Skip to content

William ‘Bill’ Springle

October 9, 2021

On October 9, Bill Springle passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Loving husband to Doreen. Caring father to Cheryl (David) Wiseman, Stephen (Anne) and Gordon (Magda). Delighted grandfather to Salem, Olivia, Madeline, Rachel and William. Beloved brother to Libby (Bernie) Racinsky and Margaret Springle. Bill will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Jozef and Vlasta Springle and his brother Charlie.

Born February 6, 1932 in Czechoslovakia, Bill and his family emigrated two years later to Canada. He spent his childhood on the farm near Minitonas, Manitoba and his teenage years in Burlington, Ontario.

Marrying his sweetheart Doreen in 1958, family life expanded and many opportunities came to use his talents in singing, teaching and leadership at the Toronto Czechoslovak, then Bramalea and Maple Avenue (Georgetown) Baptist Churches. He also served on the board of Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario.

Bill received a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree in Engineering at U. of T. in 1955. He found a vocation first, as a mathematics teacher at Central Tech (Toronto) followed by positions as a respected and admired secondary school principal at Brampton Centennial SS and North Park SS from 1969-1989. He would be found more often engaging with students and staff than in his office. His passion and commitment to student life and learning was evident to all.

Bill always enjoyed the company of extended family and friends. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and loved especially the time spent with his children and grandchildren. There were also some very memorable family road trips and extended family gatherings at Conventions, in the summer and at Christmas. He enjoyed sports, playing football at Burlington HS and later playing and coaching pick-up games with his staff and students. He also played golf at any opportunity. During retirement years, Bill and Doreen were often travelling both in Canada and abroad.

Bill Springle loved God, loved his family, loved life and this love was extended to everyone he met from all walks of life.

Thank you from our family to the care workers at Westmount Gardens in London, Ontario, for the care provided in the last year of Bill’s life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Maple Avenue Baptist Church, 177 Maple Avenue, Georgetown, Ontario on Saturday, October 30th, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. with an open invitation to those who wish to attend. The family welcomes those who unable to attend, to view the celebration remotely following the link below:

To view the livestream, please click here: Livestream link to Bill’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.  

Leave a tribute for William ‘Bill’ Springle

Leave a tribute

  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, gif, Max. file size: 2 MB.

Wonderful man. The shooting at BCSS happened when I was in grade 12 (1975), he handled it very well with students. When I was in grade 13, he knew everyone by their first name. He would walk past and say "Hi Maureen, how are you today". I thought he was the best Principal on earth. RIP Mr. Springle.

~ Maureen Abraham Sim

Mr. Springle was an amazing man. A wonderful principal with a kind heart that was able to relate to students. I was in grade 9 the year of the shooting and he handled it as well as any person could have at that time. We were so fortunate to have them come and speak at the 40th anniversary memorial. He was always out of his office speaking to students and he was a very well liked principal. Rest in peace Mr. Springle. Deepest condolences to your family and friends at this difficult time. ?

~ Pam Hand

To Doreeen and familyI extend my sincere condolences. On the passing of Bill. He will certainly be missed, his love of family , God and the many people who were influenced by his manner and the positive influence he had on many students and teachers who had the pleasure and good fortune to have been a part of his caring and nature. I have a enormous amount of respect for Bill and feel honoured to have worked with Bill. R.I.P. and God Bless!

~ Ed Bolton

My husband snd I were fortunate to have had Mr. Springle as our Principal at BCSS. We will always remember his caring and empathetic manner with students and staff. His calm demeanour and his faith were a comfort to all of us during a very difficult time. We will never forget him. Wendy Hadley (Family Studies) and Gord Hadley (Science)

~ Wendy and Hordon Hadley

My sincere condolences to Bill's family. He was a wonderful caring and supportive person. I had the benefit of his leadership as a principal when I worked in the History/Social Science Department at North Park S.S. He will be missed by many, including me. Rest in peace my friend.

