William Holdom
October 19, 1945 – July 20, 2026
Dr. William ("Bill") Holdom suddenly passed away at his home in Qualicum Beach, BC, on July 20, 2026, at the age of 80. Born in Burnaby, BC, Bill was the eldest son of Jim and Jean Holdom. Throughout his life, he was guided by a deep commitment to family, public service, education, and his community. An eloquent speaker and writer and an excellent listener, Bill inspired countless people with his wisdom and commitment to justice and compassion. He was a thoughtful and principled advocate for social justice and worked tirelessly to help build a more caring and inclusive community, believing everyone should be treated with respect, kindness, and dignity.
Bill served on the Nanaimo School Board for 8 years and then for 22 years on Nanaimo City Council and Regional District of Nanaimo board. At the same time, he enjoyed a long and respected career as an English professor at Vancouver Island University (formerly, Malaspina College) from 1970 to 2001. In the final years of his academic career, he was seconded from the English department to codevelop and team teach courses for the Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies Department, enjoying the opportunity to learn alongside colleagues and students.
Bill fought many good fights for peace, public education, social justice, and the environment. He worked very hard to help establish numerous parks and bike paths throughout the Nanaimo area, to address affordable housing and water security, and to advance Truth and Reconciliation. Bill also valued and supported athleticism and personally enjoyed running marathons, coming in third in BC for the high school one mile race, cycling (often to work), swimming, and canoeing.
While Bill was a public figure and educator fighting for a peaceful and more just and sustainable world, he was also very much loved as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He will be fondly remembered for his love of life and adventure, the joy and love he gave us, his humour, his kindness, his integrity and humility, his generosity and practicality, and his optimism. We will deeply cherish the memories of his laughter, and the smiles and winks he shared whenever he sang, danced, or played the piano. Using his words, Bill would want us to continue to “work together from our strengths and reach for the stars.”
Bill was predeceased by his parents. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, VIU Professor Emeritus Dr. Laura Cranmer, and her children and their families; his brothers, Bob (Francine) and Terry (Susan); his daughters, Dawn (Derik), Barbara (Isaac), and Pamela; his grandchildren, Marshall and Terilyn; his nephews, Kyle and Jeremie; and his niece, Jenna.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bowen Park Auditorium, Saturday September 5 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.