William "Bill" DeCoursey

William James DeCoursey has died in Saskatoon at age 94 years.

Bill is survived by Inger, his wife of 67 years.

Bill was born in Rimbey, Alberta in 1930 to Cecilia, a homemaker, and William, who supported the family through odd jobs such as selling Shetland pony rides at Sylvan Lake. Bill was 10 to 17 years younger than his siblings Duke (Maude), Jean (Alvin), Alice (Les), and Lois (Ole). The family always doted on Bill.

A superb student, Bill was the first person in his family to attend university. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Alberta, fully funded by scholarships. On his 21st birthday, Bill arrived in England by steamship to embark on a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemical engineering at Imperial College, London. Bill's PhD was fully funded by an Athlone Fellowship. In his studies and throughout his career, he held to a steadfast work ethic.

Bill's sisters selflessly sent him money when they could, so that he could enjoy concerts in London and have the chance to explore his new surroundings. During his doctoral studies, Bill travelled with other students in an old Bedford army truck from London across Europe. Although two in the group came down with malaria along the way, the party made it as far as Istanbul.

Taking a break from his studies, Bill stood in the street to watch Queen Elizabeth II's golden coach roll by on coronation day. He also recalled that Princess Margaret was the patron of Imperial College, and before any royal visits, staff and students were asked not to conduct any experiments that might generate odours that could offend the young princess.

On completing his PhD, Bill began a job at Sherritt Gordon, and it was in Fort Saskatchewan that he and Inger met and married. Later, he completed postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while Inger took full opportunity to study fine art in Toronto and Boston.

Bill accepted a position as professor at the University of Saskatchewan in 1962, retiring in 1993. He enjoyed meeting students from around the world. A career highlight for Bill was an extended research trip to England, where the family joined him.

In retirement, he wrote a successful textbook on engineering statistics and probability. The book was published by Elsevier, and Bill gave the proceeds to his grandchildren for their educations.

Bill and Inger welcomed four children to the family: Elaine (Murray), Matt, Rena (James), and Kathy (Warren), as well as five grandchildren: Molly, Cara, Ava, Jasper, and Julia. In addition to his siblings Duke, Jean, Alice, and Lois, key people in Bill's life were his in-laws Christine and Mads, Mary and Roy, and Esther and Bruce, and his and Inger's nieces and nephews.

Throughout 67 years of marriage to Inger, Bill was a devoted supporter of her work as an artist. He always took pride in Inger's painting career.

Bill was a committed church member and diligent volunteer, having attended Knox United Church for over 50 years. He was also an avid reader all his life, taking a particular interest in history, international news, and politics.

Bill lived a very healthy and independent life past his 94th birthday. Ultimately, it was a head injury sustained in a fall that brought his life to a close.

At Bill's request, there will be no service.

The family is deeply grateful to the expert and compassionate staff at the Hospice at Glengarda, where Bill passed away in a serene environment.

If you are inclined, please consider a donation in Bill's memory to a charity of your choice.