Former New Westminster Secondary School principal and longtime youth athletic supporter Bill Popowich passed away on Feb. 11 from heart failure at age 83.
Popowich worked in the New Westminster school district for more than 35 years. He started his lengthy career as a teacher at the high school and rose up the ranks through the years.
The Burnaby native also coached basketball at the high school during his tenure.
"I actually had Bill as a biology teacher," said longtime New Westminster school trustee Michael Ewen. "I was on the board that appointed Bill as principal to the secondary school. I think that Bill gave incredible service to the district. His service to students and athletics was exceptional. He worked hard for students to make sure they got the supports and the help and the breaks that they needed."
Popowich earned many accolades for his years of service, including an induction into the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame in the Builder category in 2010. He also had two trophies dedicated in his name in high school sports.
Popowich was also involved in helping organize basketball tournaments, which he did for more than 30 years.
He was a honourary life member of both the B.C. Secondary School Track and Field Association and the B.C. High School Soccer Association.
After his passing, son Wayne Popowich worried about his mom, Gerry, to whom Popowich was married to for 54 years.
"I always worry about my mom. She tended to him at home, almost until the end. Then we had to put him into palliative care for the last little bit," Wayne said. "Obviously, I cared a great deal about my father. I'm sad that it happened, but he also was suffering."
A celebration of life is planned for March 2, at 2:30 p.m. at the Riverway Golf Course Clubhouse, 9001 Bill Fox Way in Burnaby.
