William (Bill) Parr Olivier, Ph. D

After long illness, great gentle courage, and an abiding strength of spirit and hope, Bill passed quietly from our deeply loving prayerful embrace to a well-earned place of peace. It is with boundless sorrow and loss that we announce his passing at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, B.C.   He leaves his wife  Rosemary A. McLoughlin, his daughter Celeste (Chris Young, children : Alexis, Mick, Zac).  Son of the late Stanley Claude Olivier and late Leila Catherine Parr of Louisiana and Texas, Bill will be missed by his many Louisiana, and Texas relatives. Many Ontario and White Rock friends mourn his loss.

A noted original in the design and development of computer systems related to learning, cognition and intelligent systems, Bill had great abilities in both technical and creative  aspects of all his projects. Completing his Ph D at University of Texas, Bill was Director of Research in the CAI Lab at university of Texas at Austin. Recruited by many institutions, Bill chose the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (University of Toronto) for its new research opportunities where he led the largest educational R&D  projects in computer and multimedia-based learning in Canada.  He was professor in the Graduate School of the University of Toronto for 27 years guiding hundreds of Masters and Doctoral students through teaching, supervising and mentoring in instructional technology, multimedia,  computer applications, and cognitive science. Additionally, Bill served as Chair of the Department of Measurement, Evaluation, and Computer Applications. He will be missed by his many colleagues and especially his former students.

Subsequently  Bill served as director of Homecom Learning Systems, Ltd. where the original  CAN CBI products were distributed worldwide. In 1984 Bill founded Random Access Multimedia, Inc. with partner  Rosemary A. McLoughlin, Ph D.  The company produced computer and other media-based projects for a wide variety of clients ranging from education to finance and government. Many wonderful friendships were made along the way.

Bill enjoyed visits with his daughter Celeste,  his friends,  the visual arts, nature, his cats,  music, technology, science fiction, and architecture. He had a talent in portrait painting in which he excelled.

Retiring in White Rock in 2007, Bill wound up his company but kept very busy as  Strata President and Vice President at his condominium.  Many sought out and commented on Bill's incredible abilities, tireless hard work, and gentle manner. Bill liked people. He ran a great meeting. Loved by many, he will remain irreplaceable in all our hearts. Love goes with him.

Cremation to take place at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, Aldergrove B.C. .

Memorial Communion Service  Wednesday January 14, at 2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Roper Avenue, White Rock, B.C.

Donations in lieu of flowers if you wish, in Bill's name, to your local SPCA Humane Society, the BC Cancer Agency, or your own favourite charity.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.