It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and uncle, William (Bill) David Hanlon. Bill died peacefully with his loving family by his side on May 14, 2021 at the age of 88.

Faith, family, and love were Bill’s priorities, and his passion for sports was a close second.  He treasured his family above everything else, always engaged with keen interest, a listening ear and words of wisdom for his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. He was quick to create a game or friendly competition, making family dinners and get-togethers lively.

An avid sports fan, athlete, coach and Maple Leafs fan to the end, Bill was named Trail Sportsman of the Year (1993). Always the first to volunteer, he set an example to show the importance of contributing. Involvement with the Knights of Columbus and the KC Free Throw Competition, the Trail Historical Society Hall of Champions, Holy Trinity Parish, the Trail Athletic Association and The Happy Wanderers, to name a few, kept him young at heart and a vital citizen of the Trail community. 

Affectionately known to many students as “Wild Bill,” he taught at Trail Junior High and J.L. Crowe for 33 years before retiring to enjoy his hobbies of furniture building, travelling with good friends, fishing and visiting his kids and grandkids. 

Bill was truly one of the “good guys.”  He was the consummate gentleman, loving husband and father.  Kind, compassionate and proud, he was guided by a strong moral compass, and looked at life as an adventure, always with a glass half full attitude and a whistle on his lips. He loved teaching and of course coaching basketball. His legacy is the lasting footprint he left on the many lives he positively influenced along the way.

In Bill Hanlon’s memory, family, friends and colleagues have established the Bill David Hanlon Memorial Fund at SFU. Your gift will pay tribute to Bill by supporting the upcoming Seat Campaign at SFU, with funds going to support SFU student athletes.