My husband, Bill Koch, grew up in rural Montana. As a child, he was preoccupied with books and ball sports. He dreamed of a career in writing and edited his high school newspaper. However, working at a psychiatric hospital the summer after high school inspired a change in his career plans. He thoroughly enjoyed his undergraduate years in psychology, then crossed the border to pursue graduate training in Canada.
In 1981, Bill landed at UBC Hospital, where he worked as a clinical psychologist, educator, and researcher for many years. Well-loved by his students and respected by colleagues, at his retirement from psychology, Bill was described as leaving “a legacy of generosity, mentorship, companionship and inspiration…” At our first date in 1984, there was uncertainty about the bill. Despite this, and the subsequent closure of the restaurant, we have been married for 38 years and have two adult daughters, Ainsley and Lindsey, a son-in-law, Dan, and two high-maintenance cats!
Anticipating retirement, Bill completed the SFU Writers Studio program in 2021. Inspired by his mentor and fellow classmates, he entered a second career as a writer. He spends his time writing and with his family and friends, including those from psychology, writing, track officiating, and the gym.
-Written by Margaret Kendrick, wife
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Which ’hood are you in?
We have lived in the Dundarave neighbourhood of West Vancouver since October 1986. We lived in the original 1943 cottage until rebuilding in 2003.
What do you do?
A psychologist for forty years, I have been a long-time volunteer in my profession and in the wider community. Since retirement in 2021, I have spent my time writing fiction focused on mental health, family relationships, legal issues, and their intersections. I also volunteer as a senior track and field starter for local, national and international meets (including the Vancouver Sun Run for many years. I help with the North Shore Writers Association and spend time with my family on Gabriola Island. Family, cats, friends, the gym, and cooking also fill my days.
What are you currently working on?
I have recently published Hired Gun: Uncovering Buried Secrets, a psychological thriller, indirectly addressing the social problem of sexual assault. I am working on the third draft of Shrinks: Do You Need One? This is a collection of linked short stories involving psychologists and their patients. As well, I am outlining and have written the initial chapters of Whose Best Interests? The latter involves a child custody case gone wrong.
Where can we find your work?
Hired Gun, my first novel, is available online at Indigo, FriesenPress, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. The background for Hired Gun can be found on this BC Book Look interview. You can also access my personal story and my writings and rants free on my Substack via www.billkochwrites.com.
