Bill passed away very peacefully on March 19, 2021. He leaves behind his loving wife Jan, having shared 49 years of marriage. Bill leaves behind his two daughters, Debbie and Leslie Chisholm and his step-daughter Lynn Pendergast, all from a previous marriage.
He served with the RCMP, Calgary and the Saanich Police Dept. from 1951 until his retirement in 1990. Bill was a strong advocate of community policing. Highlights of his career included along with fellow police officer, Don Hanson the organization of the Calgary Safety Roundup TV program and the Calgary School Patrol Band and Drill Team. Serving on the Saanich Police Force, he organized and hosted “Cablevision’s You and the Law” program. He created the “S.P.O.T.” club (Saanich Police Organization of Teens), plus the “Victoria Police Chorus”. Bill was the founding member of “The Village Squires Barbershop Chorus”. He sang for many years with “The Totem Tones” Barbershop Quartet donating to charities. In his later years, he promoted and played old-timer hockey enjoying the exercise and fellowship. Gardening was one of his favourite pastimes, supplying his wife with perfect homegrown produce. Daily exercise was also a priority in his life, competing in two marathons and bike riding until he was 89 years old.
This man’s energy and enthusiasm made a positive impact on many people.
There will be no service at Bill’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations to “Cops for Cancer Tour De Rock” https://www.tourderock.ca/
may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
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Ian Parsons
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Anda Sperlins- Teal Jan,
I was so sad to read this. Although it has been many years, my memories are of such a loving and lovely man. I send you my very deepest condolences. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Love,
Anda
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Bruce and Fawn Clarke We are sorry for Bills passing . We enjoyed talking to him as he walked by the house. He always had a big smile .
With deepest sympathies to Jan and family .
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Marjorie Kerrison (Draper) I was a member of The Calgary School Patrol Band form 1960 to 1964. It was wonderful to read about Constable Chisholm’s extraordinary and exemplary life, which he definitely lived to the fullest.
We all had a crush on him and he was so fun to be around and truly lifted our spirits continuously, to say the least! We all learned so much from him.
What an outstanding life he led!
We were so very fortunate to be a recipient of such and “extra milers” energy and selfless efforts. He was always so optimistic and cheeringly gave a lot of himself to all of our band members. He was there for every practice and every road trip, parade and performance and even for special trips to Ottawa and Vancouver.
We were a very poor family raised by a single mother of four children. I was able to have such enriching and enjoyable experiences because of his service that nowise I would have ever been able to have. I have so much gratitude to Constable Chisholm’s for his positive influence in my life. He was far more than just handsome!
I have vivid memories of him standing at the front of our various greyhound buses leading us in such a variety of fun road trip songs. My kids and grandchildren love to sing them too!
Here’s to a fond farewell to our dear Constable Chisholm!
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Dave/ Deanna MacDonald Our condolences to you, we are thinking of you.
Dave and Deanna MacDonald
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Benni Chisholm Dear Jan,
Thanks to our mutual friend from Calgary, Merritt and I met you and Bill in North Saanich. It was a lucky day for us because a lovely friendship developed. Tree cutting, gardening, and fun parties were part of our activities together. We cherish our memories with you two and wish all the best for you. Bill is probably smiling and starting a singing group beyond the beyond.
Hugs, Benni Chisholm
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Jill & Norm Christman Bill & I were fellow Calgary City Police officers. Bill was well known in Calgary for his community policing and he brought that expertise with him to Saanich Police Dept. After Bill moved to Saanich, I followed, and he was instrumental in helping me join S.P.D It was a pleasure working alongside of Bill. He was an extraordinary officer & person, and brought credit to Saanich Police Dept. Bill will not be forgotten.
Our condolences to Jann & family.
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Ian Hadfield Jan and family
We are so sorry to read of the passing of Bill. So many wonderful get togethers through the 70s and 80s full of laughter and at the time we thought wisdom. Bill always was so wonderful with our sons and we were so grateful when he gave Michael driving lessons. Bill always had that wonderful smile and such a calm presence. The last time I spoke with him he was riding an excercise bike and working out at Panorama as fitness was always a priority with Bill. Often we would visit your home and leave with fantastic produce from Bill’s wonderful garden.
