Frederick William "Bill" Conconi

Frederick William "Bill" Conconi obituary, Victoria, BC

Frederick Conconi Obituary

CONCONI, Frederick William (Bill) June 4, 1941 - May 21, 2022 It is with sadness that the family of Bill announces his peaceful passing at SPH Palliative Unit following 18 months of wonderful care provided by his physician Dr. S. Djearam, Victoria Cancer Agency Oncologists Dr. J Rauw and Dr. S Parimi and staff, and the doctors and staff of the SPH Palliative Care unit. Bill was born in Flin Flon, MB and moved to Victoria at the age of four. His father was in the navy and his mother bought property on Tanner Road. In 1968, he and wife Ellie, moved to this home where he grew up and where he lived till his death. Following graduation from Mt Newton High School Bill completed his 4-year apprenticeship as a machinist at the Dockyard, worked there for 2 years, then at United Engineering, Crofton, and then following a 3-month drafting course worked for Mackay Cormack Shipyards until it closed. It was then time for serious decision making, and he chose to peruse an education degree. Teaching and working with youth were his passion. He spent his whole teaching career (1971-2002) at Mt. Douglas, teaching industrial arts in the beginning and then Social Studies, History, Outdoor Education and Leadership in later years. Bill always believed every student had promise and potential in contributing to their community and this world given time, a little patience and guidance along the way. Outside of the classroom he co-sponsored the Mt. Doug Outdoor Club, coached rowing, worked with the student council and graduation committee, chaperoned school trips to France and supported any school activity that required teacher presence. He was instrumental in the inception of the Canadian Student Leadership Association and was the Executive Director of the organization until 2016. Due to his deep connection to Navy, he put together a program called the Oriole Adventure Challenge that saw students from across Canada spend 5 days aboard HMCS Oriole to experience and witness leadership and team building firsthand. Accolades from students, fellow teacher, advisor, and friends of the CSLA spoke of him as "a mentor, a man of integrity, human decency, generosity, and an unending belief in the power and promise of our youth, once given the chance to thrive". The Bill Conconi bursary has been established by CSLA and is awarded to a student in recognition of their outstanding achievement and contribution to leadership in their secondary school and community. Bill's passion for yachting started as a Sea Cadet. He was Commanding Officer with the local Rainbow Sea Cadet Core, Commanding Officer Esquimalt summer camp, and Administrative Officer Quadra summer camp. In 1978, he and Ellie joined the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Again, Bill became totally engaged and served on the Executive Committee, was the Commodore, served as Swiftsure Chair for 17 years, was made an Honourary Life Member and served as Honourary Commodore for 6 years, and continued to be an advisor and a member of various committees until his death. He loved to cruise the Pacific Northwest, especially the west coast of Vancouver Island, the central coast and Haida Gwaii and to share his experiences and knowledge with anyone interested in exploring those areas. Bill's service to his community, province, and country included involvement in Victoria Tall Ships Society, Victoria Foundation, President of the Naval Association of Canada - Vancouver Island Branch, President of Naval Association of Canada, President of the Princess Louisa International Society. He received a Gold Award for "exemplary achievement in service to the N.A.C. and Canada". Despite his involvement with different organizations, family came first, and he usually found a way to work around any time constraints to be with his family. He was truly loved and respected by his family as he was always ready to give a smile, hug, and sage advice. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Flo Conconi, he leaves his wife Ellie of 56 years, his daughter Margaret (Diarmaid), grandsons Eamonn and Suibhne, siblings Arlene, Bob (Diane), Dave, sister-in-laws Carol and Dianne, nieces Katie (Christian), Tori (Karlee), Rachel (Brian), Julie (Dallas), Carla (Dana), nephews Alex (Lauren), Adam (Maria), Alan, Brian(Tammy), Nick (Jen), Kevin (Farlee), BJ (Jamie), 5 grandnieces and 6 grandnephews (the youngest William born May 15/22) and several cousins in BC, Manitoba and California. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on August 14 @ 2pm at RVYC. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Victoria Foundation RVYC Fund for purchasing of RS Quest dinghies for use by families: www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/rvyc-fund Princess Louisa International Society: www.princesslouisa.bc.ca or the Canadian Student Leadership Association: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-association-of-student-activity-advisors/campaign/bill/

Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jun. 4 to Jun. 6, 2022.

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Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Conconi

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21 Entries

Mr. Conconi taught me in high school at Mt Doug in the '90's. I am now in my '40's, living in Calgary, AB, and think of Mr. Conconi at least once a week. I now teach in post-secondary and would like to think that Mr. Conconi had a hand on this. I am very sad to hear of his passing and I regret that I never got in touch sooner. Please know that his legacy does indeed still live on in the hearts and minds of his former students. With love, Ashley Holloway (nee Vant).

Ashley Holloway

Other

September 2, 2022

Mr. Conconi was one of my most treasured teachers during my time at Mt. Doug (2000-2002), and I am heartbroken to learn of his passing. He was my leadership teacher, and his teachings have benefitted me throughout my adult life. He took our leadership class on an exchange to New Brunswick in 2001, an incredibly memorable trip.

Rest well, Mr. Conconi. Love to his wife and family.

Ashley King

School

August 4, 2022

Bill the bell rang for you but I did not hear it. I am so sorry for that and I will not meet you again.
In spite of the thousands kilometers between B.C. and France I learned to know and appreciate you,
both in school and personal trips.
Ellie words are but words, yet Christine and I send you lots of love and sympathy. We think and will think of you. Be strong.

