William David Bryce

Dear Bryce Family, I am so saddened to hear about Bill's recent death. I was searching for him to contact him and say thank you for all that he meant to me as a high school history teacher at Forster Collegiate Institute in Windsor Ontario in the mid 1970s. Because of Bill, I had the confidence to attend university as a history major. From there, I recieved an MA in history fromPurdue and a PhD at Northwestern in Chicago Illinois. I am now a full professor of History at Kansas State University with hundreds of students each year. I thought of Bill each year as I went through school. He was a wonderful teacher, a huge inspiration and will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.

Dear Elizabeth, Kathryn and Matthew, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We remember Bill as such a kind, loving and fun father and friend. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With love. The Mays Family

On behalf of CUPE Local 7575 representing Educational and Instructional Assistants in TVDSB, I would like to offer our sincere sympathy to Bill's family and friends. Bill was respected and honoured in his role of education and leadership. You know the level of respect in someone's life, when upon hearing the sad news of their death, the message and moments of silence travel through the "Valley" within minutes. Please know that our membership shares in your sadness. Condolences respectfully submitted, Heather Skolly, President, CUPE Local 7575

I have known Bill since he attended H.P.S.S. in the early sixties. I was the Guidance Secretary for 43 years. Mr. Parker, was the Head of Guidance at that time. He is now deceased. He was so proud of Bill. My one wish would have been for Jack to know that Bill ended up as the Head of the whole Board of Education. Bill kept in touch after visiting HPSS and finding I was still working there. He attended my retirement party. At the retirement dinner in London I informed the whole crowd that HPSS produced only the best. I further enlightened them that Bill was a graduate of our school. He was a fine student and grew to be a wonderful, caring man. Bill was truly a husband and father to be proud of.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill was a wonderful gentleman who I came to know through my position as President of Laidlaw/First Student. We spent numerous outings on the golf course at ERDI and Industry conferences. The more time I spent with Bill the more I respected him for his leadership capabilities and his caring approach for others. Bill will be missed by all those that had the opportunity to have met and know him.

Dear Elizabeth I am so very sad about your loss and all of ours too. Bill was so warm and kind. I know there are great gifts when people pass over and they will come to you. I will send reiki to all of you tomorrow morning. Kathryn, I send my love. Metta Ann/MacMill

Matt Thinking of you at this time. Love and Prayers Bob and MaryLou Henderson

I was a young summer employee when I first met Bill in his role as a Superintendent with the Middlesex County Board of Education. Since then, I have been impressed and influenced by the person Bill was, among much else characterised by an intense and infectious cheerful passion for life. This passion extended into his dedication for the value of education, but even more so for the people in education, students and staff. Bill was foremost a people person, and never wavered from a 'people first' guiding principle in everything he did. He was always personally interested in my pursuits and supported my professional development as an educator. I am so thankful and privileged to have known Bill, and enriched by his example, guidance and wisdom. His exemplary integrity, leadership and vision have left an undeniable and indelible mark on education in Ontario, and his legacy will fortunately live on through the thousands he has touched, directly and indirectly. Thank you, Bill, and thank you to his family for sharing with us such an incredible human being.

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful gentleman - a very caring person. Bill made a difference in the lives of not only his family and close friends but in the maturation of a huge number of students and educators. That is not something that one can say often. Bill Bryce was committed to providing the best possible opportunities for student growth no matter what role he was performing. He led by example and expected no less from his co-workers. It was a pleasure to work both for and with him over the years.

Dear Elizabeth and family. I have known Bill since our days at HPSS in Woodstock and alwaysenjoyed any time we spent together. He was a gentle man, admired by many and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. More recently our paths have taken us into the education field and once again, it was a pleasure to connect with Bill. My prayers are with you and your family. Cliff Roach Oxford Trustee, London District School Board.

