It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Waters on November 25, 2010. After enjoying a snowy morning out in his yard, he passed away suddenly during a nap in his chair.
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Bill moved to Vancouver in 1969 with his wife, Joanne having just completed his PhD at the University of Wisconsin. He joined the Faculty of Economics at the University of British Columbia and spent 34 productive years in both the Economics and Commerce Faculties with a specialization in Transport Economics. In the field of Transportation studies, Bill was widely published and regularly consulted for his expertise by government and private industry alike.
Outside of professional life, Bill lived life to the fullest. He was a loving and wise father to Wendy and Eric and more recently an enthusiastic Grandpa to Ella, Alex, Megan and Zadie.
He was also a man of many hobbies that came and went through different phases of life. As a youngster, he enjoyed activities such as hunting, camping and drag racing which morphed into a lifelong love for tinkering with his dream car, a ’63 Austin Healey. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, as well as both cross country and downhill skiing. He also devoted considerable passion toward target shooting and ice hockey with the UBC Old Birds.
Bill was an avid traveler. This was evident through sabbaticals to England, as well as several to Australia during his professional life. Upon retirement, he and Joanne tried to fit in as many adventures as possible throughout North America in their motor home.
Bill was much loved by his family and was fortunate to have forged many strong friendships that he valued deeply. He will be sorely missed by all.
As per Bill’s wishes, there will be no funeral but true to his Irish roots, a wake is to be held soon.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation: http://www.heartandstroke.bc.ca
