William DOWLING Obituary

A wonderful sendoff for you Brother Bill. It was just wonderful to share it with you. RIP You work is done on this earth of which you contributed so much to us all.
Cousins Family

Such a wonderful man - he will be greatly missed by all who knew him Dallas/Ian Penrose

We have all been blessed to have shared time with Br Dowling. May his example inspire all of us to live beyond ourselves and always put others first. Bill, you were a true servant of God and of those who were lucky enough to meet you and benefit from your love and care. Heaven´s First XI will be in safe hands - may the angels be dressed in their spotless whites and carry you to the pavilion where you can sit ... and rest in peace.

Wonderful memories of a good Christian witness of the reality of religious life.

A belated many thanks, Bill, for your great example and contribution to the lives of our family members over many years.
Moira and Bob

Deep sympathy to the family and friends of Brother Bill. He was a truly great bloke and educator, and a positive influence on thousands of other people. He will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brother Bill always greeting me with a smile and warm welcome. Many memories of my times visiting Mum at Wharanui Rd.
Jo-Anne

So sad to see and hear this. Always loved the chats and laughter we had when I attend STC. RIP br bill

Deeply saddened, and deeply grateful for all he gave us. RIP Brother Bill

Sad to read of Bro. Bill´s passing. He was very committed to students´ welfare and education. Bill was also very supportive of Canterbury junior cricket. He often visited us during his return visits from Tanzania enjoying a social hour or two. Very respected former colleague and friend. Bob Marryatt, formerly Christchurch, now Sydney, Australia.

Our Condolences on the death of a wonderful kind man who we were privileged to know RIP Bro Bill You will be missed
Andrew Garton and Family
( St Thomas Old boy)

So many fond memories of times spent with Brother Bill. He was the most amazing gentle and kind soul.
RIP

Congratulations Br. Bill on an incredible life and such a positive influence on so many people especially pupils of all the schools you were involved with. I remember fondly the times you drove our TK Bedfords at Opzeeland Transport in the 70's. Rest in Peace.

We were saddened to hear of Brother Bill's death the day after his brother was fare welled in Ranfurly. When Brother Bill returned to NZ several years ago it was our pleasure to host him in Blenheim so he could catch up with family here.
He took a keen interest in family matters catching up on most of them when possible.
RIP Bill

A really good, nice teacher. Tried teaching me remedial maths. So I (just) passed School C. As a boy who arrived at school early, I was frequently on his cricket roller squad. RIP

How can you describe a man of God such as Bro Dowling, words like committed or happy, dedicated, loving will all sum him up, he was a mentor to so many, including myself, his life counted for a lot and many young boys went onto greater and greater things because of his influence in their lives. Often you think of a Principal who was at the school when you were there, but I remember Mrs O'Rouke (the Secretary in the 80s) telling one potential set of parents that Br VM Jury was the Principal but if you want to get to know all about the school and the how we operate here at St Thomas's you need to see Br Bill Dowling he's the 'soul of this school' and he just happens to be the deputy, but I think Br Jury is his deputy. I also had the privilege, (it was suppose to be a punishment) in 1988 to live with Br Bill in the Brothers house as a boarder, to see his commitment to faith and how his service to his Lord was lived out, I prayed with him, and I eat with him, memories I will never forget.
Have a blessed rest Bruv Well done good and faith servant of Christ and of the Christian Brothers
Mike Gibbs -

Passed away peacefully at home in Christchurch, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, aged 84. Son of the late Bill and Maimie of Ranfurly. Cherished brother of Gerald (dec) and Angela, Mary (dec) and Harry (dec) Lampen-Smith, Michael and Joan, Ray (dec) and Bev (dec), Laurie (dec), Denise and Graeme, and dearly loved uncle of his many nieces and nephews.