WILLIAM JOHN MCCUAIG
Our dear Billie died Friday, June 20th, 2014 at home, at the age of 64, predeceased by his loving parents Ian and Marion McCuaig. This comes as a sudden and sad shock for those of us who knew Bill as a vibrant, gentle and wholehearted person. Bill was born and raised in Summerland, BC along with his sisters Mary, Nancy and Margaret. He worked in the orchards, hiked in the hills, swam in the creeks, graduated from Summerland Secondary School and went on to study forestry. His deep and abiding love of trees and the land led him to complete his Masters in Forestry at UBC. In his eighteen years with the District of West Vancouver as Community Forester, Bill was most happy outside: in the old growth, in our parks, cleaning up logs with a backhoe on West Vancouver beaches or advising residents on urban bear issues. One of the other communities he touched was the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver. He co-founded and built a traditional medicinal garden there with community elders and youth. Whatever the subject – human rights, medicinal plants, forests, trees, wildlife, or hydrology - Bill touched people with his integrity, infectious passion, his wit, and his ability to craft a good story. We will miss you, Bill, for your depth of insight, vast knowledge, sense of humour, huge compassion, and caring heart. You will be lovingly remembered by family, colleagues, and many, many friends who hold you dear in their hearts. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held July 2, 2014.