MCKECHNIE, CAPTAIN WILLIAM CECIL
DOB: DEC 30, 1941
DOP:MAY 18, 2026
Victoria, BC - Having had a long life, and a privileged upbringing, our Bill's remains are passing on to new adventures as his ashes will be drifting along with the currents on the Salish Sea off Victoria.
The North West coast of BC was his chosen love and playground during his life and a series of adventures on board several character boats. These included marrying Gail (nee Burnham) on the 'Dame Hortense' in Ocean Falls and building and living on a float home (Toad Hall) while attending law school at UBC. Bill and Gail raised 3 children, Rhys, Kendra and Bryna and 4 grandchildren, Odessa, Payden, Annie and Angus.
In 1972 Bill and Gail moved to Victoria from Vancouver where he joined Crease & Company as a junior Lawyer. However, practicing law was not a fit and it wasn't long before building and re-developing heritage properties became a passion. Bill became a founding member of the James Bay Community Association and participated in the anti-highrise movement that slowed the densification of James Bay.
Using his building skills Bill renovated a neglected McClure Mansion into the first Bed and Breakfast Inn in Victoria. An instant success, the 'Beaconsfield Inn' was followed by 'Abigail's Hotel' and 'Humboldt House' each of which is still contributing to the character and fabric of present-day Victoria. Bill developed many properties and was involved with several businesses during his time in Victoria, but the sea was calling.
In 1988 he found a deteriorating 70' Anglican Mission/Hospital Ship and spent three years rebuilding and converting it to an "adventure tourism" small cruise ship. After receiving his Masters certification and Captain papers from the Canadian Coast Guard, he began taking guests into the remote and interesting parts of our coast. The 'MV Columbia 111' and 'Mothership Adventures' is still sailing each spring between Victoria and Alaska, allowing guests to experience the Great Bear Rainforest and kayak through the pristine waterways of our coast.
With a passion for music, Bill spent 6 rewarding years with the 'Getting Higher Choir' learning the bass parts in this four-part harmony group. He described a highlight of this time when he was singing backup to Nelly Furtado on stage at the UVic theatre.
Dance and body movement brought him much joy as well as travelling around the world chasing his adult children in adventurous settings. Gardening was another passion. Bill led a small group of dedicated volunteers and planted the first veggie garden at BC's Government House. As a community service, Bill took the responsibility for the rebuilding and revitalization of the Compost Education Centre building in Fernwood. Serving as a trained volunteer at Victoria Hospice brought an awareness of how short life can be and a resulting emphasis on enjoying the moment while one can.
Bill requested a simple private ceremony with family members at the time of scattering of his ashes.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.
