By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Nov. 14, 2013
The family of a Squamish community builder and long-time Capilano University supporter William (Bill) Manson has established the William Victor Manson Memorial Scholarship in his honor.
And reflecting his love of music, the $100,000 gift will fund an annual award for a Capilano University music student who excels in his or her studies.
“Given our dad’s life-long interest in education, my brothers Graham, Michael and I thought it would be fitting that there be a music scholarship in his name,” said Bill Manson’s daughter, Jane-Anne Manson.
Bill Manson passed away in December 2012.
Manson was the founding member of the board of Capilano University, and a former member of Capilano’s Squamish campus advisory board.
In addition to his long involvement with Capilano University, he also served on the Squamish town council and school board, was a member of the Squamish General Hospital Board and Foundation, Rotary Club member, and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce member, where he served as its president in 1953, 1990, and again in 1991.
Bill also played a key role in the construction of Squamish’s dike system and was involved in a number of local logging associations, committees and initiatives.
Born in Prince Rupert B.C., Bill moved to Squamish in 1946 to work in the forestry industry, eventually co-founding Harnor Logging. It was there he met and married his wife of 60 years, June, and together raised their three children.
Capilano University students already benefit from the generosity of the Manson family.
In 2011 Bill established a scholarship in memory of his wife June Manson. The June Manson Memorial Award supports a secondary school graduate from Squamish, currently enrolled at Capilano University.
Jack Wagner, the student who received the June Manson Memorial Award, said the scholarship has helped him with tuition fees and the purchase of a new laptop.
“We are extremely grateful for the Manson family’s continued involvement in and generous support of the University and our students,” said Jeri Krogseth, chair of the Capilano University Foundation Board.
Carol says
Wow! How generous of Bill, June and their family. The Mansons were great supporters of Howe Sound Performing Arts Association. At a time when education is very expensive, it is a welcome gift for any student. Bravo for support for the Arts!
Eric Andersen says
Great story! Nice to learn about this memorial scholarship. In 1976, Bill Manson was a co-founder (first treasurer) of the Squamish Valley Music Society (predecessor to the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association).
Gord Durocher says
This is wonderful, as it always seems that the arts are left out on scholarships and bursary’s in favour of sports, technical and sciences.