William Joseph Tassie

In recent years, Bill devoted his energy to his passions of landscape design, creating mobile sculptures in paper and wood, and co-founding, with his brother Peter, the Phina Tassie Conservation Area. From his twenties, Bill travelled widely and independently, including with his beloved wife Muriel. He cherished old friends and made new ones until the last months of his life. Bill was innovative and generous - devising equipment to help his son-in-law Hans be highly mobile despite a full-leg cast - and was devoted to his daughter Meg and grandsons Sebastian and Alexander. He thrived on walking his neighbourhood with his dogs, Tiggah, Little My, and Lampo - returning with news of friends and elements for found-object sculptures. Bill was the son of Gilbert Culloden Tassie and Adolphina Thornton (Pearce) Tassie. Raised in The Coldstream, he volunteered for the army during World War II. He served for five years, honourably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Bill studied architecture at UBC, then transferred to McGill, where he graduated from the School of Architecture with the Governor General's Medal. He worked for firms in Mexico City and Stockholm. Bill then moved to London, where he worked for London County Council and studied urban planning at the University of London. On his return to Canada, he moved to Victoria, working for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for more than 30 years. It was there he met his future wife, Muriel Ellen (Martinson) Tassie. Bill's kindness, warmth, and cheer will be missed by his family and friends.
Muriel and Meg thank everyone who supported Bill while he maintained his independence and during his final weeks. You were unfailingly kind. A grave-side farewell will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, Bill's family would welcome donations in his memory to the United Way of Greater Victoria or NOPNAT (North Okana)

Graveside