It is with sadness and memories that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, cousin, husband, and friend Bill Scollie.
Born December 1941 in Fort William, Bill is survived by spouse Joan, children Susan (Murray), Steven (Irene), five grandchildren (Zachary, Rhea, Matheson, Ben, Trey), nieces Kirsten and Lise, brother Brian and cousin Brent. Bill was pre-deceased by his parents Bill and Ann and cousin Barry.
Bill attended Isabella Public School and Fort William Collegiate Institute, and grew up working at Scollie’s Dairy in his youth. He also studied at Canadian Union College in Lacombe, Alberta for two years, after which he hitchhiked home to Fort William and completed high school at FWCI, where football coach Ted Murphy was an important mentor.
Bill’s retail career began with Bill Shaen and Andrew Coffey at Imperial Men’s Wear. He opened Imperial Pro Shop in 1963 at 313 Victoria St, which later became the Skihaus, a partnership between Bill Scollie, Diane (Daniels) Knox, and Bill and Mary Shaen. The Skihaus moved in 1973 to its current location on North Brodie, where it remains in operation to this day as Canada’s oldest family-run specialty ski shop, operated by Bill’s son Steven.
Bill’s love of skiing was a huge part of all of our lives, with more friends, trips, and fun than can be listed here. He was a strong supporter of the sport, both for its recreational and competitive aspects, in Thunder Bay, surrounding region, and beyond. He facilitated access to women skiers’ focused training and equipment, and promoted skiing as a sport for the whole family.
Bill’s career as an amateur competitive rower (1960’s-1980’s) achieved over 150 victories. He specialized in single, pair, four, and quad crews together with valued teammates Rob Karle, Terry Hamilton, and Jeff Reitberger. Bill represented Canada at the 1975 Word Rowing Championships in Nottingham, England. He was inducted twice into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame for these accomplishments. He later devoted effort to coaching rowing and service to the Thunder Bay Rowing Club. He was also a long time active member and past president of the Fort William Country Club and remained an avid golfer for most of his life.
In November 1997 Bill was elected as a councillor of the City of Thunder Bay. He was re-elected twice, serving three terms in total and serving on Thunder Bay Telephone as chair of the Board of Directors. He valued his service to the city he loved, and spoke highly of the many talented and dedicated people he worked with during this time. He worked on Waterfront development, pushing the button on the demolition of Pool 6 elevator and focused on the big picture of improving Thunder Bay, including access to healthcare, the sustainability and importance of TBayTel.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Bill’s family would like to extend our extreme gratitude for care received from the Cancer Care centre at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Care centre including doctors Hagerty, Faghih, Simpson, Ward and their wonderful staff especially nurse Farrah, the Victoria Order of Nurses, and the care team at Hospice at St. Joseph’s for their diligence and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund.
