The UBC Thunderbirds family is mourning the loss of impactful men's Basketball alumnus Bill Humphries who passed away last week at the age of 72 following a long battle with cancer. Bill played for the Thunderbirds in the early 1960's and was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity on campus.
 
Bill's friend and former fraternity brother Fred Hume, who is the current historian for UBC Athletics, says Humphries was an admirable individual with a passion for everything he embraced and the causes he championed.
 
"During his long battle, he maintained his upbeat personality and feistiness which was an inspiration to others," said Hume. "Bill was so personable, a joy to be around, a one of a kind friend who will be greatly missed."


 
After graduation Humphries quickly developed a passion for traveling and giving back which proved to be key pillars for his life's purpose in the decades that followed. Bill worked hard to become a very successful Chartered Accountant and a significant philanthropist who was very generous with both his time and resources in the local and international community.


 
Humphries spearheaded volunteer missions with Habitat for Humanity to build houses on the Sunshine Coast and in Central America to provide affordable housing to the less fortunate. After volunteering on a Global Village initiative in El Salvador in 2008, Humphries came home inspired by the idea of partnering with the UBC Athletics in providing an opportunity for groups of varsity athletes and coaches to participate in the same rewarding experience. The opportunity was met with great enthusiasm on the Point Grey campus and the inaugural two-week trip to El Salvador took place in early May 2011 with a group of 12 team members heading south.


 
Bill's fellow team leader on the inaugural trip and again in 2013 was long-time Thunderbirds women's head coach Deb Huband.
 
"Bill was a true leader, mentor and loyal friend to UBC Athletics," said Huband. "The concept of merging his passion for giving, with inspiring and educating UBC athletes was brilliant. Bill spearheaded the opportunity for athletes across all sports, to learn about the world, gain an international perspective and understand the gift of giving. The experience in El Salvador was rewarding, challenging and unforgettable! I am certain that all those who had an opportunity to be alongside Bill have memories that will last forever. Thanks Bill."


 
Long-time men's basketball head coach Kevin Hanson enjoyed the honour of Humphries' immeasurable support and friendship first hand for many years.
 
"We are very saddened with the loss of one of the most positive, most sincere and kindest person that our program has seen," added Hanson. "Bill was involved in so many aspects of our program and UBC Athletics. From his Habitat for Humanity projects with student-athletes to the hosting of our annual team retreat to the Sunshine Coast, to the involvement with our golf tournaments and attending our games, he was always there for the team. Bill was also one of the longer serving members of the Tuesday Knights brotherhood basketball group. Bill was an inspiration to our players and coaching staff and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to know him. He was a very special person and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Joan and the entire family."


 
Bill Humphries celebration of life will take place on September 6^th at Mount Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver at a yet to be determined time.