It is with the heaviest of hearts that Mr. Bill Crocker’s family announces his passing on May 26th, 2025. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by a small circle of lifelong friends alongside Anneli, his wife of 58 years, who sat by his bedside, holding his hand.
Born on July 31st, 1942, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bill was the first of two sons to parents, William and Serena Crocker. His younger brother, John, was born five years’ later; ironically, sharing the same birth date as his older brother. Eventually, the family moved to its long time home on North Syndicate Avenue, in Fort William, Thunder Bay. Bill attended local schools and while at Fort William Collegiate Secondary School, excelled both in and out of the classroom as a student athlete. As a Blue Bear, he was a proud member of both the football and basketball teams. His love of sport was not confined to that of high school. In fact, Bill was also an accomplished rower and member of the, Fort William Rowing Club. The club was invited to numerous regattas over the years; including the renowned Henley.
Following his high school graduation, Bill attended the, University of North Dakota, in the Untied States. He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education (BPE) and then, went on to earn his teaching certificate from Western University in London, Ontario. Given his love of learning and love of sport, it came as no surprise that Bill’s career of choice was that of educator and coach.
With his studies completed, Bill returned to Thunder Bay and not only accepted a teaching position with the Fort William District School Board at Selkirk Collegiate and Vocational Institute; he also married his high school sweetheart, Anneli Kauhanen on December 17th of that same year. Anneli first caught Bill’s eye while he was working as a lifeguard at Boulevard Lake, and the rest as they say, is history, and a long one at that-58 years inseparable as husband and wife. During the school day, Bill taught physical education to boys of various grades and after school, “Mr. Crocker” the teacher became “Mr. Crocker” the coach. He coached the Rams’ Boys’ Junior football and basketball teams as well as the wrestling and alpine ski teams and he did so with tremendous enthusiasm and energy.
Upon Selkirk’s closure, Bill transferred to Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute where he continued teaching and coaching, trading in his “Purple Ram Pride” for “Orange Tiger Pride”. At Westgate, he taught Biology, Geography, and Boys’ Physical Education and again, coached the school's Junior Boys’ football and basketball teams as well as its alpine ski team. Bill remained at Westgate doing what he loved until he retired. Bill devoted countless hours to his career and loved every minute of them, often remarking, “I get paid to do what I love.”. He took great pride in recognizing each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses. He loved his students and his students loved and respected him. Even after graduating, many of his students continued to visit Bill and his family; always referring to him as, “Mr. Crocker”.
Bill was a lifelong learner. He was an avid reader, a country music fan (especially, Willy Nelson), and enjoyed completing crosswords and watching. “”Jeopardy” nightly where he eagerly participated as an, “at home” fourth contestant. Bill loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman whose other hobbies included golf, fishing, hunting, downhill skiing, and “fixing things”. There wasn’t anything that Bill could not successfully fix; however, he did meet his match when it came to Ikea furniture construction. Patience was not Bill’s strong suit and thus, the Swedish furniture brand’s “novels of instructions” proved to be worthy opponents. He loved to “putter around” the yard and, in the summer, took great pride in his meticulous lawn care atop his beloved riding lawn mower and in the winter, turning his attention to snow removal and his snow blower; yet another one of his “big toys for big boys. In fact, Bill loved snow blowing so much that he often visited neighbours’ houses to continue his work regardless of the frigid winter temperatures. Speaking of neighbours, Bill had a very special friend, Kenny, with whom he spent countless hours in Kenny’s garage building a vintage Barracuda and travelling with Kenny for Kenny’s work as a contract worker for both gravel and snow.
Bill’s love of sport extended to his lifelong devotion to his favourite NFL team, the “Minnesota Vikings”. The team choice was inspired by his close friend, Dave Osborn, being drafted by the Vikings during his football career. Season after season, Bill would hope and pray that that would finally be the year that his Vikings would get to and win the much-sought after Super Bowl. Yet, year after year, disappointment set in; but, never did this shortcoming deter Bill’s devotion to the Vikes. “Skolj!” Bill also loved to drive; even learning how to drive a Greyhound Bus one summer. This passion eventually led Bill and Anneli to become fans of Nascar.
During Bill’s and Anneli’s children’s childhood years, the family spent its summers camping all summer long at its favourite place in the world, “Blue Lake Provincial Park” in Vermillion Bay, Ontario. It was there that Bill and his family camped alongside campers who became incredibly close lifelong friends. Winters were spent downhill skiing on the local slopes of both Loch Lomond and Big Thunder with an annual March Break family trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Bill’s list of accomplishments is endless; but, his greatest accomplishments were centred around his family; namely, his marriage to Anneli and his three children.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, William Sr. and Serena, his younger brother, John, his in-laws, Aarni and Helvi Kauhanen and his beloved furry family members, Blue Boy, Duke, Pokey, and Gunner. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Anneli and his three incredibly proud children, Michelle and Meredith, his twin daughters and his son, Will (Kristie Skunta) and grandchildren, Kolt, Kayln, Kamry, Keavy, and Krosby.
Bill was a simple, practical, unassuming man. He was gracious and humble and characterized himself as, “a man of his word”. Stoic on the outside; but, gentle on the inside. Soft-spoken, dependable, and capable, Bill was a care giver not a care taker. He was a private man who cherished an intimate group of friends; including his lifelong childhood friend and “brother”, Allan Gill, lifelong friends Brian and Sharon Mallon (who are godparents to Michelle and honorary ones to Meredith and Will), colleagues turned friends, including Larry (and Judy) Krawchuk, Cy Goshgarian, and his special neighbours, Kenny and Angela.
His motto in life was, “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.” and this was never more evident than in the days leading up to Bill’s passing.
Bill (to Anneli and friends), Billy (to his parents, other Crocker family members and some childhood friends), Papa (to Michelle), Dad (to Meredith and Will)…
“We love you. We miss you. You’re simply the best, better than all the rest! Your passing leaves an indelible mark and a huge void in all of our lives.”
Per Bill’s wishes, he was cremated. There will not be a formal funeral service; instead, an interment of ashes will be held at an undetermined later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the, “Westgate Collegiate CVI Athletics’ Fund”. To do so, please call the, “Accounts’ Receivable Department” at the Lakehead Public School Board.
The number to call is as follows: (807)625-5211
Anneli, Michelle, Meredith, and Will will never be able to adequately express their gratitude for the love and support provided during this difficult time. Thank-you to “Angel”a, Brian and Sharon, Mary and Joe, Larry and Judy, Cy, Erin and Mike, and Dr. Bill McCready.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