~ Lela Lilko

An extremely fine human being who took a big risk hiring a first year, young teacher and helped me through a tough but satisfying start to a wonderful career. Few principals show the support Bill did to his students, his teachers and his schools. He taught me how to teach students not curriculum! He leaves a very big legacy !

~ Dale Green

This brings me to tears. His professional and kind heart, is exactly what a group of teenagers needed that sad sad day, during my last day of highschool. You were a great man, doing the wonderful things, that needed to be done that day. I think of u often, and am forever grateful. RIP Sir. I will never forget you. My heart aches for your family.

~ Laura Teggart

From all of here at BCSS we extend our deepest condolences to Bill's family during this difficult time.

~ Paul Freier

An exceptionally kind, fair and compassionate man, committed to his students, teachers and school community, and to helping people to be the best that they could be. I am grateful that he was the principal of BCSS on that tragic day and in the weeks and months afterwards. He was a man who lived his principles and beliefs, which is a rare thing. Heartfelt condolences to his family at his passing but many memories to treasure.

~ Barbara Duckitt

Mr. Springle was one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever met. Not just a great teacher (Math, grade 9, Central Peel SS.), a great leader. Years later, when our son was going to start at North Park…at parents info night…Mr Springle saw me in audience and welcomed me by name. He made you feel special. Condolences to your family, and all whom you loved. May God bless you, as you blessed us.

~ Rod Rumble

I had the great privilege of working with Bill when he was the Principal at North Park Secondary School. He was an amazing educator. His love for people was apparent when he was out in the hallways greeting students by name, remembering details of their lives and encouraging them to do their best. His door was always open to both staff and students. North Park was a great school largely because he was the founding Principal. My condolences to his family and friends.

~ Colleen Robinson

Mr. Springle was my Principal at North Park. He was a true leader and caring person. He earned so much respect for knowing all of our names and showing genuine interest in our activities at school. He came to every music night. My condolences to you and your family. He was a truly great man.

~ Teresa Allworth

Bill Springle was a remarkable human, an exceptional teacher and school principal, and a great inspiration for so many. A wonderful man who will be well remembered.

~ Pat Geale

Our sincere condolences Doreen and family. It was Bill, singing a piece by Dvorak, in Czechoslovakian, in church one Sunday, that will be a forever reminder of his wonderful gift of music. So admired and respected……..

~ Shirley & Bob Andrechek

I am deeply indebted to Bill for the many ways he touched my life. So blessed to have worked alongside of him in many ministries at Maple Avenue Baptist Church. I appreciated his role as chairman of the Board of the preschool I was involved in there. He was such a great encourager, listener, caring and faithful man. My life has been made richer because of the impact he made on my life. May God bless you as you have blessed me.

~ Barb Hutzal

Long ago, Bill hired me into the profession at BCSS and was an inspiration and role model throughout my career. Long after he retired he attended so many retirement parties to celebrate the careers of so many educators that he has influenced. He will be missed but always remembered.

~ Rick Tredwell

Bill was a kind, considerate and friendly man who loved God, his family and his community. He was a model to many of us young people at the Parkdale/Czechoslovak Baptist Church where we witnessed his faithfulness, his willing heart and his love and care for those around him. Thank you Bill for the life you lived, the example you set.

~ paula and allan petrie

Bill had the most integrity and the best work ethic of any principal I ever met. He was a kind, hard-working, responsible man who had a great gift for relating to people and inspiring them. He was instrumental in setting my teaching career on its best path, and I will always be grateful for his care and inspiration. Thank you so much, Bill - the world is smaller without you. All my condolences to Bill's family and friends at the loss of this wonderful man.

~ Linda Shaunessy

Bill was an amazingly supportive person for staff and students. Some staff members have already mentioned how he helped them. I certainly could add some stories of how he helped me. In addition, one could always count on his presence at theatre and music nights and of course, all of the sports. However, I am not sure that everyone knew how far this support would extend. One of my favourite memories occurred when George Hill won the OFFSA 1,500 metre race. It was a Friday night at about eight o’clock. I was there with some of my basketball players; there were possibly five of us altogether. When George crossed the line first, we rose and began jumping and screaming. I happened to look to my left and there, about fifteen feet away was Bill. I had no idea when he had arrived and when I started to move toward him he turned and left. He must have seen us but didn’t want to make a “show” out of his presence. That was the type of man he was. My condolences to Doreen and her family.

