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William Doll Obituary

With great sadness we announce the passing of William Elder Doll, Junior. Bill died peacefully at home in Cobble Hill, BC, Tuesday, December 27, 2017, at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Donna, her children Jennifer, Sarah and Luke and grandchildren Maeve, Cate, and Reuben; and by his first wife Mary Aswell Doll, their son William, wife Catherine, and grandchildren Alexander and Mason. Bill Doll was a teacher and teacher educator who achieved the highest honors in his field, praised for his commitment, work ethic, passion, and unrelenting desire to advance curriculum studies internationally. He attended Cornell University, graduating with a B.A. degree in 1953. The M.A. was conferred by Boston University in 1960, and the Ph.D. by the Johns Hopkins University in 1972. After teaching in elementary and middle schools for 15 years, Doll began teaching at the State University of New York at Oswego and, briefly, at the University of Redlands in California. Between 1999 until his retirement in 2007, he held the Vira Franklin & J.R. Eagles Endowed Professorship at Louisiana State University, where a conference room and a fellowship have been named in his honour; the William E. Doll, Jr. Archive – preserving his papers and correspondence – is located in the LSU Library. After retiring from full-time teaching and research Doll was appointed adjunct professor first at the University of Victoria, then at the University of British Columbia where he and Donna Trueit co-taught until 2015. As tribute to Doll's incredible achievements, a collection of his most memorable essays was published by Routledge in New York under a title that names the areas of Doll's expansive expertise: Pragmatism, Postmodernism, Complexity Theory: The Fascinating Imaginative Realm of William E. Doll, Jr. As Bill strolled through life he proactively encouraged us all to pursue our dreams and generously supported us to achieve them. He touched the hearts of many and helped lost souls find their way. In addition to being dignified, courteous, and gracious, he will be remembered for his ebullient laughter, joie de vivre, positive spirit, and uplifting attitude–not to mention the bow ties. If asked, he was always "Ipsy pipsy, A # 1, Yankee Doodles Dandy!" He is much loved by family, friends, students and colleagues and he will be sadly missed. His wonderful life should be joyously celebrated! Whoosh! A funeral is scheduled for 1pm on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at St Frances Xavier Church, 790 Kilmalu Road, Cobble Hill, BC with a reception to follow at the same location. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to William E. Doll Curriculum Theory Project Superior Graduate Student Scholarship. You may make your gift online by visiting www.lsufoundation.org/givetoHSEwww.lsufoundation.org/givetoHSE. If you prefer to send in a check, please mail to the LSU Foundation, 3796 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA  70802. Condolences can be sent to https://www.hwwallacecbc.com/obituaries/?ref=send-condolences. The family would like to thank Cowichan Home Support for their dedicated and caring staff.

Published by The Advocate from Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Bill,
I am so glad that I had the pleasure of knowing you and Mary way back in the seventies at Oswego. At the time I met you, you were sporting a derby hat and sounding like quite the Bostonian You were the most philosophical, child-like grown-up I had ever met. (I don't think anyone could EVER be like you!). And, yes, your delighted laugh is now ringing through the hallways of heaven! I hope you have found Thumper!
Thank you for bringing joy and fascinating thoughts to so many of us.
I pray that God will give comfort and strength to each heart that is grieving and missing you.
Love in Christ
Cindy

Cindy Burkard-Lodge

January 11, 2018

Bill is sorely missed. He was such an inquisitive thinker who embraced the creative and critical with generosity, wonder and humour. He made a world of difference - he made curriculum studies come alive in bountiful ways. I am forever grateful for having met him and for working with him at UBC. I send my profound condolences to his family and his many, many friends and colleagues around the world.

January 5, 2018

While no longer here in body, the echo of Bill's laughter will continue to reverberate. His joy in life, in learning, and in listening has been an inspiration to me. I will miss him terribly, but in spirit he will always be present. Much love to the family. Petra Hendry, LSU, Baton Rouge

January 5, 2018

So sorry to learn of Dr. Doll's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family. I had the pleasure of having him in graduate school at LSU. The very first class Dr. Doll enters, sees desks arranged in a linear fashion & sets about scrambling them finally creating a large semicircle. I'm thinking, "uh oh what am I in for"? He introduced me to the chaos theory in an education class no less...order emerges in any system even in a school classroom. This turned out to be my favorite class in grad school! Dear Dr. Doll, rest in peace.

virginia crawford

January 3, 2018

I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of all tender comfort be with family and friends during this difficult time.

M

January 3, 2018

My teacher friend and I had shirts made with just one word: hermeneutics... Dr. Doll (and his bowties) left lasting impressions on me that have forever changed my outlook on teaching. I am saddened to hear of his passing and send much love to his family.

Emily Johnson Hand

January 2, 2018

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