A really good man!
Sincerest condolences.
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Andrea Toulgoet-Oram It sure looks to have been a full life of giving. I was a member of The Calgary School Patrol Band and Drill Team at Stanley Jones School while in junior high. All the teachings, guidance and efforts of Bill, Don and all the rest, I feel, came at just the right time of our youth and played a role in shaping us all into decent people. Bill took time from his personal life not just to teach us at weekly practices but to travel with us to Ottawa for the National School Patrol gathering, to Vancouver for the Grey Cup, to Kelowna for the Regatta, as well as trips each summers to Alberta towns for their parades. He was always marching along at our side with words of encouragement and praise at these and the Stampede parade. We owe him and thank him for so much.
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Paul BENSON Jan we are sorry to hear about Bill. We will always have fond memories of him and the “beach bum” years. I still smile when I think about the Christmas Tree light fiasco that went on for a few years! Our thoughts are with you. Paul and Linnette.
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Jim Arnold Sincere condolences Jan and family. I have many great memories of our time together in the Department.
May knowing that others share your loss, bring you some comfort.
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Jennifer Wells Dear Debbie and family, I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Sending you love from Victoria. Jennifer Wells (Debbie Robinson’s daughter) xo
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Heather McDonald I was sorry to read in the newspaper of the passing of your husband/father. You don’t know me but Mr. Chisholm, through the Totem Tones, was instrumental in providing the first hearing aid for my son, Robert. At the time I told him that one day we would meet up again so that Rob could thank him. This did occur a few years later when I recognized Mr. Chisholm in a restaurant. I will always remember and be grateful for your husband/fathers’ contribution to my son’s development.
I pray that Gods’ strength and blessings be yours at this time.Heather McDonald
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Karyn French Our hearts go out to all of Bill’s family. Bill was a kind and wonderful man who took great pride in his work, personal endeavours and family. I have so many memories of the fun times…sleepovers with Debbie, being part of SPOT, watching Bill slay those skis at Shawnigan Lake and Deep Cove. Bill, Bob and wives had the best parties, the photos from those still bring a smile to my face. It is these memories of Bill that I will cherish. Hold your memories close.
With sympathy
Karyn French and Bob Peterson
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Donna Robinson Constable Chisholm, as he was then in 1960, led our Calgary Safety Patrol and Band, (Stanley Jones School) and every one of us found him to be a wonderful and kind leader, always with the biggest smile and encouraging word. Through the years, from a ‘kid’ of 13 years in grade 7, I had not forgotten him. One does not forget such an extraordinary and generous-spirited officer. With sympathy to his wife and family.
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Derek Egan Sincere condolences to Jan and to Bill’s entire family on his passing. I have good memories of working with Bill over the years. He made a very positive contribution to his community and will be remembered fondly and with respect by family, friends and colleagues alike.
Derek and Marcia Egan
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Lydia and Tom Dagg Jan
We were very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He will me missed.
We first knew Bill relative to old timers hockey. He was a guiding light in the early days of establishing the Sidney Rereads Hockey Club and played many enjoyable years with the club.
We are thinking of you and your family.
With warm regards.
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Cliff and Pat Coulter Jan:
When we think of you and Bill a big smile comes to our faces. Remembering all the spaghetti, barbecue sparerib, etc.dinners with all the laughs and good times we shared. We are sad that Bill has passed, but are grateful for the times we enjoyed together.May the Magic of Your Memories
Heal Your Broken Heart.Cliff and Pat Coulter
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Allan Jacques Heartfelt condolences to Jan and family. In 1968, Bill was the founding member of the Victoria Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. In Bill’s active days of singing with us, the Chorus was known as the Victoria Village Squires, and we are currently known as South Island Harmony.
