William (Bill) Ellis was born in a logging camp at Rock Bay on Vancouver Island. He moved to Vancouver to attend John Oliver High School, before heading to UBC. After a year at the university, he signed up for the Signals Corp, where he became a lieutenant and served in Europe. From there he went to Jamaica for three years where he worked for the British Army and then as an auditor.

Following his service, Bill returned to UBC and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1953. He was called to the bar in 1954, and practiced law until his retirement at the age of 77. Throughout his life, Bill was a keen fisherman, and retirement allowed him to dedicate even more time to his passion. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

In Bill’s memory, family and friends have created the William E. Ellis Memorial Fund at the Allard School of Law.

Your gift will pay tribute to Bill’s life and career, by supporting the next generation of law students at UBC.