~ Terry Tait

Oh Doreen, so sorry to hear about Bill My sincere condolences to you and your family. I know that path so well loosing the “love of my life”. As you move on figuring out your new normal., take your time to reflect on the good times you shared together! Those moments will help during your loneliness and grieving.

~ Alma Litke

Bill was a classmate of mine both in High School (Burlington) and University (U of T). He was the quintessential "gentleman and a scholar". Despite being a good football player, not a gentle game, at both high school and university, he was the most considerate and kind person I ever met. And he was always an excellent student, regularly standing near the top of his class. I have only bumped into Bill a few times since our student days, but I am not a bit surprised to see that he went on to be a great success in both his career and his family. Well done Bill. You make us all proud. Rest in peace.

~ George Torrance

Mr. Springle was my Principal at Centennial from 1970 to 1975. A kind and gentle soul with a great smile, he was the right Principal to be in that school, especially in May, 1975. We were very grateful for his calm leadership. The way he staffed and led his school were the reasons that I chose education as a vocation and many others chose their careers of public service. My condolences to Mr. Springle’s family and friends. What a life well lived! Sláinte.

~ Malcolm Hamilton

Doreen and extended family, Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Bill. He was a humble Christian man who loved God and family.he used his voice in song and worship. He will be missed.

~ George and Dianne Hibrant

My sincere condolences Doreen to you and your family. Bill was such a kind, courteous and gentle man. To me he was the epitomy of what a true Christian gentleman ought to be. The fruit of the spirit, so evident in his life was a witness to all he met. He will be greatly missed.

~ Lorna Knapp

What a precious gift Bill was to his family & anyone who remembers him ! Sincere condolences & comfort from Lloyd to Doreen & extended family !

~ Lloyd Jersak

Doreen and Family it was my good fortune to have crossed paths with Bill many times starting in 1968 at Night School. We interacted through Peel Secondary School admin meetings, committees and most recently through RTOERO D39. We could always count on Bill's cheery presence--kept in contact with many colleagues until he started to fail over the past couple of years. I know you have celebrated a fine Godly man and his contributions to many churches, organizations and individuals. As others have noted, Bill will be missed on many levels. Ed Bergey, RTOERO D39

~ Ed Bergey

Mr. Springle was my Principal at North Park SS from 1983-1988. He was a true gentleman, a rare combination of strength and gentleness. He led the school by example -- I remember him picking up garbage in and around the school. But his example was one of integrity, hard work and kindness. I have so many fond memories of him. And I'm eternally grateful to him for the many ways that he helped me personally. It changed the course of my life. Manish Raizada

~ Manish Raizada

How wonderful for you to know how much loved and respected Bill was to so many people. He interviewed me for a position at his school and to this day I will remember it as one of the nicest interviews I have ever experienced.

~ Joyce Hawley

Doreen and family Our sincere condolences on the passing of Bill fond memories for your music ministry at Maple Ave So loved to hear Bill and Bernie sing together. YOu are in our thoughts and prayere. Bill and Davene Price

~ Bill and Davene Price

Dear Doreen and family, we send our heart felt condolences. Bill was a wonderful man and we both have fond memories of him. I will cherish all the memories from all our family gatherings we had together. We pray the Lord’s blessing on you and your family through this time. We would love to be there for the service but we unfortunately can’t make it. We will be watching from New Brunswick. Love and hugs to you all. Amy, Allen, Benjamin and Emily Price

~ Allen and Amy Price

Deepest condolences in the loss of such a wonderful man and commendable educator. Bill interviewed me for a summer school science teaching position in the early ‘80’s at North Park S.S. I will always remember his gentle and welcoming nature. He always dropped by the classroom to offer any assistance, and to ensure things were going well. He generated respect wherever he went. Just a remarkable human being ! Bill will never be forgotten.