Bill was an icon, a leader, friend of all who met him, and well known for engaging the Chorus in community outreach activities. And, he could really sing! He was especially well known for singing Lead in the well-known and well-loved Totem Tones quartet.
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Shannon Noyce I was so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I have many fond memories of him when he and Jan lived next door to my parents. I can still see his tanned face and big smile in his garden and the flowers were always so beautiful, and he was always generous with sharing what he grew. I used to see him riding his bike in the neighbourhood and enjoyed his company on the beach with the other neighbours. Sending strength to Jan and family
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Brad Trace Hello Jan and family. I was sad to see your “Sweet William’s” obit Jan. Wish we could turn the clock back 30 years. Never had such an enjoyable time as sitting on the beach with my fellow beach bums. That ‘Bunny Bus” I’m supposed to drive is getting smaller all the time. Miss you and hope to see you again.You’re always welcome at our place. If you are in our neighborhood make yourself known. Our condolences …..,
Brad and Linda Trace
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Carol-ann Rolls Chisholm Family,
I offer my sincere condolences to you. I was a youngster who was in Saanich School Patrol and Cst Bill was the officer who supported program at Hampton School. Under his guidance, we won many awards as a “smart troop”. As a teen who attended the SPOT dances, Sgt Chisholm was a mentor and role model to many youth. I connected with Sgt Chisholm over time in the community. He was Community Policing before it was more widely adopted. Many years later, I become an RCMP Auxiliary Cst and used what I had learned from him in my role as school liaison officer.I also lead school patrols and was the civilian Manager of out Crime Prevention programs for 17 years. “When you make a difference in the life of a child, you have truly succeeded” – thank you Sgt Chisholm. May you continue to cast a bright light to us.
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Jean-Claude "JC".Faubert My sincere sympathies.He was a good guy,always with a smile,I had the chance to play hockey with him for many years
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Garry Kilgour Lynn and Garry Kikgour
Our condolences to Jan and the family. I have so many fond memories of our days working together on B Platoon. Bill was a great boss and a kind person who always represented the police department with distinction. We shared a love of hockey and talked often about it. I will miss him especially at the Retreads annual Christmas Hockey Tournament.
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Felice Iorio Jan and Family
I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, we would talk about hockey when I would occasionally see him at the gym
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Pat Sinclair Lynn and Laura
I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. My most heartfelt sympathies to you both as well to Debbie and Leslie. Take good care at this difficult time.
Pat Sinclair
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robert clifford I was sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of your father and my friend. He acomplished a lot of things in his life especially for the community.
I ha thepleasure of bumping elbows with him on the ice, and he didn’t arrest me .Ha! Ha!I also had family in the force.
I wish you and all the family the very best for the futureBest Regards Your friend Rob Clifford
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Steve Merriman Dear Jan. So sorry for your loss of Bill . Many happy memories of him . Always a pleasure to spend time with . Enjoyed playing hockey with and against Bill over the years . Steve & Ann Merriman
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Nicola Furlong Dear Jan and family,
I was very saddened to learn of Bill’s death. His involvement in the Sidney Retreads’ Hockey Club was invaluable and I greatly enjoying playing the game with him. He was always energetic, kind and tanned—the latter adding extra brilliance to his amazing and welcoming smile. A true and good old-fashioned gentlemen, both on and off the ice. In the last few years, I’ve been fortunate to maintain our friendship, catching up with him on occasion—that smile!—when we met while biking. My thoughts are with you, Jan, and your family. I will miss your dear Bill.
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Bob & Pat Thiessen Jan,
We are sorry for your loss.
We wish you well in the future.
Bob and Pat
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Edith Brown Dear Jan
I was very sorry to learn of Bill’s death in the Times Colonist today.
My sincere sympathy.
Edith Brown.
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Donna Jean & Bryce Lundeen Bill will be missed by all who knew him. As well as a tireless, influential community-oriented advocate of law enforcement, our friend Bill was a wealth of experience and dedication in establishing the “Retreads” Old Timer Hockey Club on the Saanich Peninsula. The obituary only scratches the surface of his accomplishments.
