Condolence: Dear Sheila, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Bill was my teacher in Grade 7 (1959) - and I remember how the two of you met. Bill was by far the most inspiring and dedicated teacher I ever had, a beautiful, honest man with an amazing spirit and a wonderful love for life. My heart is with you during this time. I know you shared a great love. Linda.

Condolence: To all of Bill's family Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great principal and football coach. He taught us many lessons in life, many that I still use to this day. The most important was respect which he led by example. Sorry I could not make it today but Karen is going to attend on our behalf. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence: Sheila and family, Sheila, we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Fairburn was kind to me when I asked for my adoption leaves, and he always asked about my family. I can still see his smile and hear his kind comments. We cannot be with you on Thursday as we have another commitment, but we will be thinking of you and sending hugs your way.

Condolence: So sorry for your loss. Mr. Fairburn was an amazing principal!! We both attended Brock High School and knew him. He was the best principal we both had! He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.

Condolence: Sheila & Family Sad to learn the news about Bill. I only knew him by reputation as a very good teacher, principal and administrator until he joined us a Trustee on the Durham Board of Education as a Trustee.I learned why the reputation was all true. His beliefs and principles were good and honourable, he was a joy to converese with and I was honoured to call him a friend and colleague . With all my prayerful thoughts and wishe. Duncan P Read

Condolence: Sheila, Mary Jane, Robin, Michal and Nancy my heart is very sad to hear of Bill's passing. Whenever I saw him at the church dinners, post office, and car repair garage, he'd update me on all the girls jobs, moves and children. We shared many laughs over the years and I'll miss that great smile and all that family info. Bill, you were: Love, Kindness, Good Mischief and The Real Deal. dann

Condolence: Dear Sheila and family: I read with sadness the notice in today's Star about Bill's passing. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Bill was a man of substance. In the year that he and I worked together as Chair and Vic-Chair of the Durham Board of Education we became friends and colleagues who shared a passion for public education and libraries. We would talk of many things including our mutual interest in historical events from the Spanish Civil War to the Quebec referendum. He will be missed.

Condolence: It is with sadness that I have learned of Bill's Passing. Living out in Alberta since the 80's I have fond memories of Brock High School and all the teachers and principle. Mr Fairburn gently lead students along a wonderful path of learning that made life at Brock a memorable and fun experience. Again my condolences to the family of a wonderful man that has touched so many people in ways that I never understood until now

Condolence: Dear Sheila, Thinking of you and your family at this sad time! Bill always had a smile and a kind word and will never be forgotten! He will certainly be watching over you and your family! Sending prayers and hugs, Laurie & Ron

Condolence: Our sympathy to you, Sheila, and all family members of the family, on the death of Bill, so loved by you all. He was a force of nature; a force of the Spirit with passion, persistence and power for Canada; and with delight, diligence and divine humour for humanity. His Spirit swept across all borders that would divide. All who knew him in home, school, church and community will never forget the mischief and magic beaming from his face.

Condolence: Our thoughts are with you Sheila at this very sad time. We will continue to hold you and your family in our hearts. Florence and the rest of the West Hill congregation.

Condolence: Sympathies to Sheila and family, including his education, church and community family! Bill - or Mr. Bill to me, was always witty, charming, gracious, elegant and a good all round guy. I can bet he will be checking my grammar and typos as I write this. We worked together at the church for many years and I always admired how both he, and Sheila opened their hearts to everyone. Although he may be physically gone, I know his spirit is strong and he will walk among you all! He will be busy leading and organizing on the other side until you all meet again! RIP Bill! You will be missed, but you will be remembered by many also!

Condolence: Dear Sheila, you have been a part of our loving and caring community and we hold you and your family in our hearts at this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences. John

Condolence: Oh Sheila, I'm so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Was going to call you this morning but rec'd WUC's email. Please know that I'm thinking about you & your family. Love Marilyn

Condolence: We have fond memories of Bill whose passion for all facets of education really did make a difference. Our condolences to Sheila and his family.

Condolence: Bill was my mentor, my principal, and my friend. He approached each day with a passion to enhance the lives of everyone and everything in his sphere including his family, his students & colleagues, his friends, his environment, and his beloved 4-legged friends. He never shied away from any task or cause where he thought he could make a difference. Indeed, Bill was a one-of-a-kind who will be fondly remembered by all. Our sympathies and love go out to Sheila, Mary Jane, Robin, Michal, Nancy, and their families. Joan & Al Bowness