|
Obituary
Fowler, William
1930-2015
Bill loved to play. From the basketball court to the annual egg rolling contest, in his paintings and seen in the twinkle of his eye, he made everyone feel included in the fun.
The Fowler family now wishes to celebrate a life well-lived. Bette, Bill's beloved wife of 57 years, his sister Betty (Klaus Bausch), his children Nancy (Mike Brown), Susan (Andy Macpherson), and Greg (Pamela Millar), his grand-children Michael, Justin (Nicole), Tyler (Ashley Brush), Andre, Emily (Bill Sutton), Jacob, Devlin, Quinn, Declan, and Henry, his great grand-children Posey, Benson, and Ethan are deeply saddened, yet filled with peace that their inspiration has passed on to play a new game, joining his parents, his brother Jack, and sister-in-law Reta.
Born August 9, 1930, Bill lived his 85 years with passion, intention, and a twinkle in his eye. He died peacefully in his sleep August 30, 2015 at Wentworth Lodge in Dundas, where he received the best of care from the loving staff there. Bill accepted his dementia with grace and held on to his loving spirit. Never angry, he patiently communicated his love for his wife, visitors, and caregivers through a tight hand hold, a wink, or a knowing glance through his beautiful eyes.
Bill is a celebrated McMaster basketball coach and athletic hall of famer. He retired from McMaster as director of the School of Physical Education. In his time, Bill developed the program of Play and Recreation, was selected nationally as an outstanding university professor, and chaired many professional and scholarly committees. He was a board member of Hamilton/Burlington YMCA, Geneva Park YMCA, and helped manage such renowned sporting events as the International Children's Games, Ontario Goodwill Games for the Disabled, Pre-Olympic basketball trials, Pan-American Games and Commonwealth Games proposals, Hamilton Tiger-Cats Athletic Foundation, and The Hamilton Skyhawk Basketball Club. He was a proud member of the Provincial Parks Advisory Council and an often sought expert in recreation, play and sport.
Bill’s loving and generous spirit will be appropriately celebrated in his beloved McMaster University Burridge Gymnasium in the Ivor Wynne Centre – 1280 Main Street, West (enter via Sterling Street entrance), on Sunday, September 13, 2015. Visitation from 12pm-2pm, followed by a Celebration of Bill’s Life at 2pm. Arrangements are entrusted to BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME– 1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington (905.527.0405).
Please sign the online Guestbook and visit "Contribute" for information on memorial donations.
Donations can be made to McMaster University and will be directed to support Athletic Financial Awards or to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka in Support of Geneva Parks Program and Experiences or to the Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning.
|
| Jim Dowling (Colleague) |
|
Entered
from Dundas
|
My first encounter with Bill is one I will never forget. I was sitting at my desk at Concordia University when the phone rang. The voice at the other end was excited, "Jimmy! You don't know me but I am the Director of Phys. Ed. at McMaster and I am wondering what it will take to get you to move from Montreal to Hamilton."
It was that casual, folksy style that endeared Bill to everyone. He was a main reason for me coming to Mac and I wished I could have worked with him for many more years. I am sure he is greatly missed by all those who were closer to him than I was and my best wishes go to those who must now live without him.
Thanks for the memories, Bill!
James J. Dowling, Ph.D. |
| Kathy sisetski (Friend) |
|
Entered
from Hamilton
|
Mom and I are very sorry to hear of your loss
I will always remember my time at Geneva Park with your family and the basketball games at Mac.
I remember Mr Fowler as a kind gentleman who taught me baseball and basketball as a child
Our deepest condolences,
Kathy and Ethel Sisetski |
| George Steplock (Friend) |
|
Entered
from Waterdown
|
| Friend, mentor and colleague. A void in this world has been created ! You will be missed and never replaced ! With love and respect. George |
| Lois Alexander & Phyllis Robinson(Alexander (Friend) |
|
Entered
from Waterloo
|
Dear Bette and family
Bill will always be remembered as a very kind, gentle and caring person. He was a true life long friend to Doug. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Lois and Phyllis |
| George & Margaret Edrupt (Friend) |
|
Entered
from Burlington
|
Remembering our happy years on Sunrise Crescent.
George & Margaret |
| Jim Murray (Other) |
|
Entered
|
I played under Bill’s extraordinary tutelage in the mid-sixties and, as team captain for three years, had the good fortune to sit with him at the front of the bus on some long, late-night road trips. While “the court” was his primary focus, my life has been the beneficiary of his counsel, ethics and passion. From the Drill Hall to the new Complex, Bill was a father to an orphan. We didn’t win a lot in those days but Bill’s mantra had more to do with process than outcome. A part of him will always be with me. (Bette – I can’t be there on the 13th as I will be on the east coast but please know that your devotion to Bill has been an inspiration.)
– Dr. Jim Murray, Mac ’68 |
|