~ David R.Huether, Retired Teacher Turner Fenton S.S.

George and I extend our condolences to your family on the loss of Bill. He will be missed by all. Our family has many memories of our interactions throughout the years - from the time Uncle Joe, Aunt Vlasta and two year old Willie came to the Reichert home at Floradale (as seen on their first pictures in Canada). Later as time went on and their family moved from the Lidstone S.D. to Ontario, we looked forward to their visits in Minitonas. When our family spent the winter in Ontario, we often visited on the Springle farm in Freeman, Ontario( postal address).During this time I remember Bill playing his Hawaiian guitar to entertain us. And, at this time Bill helped me with my school work. He showed me how to do long division! When George and I were married, Bill sang at the wedding ceremony while Doreen accompanied him. We also remember the times Bill and Bernie Racinsky added their voices in praising God singing at the Czechoslovak Baptist Conventions. Bill's life was a life well lived!

~ George and Florence Adrian

It was a privilege to have worked with Bill at Brampton Centennial. He was an exceptional principal, kind, supportive, fair, and always willing to help. In May, 2015, at the service commemorating the events that occurred 40 years before, he was given a standing ovation by his former staff and students, all of whom remembered and still appreciated his compassion and gentle leadership during that difficult time. On a personal level, my children and I were always grateful that Bill hired Doug twice, first at Brampton Centennial where I met him, and second at North Park. We send you our heartfelt condolences, Doreen and family.

~ Anne Dennis

Doreen and family, my condolences on the passing of Bill, my eldest first cousin. I saw him as a strong, gentle person who honoured God in all aspects of his life. Colleen and I enjoyed our short times together over the years in Toronto and most recently here in Nassau.

~ Ron Springle

Dear Doreen and family, I extend my love and prayers as I join you in grieving the passing of Bill, a wonderful friend to me in the early days of the formation of Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge. His understanding of what constituted educational excellence was very helpful as we established our teacher education program. He was a kind heart, a good listener, and a wise counselor. I am sorry that we did not continue our close relationship after he completed his term on our Board of Directors. Absent from the body; present with his Lord! What a comfort to know we will see him again.

~ Marvin Brubacher

Bill was the principal at North Park Secondary School when I arrived as a "very green" second year teacher. At the time I didn't realize how lucky I was to be working with such a man. He was supportive, kind and made an effort to know everyone one of his staff. His approach to leadership created an incredibly cooperative staff that included teachers and all support staff. To Bill we were all valued and important. This made all the difference and in my mind part of Bill Springle's continuing legacy.

~ Ron Jasiuk

Doreen and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. I have good memories of visits with your family. At the last visit I remember, Bill was singing with Bernie as we celebrated great Aunt Rosie's 100th Birthday - precious times! As the words of "Pan Svetlo Me" say, God was his light and his salvation, and now Bill gets to use his beautiful voice to sing in God's house forever and ever. May God's comforting presence be with you. -Lots of love, Sharon and Irv.

~ Sharon (Adrian) Goertzen

Doreen and family we were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers We remember Bill as such a gentle man. He had a quiet strength that could only have come from God. Seeing how he loved and respected you showed us how we should live. We never heard a cross word from him and when I (Susan) was in the choir Bill was always in such good voice. It was great to see the twinkle in his eye when some of us got the giggles. He never was judgmental. He showed God's love in everything he did. His memorial service was a blessing to be able to watch. He was loved by many, many people. During this time please remember John 14:27 and hold it close to your heart.

~ Susan and John Franks

I would to thank and congratulate Doreen and family for the wonderful presentation of the celebration of Bill's life yesterday. It was simple yet deep and strong, like the man himself. His legacy is all of you, what a wonderful thing!

~ Dale Green

Doreen I have many fond memories at Maple Ave. from years ago. Bill's beautiful smile and kind words will always be remembered by me. What a wonderful example he was to me of a true Christian man. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

~ Heather Harris