Delia Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Melanie and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Bill.
Hugs,
Ray and Delia
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Kim Eden Melanie and family – my heart is so sad and I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss.
Melanie: Watching you and Bill together was like watching a professional dance couple. The way you two held each other, even without touching, your witty banter, your core-feeling friendship – like dancers you just seemed to know where the other person was, knew what the other person needed and would be exactly where the other person was. I always watched you both with such joy.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
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Chris and Jan Norman We are very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a caring and intelligent person and we enjoyed his company. Our thoughts are with you and family.
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Helen Gillespie Our sincere sympathy to Melanie and all of the family. We are thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
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Helen Waddell Dear Melanie and family
Bill was an exceptional person in so many ways. it was a pleasure to know him and call him our friend. We are deeply saddened by his death, and send you our love. You are all in our hearts and thoughts. Helen and Harvey
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Julia, Mandy and the Sigma Squared Team Our hearts are with you and your family. Sending so much love your way of a ton of hugs xoxo
Melanie & Family – So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be remembered for his gentleness and kindness by so many who had the good fortune to know him. My heart goes out to you and your family.