Wilfrid & Christine

August 3, 2022

My deepest sympathy for the passing of Bill. I have very fond memories of OutDoor Education classes at Mount Doug with Bill!!! A great teacher who inspired me to live a life outdoors with fun and enthusiasm. A great role model for a love of nature and adventure.

Donna Collett

School

June 22, 2022

Thank you for chaperoning us at BC Student Voice, Mr. Bill! Best wishes to you!

Jerry

School

June 20, 2022

A wonderful educator who took education outside the classroom to thousands of youth including sailing organizations, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and more. Few today would keep up. Bill will be missed by many. Condolences to all those close.

Gerald Pash

Friend

June 13, 2022

The Outdoor Education program that Bill and Monty Fulton established and ran at Mount Doug Secondary School was responsible for getting me through to graduation.
He was a great soul and a kind mentor of young people.
The world is a lesser place with his passing.

Ian Butters

School

June 11, 2022

Big hugs and loving thoughts to Ellie, and family, and to my cousins and family.

Cathy Macpherson

Family

June 9, 2022

Ellie
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Bill is well remembered by many, which will, I hope, will give you great comfort, as will your many years out on the water together!
Take care
Linda

Linda Bapty

June 9, 2022

Bill was a very special man!! He went to Mt Newton High with me and my brother Ed. He also was a cousin to Mundi and Lawrence Peterson who were also friends of my brother Ed. As a school trustee I was aware of the great work Bill was doing at Mt Douglas High School. He will be missed but I believe he is now in the healing Light of Spirit and all is well with him!!

Carol Pickup

Friend

June 7, 2022

Dear Ellie and family;
Having spent many years as a member of RVYC, and participated in Club cruises, Swiftsure, Tall ship festivals, and Regattas with Bill and Ellie, I would like to offer my condolences, and heartfelt thanks for knowing you both.

Petra Janusas

Friend

June 6, 2022

Bill was a kind and generous friend who is already missed. Condolences to all/

Denton Pendergast

June 6, 2022

What a man, mentor, teacher and Lover of Life.
Bill knows, as I do what an incredible influence he has had in my life.
In his classroom, on his boat and out in the Greater Outdoors he was a pillar of right action and beliefs in the tender teenage years of my life and that of all of my co-students in his (& Earl's) Environmental Studies demonstration class at Mt. Doug.
Of course I send many condolences to all his other friends and particularly his family members.
A man with a more fulfilling and happy life may be very hard to find.
Much much Love to all :)

Charles Grooms

Friend

June 5, 2022

I´m sorry to hear of his passing. He was an amazing teacher and human being. He had so many stories beyond what he taught in class, he made the class far more interesting, because you didn´t want to miss anything. He took a good ribbing as well as he gave it too. Such a good humour, such a truly caring person. He was the best. I´ve run into him over the years and he always had something to talk about...even if it was brief.
My deepest condolences. He´s off to new adventures, I´m sure.
He will be missed

Leanne Loganhume

June 5, 2022

Deepest condolences to Ellie and Margaret and all family members on the death of Bill. May his good soul Rest In Peace. I will always remember him fondly as a warm, person who showed a keen interest in people and how they were progressing in life. We shared a good few conversations about encouraging young people to meet their full potential. A great conversationalist who had a very lovely welcoming way about him.

Gráinne Ní Fhoighil

Friend

June 5, 2022

Mairéad and I were saddened when informed of Bill's passing
We have had the pleasure of knowing him for a good number of years

Ever since my brother Diarmaid married Margaret and Bill´s first visit to Ireland with Ellie and his mother Flo in 1994
On a trip to Vancouver in 96 we stayed with Bill and Elie
The high point of that trip was sailing with Bill and I learned from him that there was a lot more to life than working 24/7
May he rest in peace
Sean Ó Foighil
Ireland / Tenerife

Sean Ó Foighil

June 4, 2022

In 1982 I was a bored, frustrated teenager, struggling to find the motivation to get me through high school. Then I entered Mount Doug and enrolled in what would be the final cohort of the Environmental Studies program. Years ahead of its time, ES was just the jolt I needed to get me back into a grove. Talk about experiencial learning! Our three week trek through BC was something I will never forget. Being able to view glacial features up close, interviewing random strangers in small towns; only now, as a teacher myself do I appreciate how increadibly fortunate we were for such an amazing experience. Only now do I appreciate how much work such a program must have been for him.
I have no doubt I am but one of thousands of highschool students Bill's spirit, passion and compassion guided towards a successful life. How fortunate I was to have found him just when I needed him most. A life truly well-lived.

Annette Floyd

School

June 4, 2022

Jane Carroll

June 4, 2022

I met Bill about 30 years ago when he walked down my driveway while I was building a boat. He talked a bit, then asked me to join his Swiftsure Committee. It was almost impossible to say no to Bill. I remained on that committee for the next 25 years. He was a mentor to me as I assumed a leadership role at RVYC, and I called on him often. My last call was not long ago and before leaving, he said "goodbye my friend".
I will always remember and miss him. I´ll contribute to the RS Quest fund and Princess Louisa International Society. Anything Bill supports is worthwhile.

John Green

Friend

June 4, 2022

Sad to hear of Bill's passing. He chaperoned me and my classmates in 2009 when we visited France. He was such a kind and genuine person. It is really fascinating to be able to read about his extraordinary and full life.

Kim Czotter

Other

June 4, 2022

A great guy to grow up with, share our teen years and gab from time to time over the years that followed. Rest well Bill. You are missed.

William Scott

Friend

June 4, 2022

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