We wish Jan and family many happy memories.
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Hugo Ross Jan and family
Judi and I will never forget Bill’s moving participation in the memorial celebration of my my mother’s life – Dorothy Ross – followed shortly thereafter by Alan’s. We still delight in sharing the story of Bill’s hugging of Mom, and Dad’s surprise, when they unknowingly rang the doorbell at 824 Darwin Avenue while looking for a house to purchase in Victoria – a house which they bought and cherished. His retention of the Grade 5 autograph book signed by his teacher, (Mom), so long ago in Prince Albert was amazing and ever so touching. We hope that these memories will bring a smile to your face.
Hugo and Judi Ross, Duncan, BC
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Daphne Goode Dearest Jan and family of Bill Chisholm. I was so very sorry to read about Bill’s passing however I was heartened to read of his very full life. I am not at all surprised that he maintained good physical health and continued to enjoy music and gardening until the end of his life. I was a camera operator on “You and the Law” when Bill hosted and produced the show for Victoria Cablevision. He was a fantastic ambassador for policing and a major force in bringing community together with the police. He was always a most enthusiastic person with the Victoria Police Chorus and Barbershop groups, I remember well. And, that smile!!! I won’t forget it. I am sure you will all treasure your beautiful memories of Bill, as I know I will. We were fortunate to have Bill in Victoria for as long as we did…he brightened many lives!
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Bill Bell Jan and Family
I have some distant but very fond memories
of Bill. Especially his spirit for life in the many ways he lived it. I am sure the many memories you hold will keep him forever close.
Sincerest condolences.
Bill Bell
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Margaret Ottewell Jan and family,
So sorry to read of Bills passing.
Until Covid appeared I was able to enjoy short visits with Bill
at the Gym, he always had a warm welcoming smile.
margaret ottewell
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ROBERT CAWSEY My condolences Jan and family. Bill was truly a wonderful human being. Kind, caring and giving with a great zest for life. I was fortunate to have Bill as a fellow police officer, a boss and a friend. He made a very positive difference during his life and he will be missed.
Rob and Nancy Cawsey
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Lorna Dall I was one of the students in the Calgary school patrol program and remember Officer Chisholm because of his leadership in that program. He was a good man.
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Sharon Pendergast Dear Lynn and Laura, Thoughts are with you. So sorry for your loss.
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Brian Leah I remember Bill from his days at Saanich police department and with the Greater Victoria Police Chorus. Bill’s smile could light up the room and he was a true police ambassador. Rest in peace Bill.
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Ed Stang I remember CST Bill, coming to Renfrew School in the mid 50s. Although I was a bit afraid of the police, I knew that CST Bill was one of the good guys. I eventually joined the Calgary Police Force. My condolences to friends and family! RIP CST Bill!
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Keith Reimer Constable Chisholm came to Lakehill School in the 60’s for School Safety Patrol and later for S.P.O.T. dances at Reynolds High School in the 70’s, I believe. I never knew that he had previously served with Calgary Police. He left a lasting impression with me and I have to believe that he had some influence on my choice to become a police officer. I proudly served with Calgary Police for 26 years and often thought of him over those years. Thank you Bill for being such a wonderful role model for me and so many others. Rest in Peace my friend.
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Colin Newell Bill was a regular visitor to Royal Oak Elementary when I was there as a kid in the 1960’s – he was considered a rock star of community policing – looked up to and respected by all of us kids.
I will never forget Bill and the positive energy he brought to every community.
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Bill Turner I was so fortunate to have Bill as my Sergeant in the community and traffic division of Saanich Police. A very fine person indeed.
Bill and I met through the Canadian Police College in 1977. We developed a strong rapport and friendship that lasted up until his passing. Bill’s interpersonal skills were unmatched in any setting. He was repected by both superiors and peers. Although we only saw each other on rare occasions over the years, our bond held and when we got together it was as if no time had passed. His strong efforts in the field of police community relations brought much to the craft. I will miss him but I am the richer for having known this fine man.