BC Parks Foundation

Bill at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo in 2011, a conservation area he spent decades helping to expand.

Have Fun, Get It Done: Honouring Bill Merilees (1940–2025)

On June 18, when Bill Merilees passed away surrounded by family, we said goodbye to a true champion of parks, nature, and lifelong stewardship. 

We spoke with Bill's son, Andrew Merilees, about his dad’s legacy of protected places, curiosity sparked, knowledge shared, and a province better understood because of him. 

“My dad lived a great life. He followed his passions, and he got to do everything he wanted to do. You really can’t ask for more than that.” —Andrew Merilees 

Behind the Scenes of BC Parks 

On summer nights in the 1980s, Andrew Merilees and his siblings would pile into the car and head to Miracle Beach Park to watch their dad in action. 

“We’d sit on the amphitheatre logs and watch the slideshow talks,” Andrew recalls. “Then we’d walk the trails while Dad connected with other naturalists—sharing ideas, giving feedback, helping them weave park messages into their interpretation. He loved those conversations.” 

As Visitor Programs Officer for Vancouver Island from 1978 to 1996, Bill played a defining role in shaping how visitors experienced nature, helping instill a lasting sense of pride and identity in BC’s parks system. 

At its peak, the BC Parks interpretation program reached nearly one million visitors each year through walks, talks, and beloved programs like Jerry’s Rangers. While these initiatives ended in 2002 due to government funding cuts, the foundation Bill helped build still resonates today. 

“Bill was a guiding figure in interpretation in BC,” says Gail Ross, provincial manager of Extension Services at the time. 

“I had the privilege of joining him on a 28-day nature tour in Australia, and it remains one of the most extraordinary trips I’ve ever taken.” 

Today, Gail helps guide the Discover Parks program—a joint effort between BC Parks Foundation and BC Parks to bring regular interpretation back to life in parks across the province.  

“For a generation, kids grew up without access to natural history through our parks. When I learned that interpretation was coming back, I knew I had to support it.” 

Thanks to people like Gail, this summer, kids in 25 parks across BC can once again take part in programs like Jerry’s Rangers.  

It’s living proof that the seeds Bill planted continue to grow. 

A Legacy of Action 

In the 1990s, Bill played a key role in the creation of Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park. Through his friendship with the island’s homesteaders, Al and Mary Palmer, he helped broker a transfer of the island to BC Parks rather than see it sold to developers. 

“It wasn’t technically his job,” Andrew explains, “but Mary asked for his help. He stepped in and helped hold the deal together. Mary always deeply appreciated that.” 

That experience sparked a larger vision. 

“He dreamed of helping protect the Northern Gulf Islands. He built relationships and tried to get traction. It didn’t come together in his lifetime, but it was something he always hoped would happen one day.” 

Bill’s most personal conservation effort was the Buttertubs Marsh Conservation Area in Nanaimo.  

He first brought his Boy Scout troop there in 1984, when only one property had been protected. 

“He spent decades working to expand it,” Andrew says. “He raised funds, brought in partners, got his kids out there planting native plants and hauling garbage. He saw the value of that place for birds and turtles, and for the people of Nanaimo.” 

His last unfinished project was a written history of Buttertubs. The family plans to complete it. 

What We Remember 

One of Bill’s favourite phrases was, “Have fun. Get it done.” 

“There was never a day he came home and just watched TV,” Andrew says. “He was always giving a talk, leading a walk, planning something. He lived it. He loved it. And he acted on it.” 

His legacy lives on in publications, parks, stewardship groups, and in the people who carry his spirit forward. 

That includes his sister, Heather Merilees, a supporter of BC Parks Foundation campaigns, like the recent protection of Juniper Ridge. 

We asked Andrew what he hopes people remember most about his dad. 

“Just that a love for nature can fill your life with wonder and connection. 

I’d hope they’d take a walk through their favourite park and bring a friend and ask a question. Or plant something native. Or simply look closer and with curiosity at the world around them. 

That’s what our dad did, and it is a beautiful life.” 

Help Carry Bill’s Legacy Forward 

Bill Merilees spent his life protecting nature and inspiring others to do the same. Please consider making a gift to help protect more special places across British Columbia and to expand our Discover Parks program. Together, we can keep the wonder alive for future generations to explore, protect, and love.