Red Deer public school trustee dies at 73
A Red Deer public school trustees had died.
William “Bill” Christie, 73, died Sunday.
Christie served on the board of trustees in Red Deer since 2010 and spent nearly a quarter of a century on the school boards of two British Columbia school districts.
“Bill was incredibly proud to serve his community as a school board trustee,” said board chair Nicole Buchanan.
“Bill was a trustee for 35 years, first becoming a trustee at age 22 in B.C. He was committed to meeting the needs of students, particularly vulnerable students.
“He was also a strong champion for public school education and local autonomy of school boards to best meet the needs of local communities.
“Beyond that, his fellow trustees remember Bill as a gentle man who was kind, had a memorable smile, supported other trustees, took great pride in both his Scottish and B.C. heritage, and had a great sense of humour. It was an honour to serve with Bill.”
Christie was active in the community, working with the United Way, as well as serving the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Board and the Red Deer Highland Games Committee.
“Bill valued being a part of the Red Deer Public School community. He enjoyed being in our schools and was very proud of the work and accomplishments of our students and staff,” said superintendent Chad Erickson. “Bill was a strong advocate for public school education and was passionate about the potential of schools and our students. He was a devoted husband, father and very proud of his grandchildren.”