Florence Humphries – Celebration of Life

Florence Humphries (nee Kruger)

July 2, 1938 – December 22, 2025

Bill was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. From an early age, he contributed to the family income delivering newspapers, groceries and breeding rabbits. The Boys Brigade and the library both played important roles in his development. At 15, Bill left school to work in an architect’s office where he worked and studied to become eligible to enter the School of Architecture at Edinburgh University and undertake a four-year apprenticeship. In 1953, he immigrated to Canada.

His career in Canada expanded on his early interest in architecture and construction, first in Ontario and then in Winnipeg and finally in BC, working initially in architectural offices. He became involved in hospital planning and construction in Winnipeg, when he became the architect’s onsite representative in the building of the Winnipeg General Hospital. This followed another such position at the Lions Gate Hospital, where he subsequently became Director of Planning.

For a few years, he left hospital planning and construction to explore his entrepreneurial interests designing and constructing residential houses and expanding into prefabricated log and motel construction projects across the province. While working on the north shore, Bill married and had three children. The family settled in West Vancouver until his divorce.

Bill joined the VGH Planning Department in 1975, later becoming the Director, Planning and Construction. There he was responsible for many renovation projects, including the planning and construction of the Emergency Department and the Jim Pattison Pavilion.

In his retirement, Bill spent many years volunteering with both the BC Cancer Society and Knox United Church, helping them with their development projects. In 2012-2013, he received the BC Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year Award.

Bill married Dr. Margaret Pendray in 1979, in Cornwall, U.K. Their union included a close relationship with her U.K. family. Together, Bill and Margaret embarked on a lovely life journey together until his passing.

Family came in many forms to Bill, and included his three children, grandchildren, recent great-grandson, as well as the many he considered family. Whether it was dinners he prepared for family and friends, fishing trips, boating on the West Coast, his competitive spirit playing “Words with Friends,” sharing his love of gardening, birding, painting, travelling to special places around the world, and eventually to Gabriola Island, he cherished lifelong friendships with those close to him and touched everyone he knew.

Bill is survived by his wife, his three children: Ceri Sanderson (Bill), Murray Goodsir (Christine), Alison Goebel (Les); grandchildren: Noel, Cody, Nikki (great-grandson Dezmond) and Maya; step-granddaughter Stephanie and Leora (1989-2022); sister: Isabel Williamson, brother: Eric Goodsir (Kate) and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver General Hospital and the Community; family and friends, and Helen and John who were of great support to Bill in navigating the health care system, from the time of his prostate cancer diagnosis in 1996 to his passing.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory to the BC Cancer Foundation, would be welcome. https://bccancerfoundation.com/WilliamGoodsir

Andrew and I loved having Bill with us in 1996! Andrew had a sailing chum, Sandy the german shepard, had bonus walks galore and Bill could gently advise Andrew when it was time to turn the motor on and take the sails down as the rocky shore approached. We were spoiled by dinners made on his energetic days. I especially loved his dry wit. Our only regret is not seeing more of Margaret who so kindly came to to see our 1st born in the special care nursery in 1997. Love to all!
Megan, Andrew, Eric, Ben and Emily (who was the only one lucky enough to meet you and partake of your kind hospitality).

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” – Author unknown
Thank you, Bill and Margaret for all your kindness over the years. Thinking about you.
Alfonso & Gloria

“To a wonderful family man, a dear friend and a talented architect. My thoughts are with you and with Margaret. RIP.”
Noemi

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Knox United Church

Vancouver, British Columbia
March 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
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Bagpipes “Going Home”
ORGAN PRELUDE
SCRIPTURE
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
HYMN: “Morning Has Broken” VU 409
WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE
Ceri Sandersoh
Nicole Sanderson
Murray Goodsir
Rev. Jay Olson
HYMN “The Lord’s My Shepherd” VU 747
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
HOMILY
PRAYER
HYMN: “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” VU 651
LORD’S PRAYER
COMMENDATION
BLESSING
Bagpipes: “Highland Cathedral”
Organ Voluntary
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Minister: Rev. Richard Chung
Organist: Madelene Klassen
Piper: Owen Reid
Church Officer: Anne MacKenna
Audiovisual Technician: Kevin Wong
Webminder: Debra Danny
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• The family wishes to thank the many people, who in various
ways, have been so supportive of Bill over the last few years.
• We would also like to express our appreciation to all attending
or listening to this Celebration of Life and helping us honor Bill.
Thanks also go to those who helped prepare for, and
participate in, the Service.
• You are warmly invited to refreshments after the service which
will be served in the Narthex.
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