I was stunned to read of Bill's passing. My sincerest condolences to his family and to those who knew and worked with him over the years. I write these mournful thoughts from Copenhagen, Denmark-- a location I wouldn't be without having known Bill. I am weeks away from completing a term as a Canadian Journalism Fellow at Massey College / University of Toronto. This experience would not have been possible without the letters of reference that Bill wrote to Massey College on my behalf. When I asked Bill if he would be willing to write the letter two years ago (I was only selected on the second attempt in May 2010), he immediately agreed. When I mentioned it again in the fall of 2009, he once again quickly offered to do anything to help me reach this personal and professional goal. I was selected based on my passion for education reporting (among other reasons) and Bill recognized this and encouraged me to continue learning and practising it. I've covered the Thames Valley DSB since 2003 and got to know Bill as my newspaper's education reporter. I will always remember, after he had announced his retirement/secondment to the ministry, the almost two hours we spent together in an interview for a feature I wrote on his career-- something of interest to me and our readership due to Bill's Woodstock roots. His loss will no doubt be felt across southwestern Ontario and this province.

As I read the many condolences already submitted I found myself consistently thinking , " Yes ! Right on ! " My own dealings with Bill were professional while working WITH him with the Middlesex County Board of Education with just one social interaction when I was honoured to have such an educational icon recognize me at my retirement function . I'd like to add on a very familiar note , however , I so agreed with 2 friends, one a teacher , the other a trustee , who were playfully arguing over Bill . Words like , " No, you can't have him . We want him . " and "Well , we had him first ! " readily come to mind . He was respected by both sides of the educational /political spectrum and a great accommodator , and always in the best interests of our students .We all had a great friend !

My sincere condolences go to you and your family. I was fortunate to have worked with Bill, both at Middlesex Board of Education and at Thames Valley. He was one of a kind,a very special person, he respected all that worked with him and had a wonderful sense of humour. He will be missed by all who knew him and especially in the larger educational community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Perry & Maxine Ridgewell

My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. I feel so grateful that I was able to see Bill briefly last November in Woodstock.

Prayers and thoughts are sent your way. May the lord guide you and your family thru this difficult time.

The world has lost a kind, decent, gentle man. We so enjoyed working with Bill - his common sense, wonderful sense of humour and never ending faith in children, their teachers, and the education system made us proud to be associated with him. Under Bill's guidance our board - and therefore our children - flourished. We are proud to have called him our friend and colleague. Beth and Don Taylor Woodstock Ontario

As a TVDSB Principal, I had the honour of working with Bill for several years before retirement. Bill was known amongst us all for being trustworthy and wise; respected for his integrity. A true gentleman and inspirational leader. Bill will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.- Mary

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement - London & District, I want to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Bill's family. Bill was a strong supporter of JA and an advocate for the organization within the TVDSD and the larger community. He always made time in his busy schedule to attend to JA Board duties and activities. Thank-you Bill.

Dear Matt, We were deeply saddened to hear the news about your father. Please accept our thoughts and prayers. Let the good memories surround and support you. Please extend our sympathies to Elizabeth and Kathryn and the family. Love ...Maggie and Gord

Bill was a respected participant in so many issues and activities with the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) where he always worked positively for students and staff. He was very proud of London and Thames Valley and advocated so well for his board at the provincial level. On behalf of CODE, I express our sympathy at this time to Elizabeth and family. Frank Kelly , Executive Director , Council of Ontario Directors of Education

Matthew, my thoughts are with you and your family

Our sincere condolences from the staff at Tillson Avenue Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education.

Hello Liz, I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sue

On behalf of the Thames Valley Council of Home and School Associations, I wish to express our deepest condolences and profound loss of such a great supporter of Home and School. Bill will always be remembered with as a huge part of Education amongst many boards. He has touched so many lives through the years, which in turn will make his memory live forever in our hearts. One of my favorite quotes is " If you can read this, thank a teacher." Thank you Bill! Darlene Snyders, President, Thames Valley Council of Home and School Associations

On behalf of OSSTF and its members, locally and provincially, I wish to express our sympathies and profound sense of loss. In staff rooms and classrooms across Thames Valley, Bill Bryce will be remembered as an ardent supporter of public education and a man of integrity, who acted with professionalism, kindness and respect for all. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. With our condolences, Colleen Canon District President OSSTF D. 11 Thames Valley