William Keith Hoare (Will, Willis) 88
September 17, 1926 - December 25, 2014
William passed away peacefully at home in White Rock on Christmas morning with friends and family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents William and Mabel and his sister Vivian Smith. His kind and gentle spirit, and intelligent, keen, interested and interesting mind, and genuine and compassionate “listening ear” will be missed by his two sisters Shirley Groff (White Rock), Gwen West (Stewart -Toronto) and his friend of over 50 years, Don Stagg, his nieces and nephews, and his many friends and colleagues. Willis was born in Killarney, Manitoba. He lived with his three sisters Vivian, Shirley and Gwen in the back of the family barber shop and enjoyed summers at family farms in Killarney, Manitoba. His first job was with Winnipeg Grain Exchange where he worked in the office. Shortly after working there he saw an opportunity at the CNR rail way terminal in the stats department and worked there for 12 years. Towards the end of his career at the CNR he decided to pursue further education and attend the University of Manitoba where he received a Gold medal for top honors in the Faculty of Fine Arts. He also received a travelling scholarship and was one of five Canadians to receive the Dutch Government Award for post – graduate study in the Hague, Netherlands. He then completed his Master of Fine Arts Degree at Southern Illinois University.
Willis moved to BC in 1965 and lived in White Rock. During that time he had several one man art shows in both White Rock and Vancouver and also taught art classes at the Vancouver Art Gallery. In 1966 he moved to Vancouver Island, began working as the assistant curator of the Victoria Art Gallery where he organized and hosted many shows for artists such as Emily Carr, Spanish master Goya and Maxwell Bates. In 1975 he moved back to White Rock and joined the Surrey Teachers Association and began teaching art at Earl Marriot School in White Rock. Willis spoke frequently of the many talented students he was able to work with and how much he enjoyed teaching and those he worked with. At the age of 62, he took part in a teaching exchange and spent a year teaching in Australia. This was only one of his many adventures. He also spent time exploring Mexico, South America, Africa, Asia, Russia, the US and parts of Europe. Willis loved to keep up on the news (local and worldwide), reading the morning papers on his deck or by his fireplace. In retirement, he enjoyed connecting monthly with other retired teachers for breakfast. He also enjoyed his garden, his home and his time with family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Earl Marriott Secondary School (15751 16 Avenue, Surrey, BC V4A 1S1) for a 2015 scholarship in memory of a former longtime Art teacher, Mr. William Hoare or to a charity of your choice. At Willis request a service was not held. Your thoughts or memories can be emailed to gjewitt@shaw.ca and will be shared with the family.