Tribute

William (Bill), passed away peacefully at Sunnybank Care Centre in Oliver, BC on 14 June 2024.

Bill was predeceased by his dad, William; his mom, Grace; his brothers, Doug, Lloyd, Lorne, and Gord; his sisters, Eunice, Beth and Grace and his wife of 62 years, Jean.

Bill is survived by his son, Mark (Arlene); daughter, Charissa (John); grandsons, Brett (Erika) and Emil; granddaughters, Lisa (Shane), Amy (Mark) and Tara (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Danika, Knight and Freddy and many nieces and nephews and their children.

Bill joined the Air Force at age 18 and served at many bases all across Canada. While serving at SHAPE in Paris he was commissioned from the ranks and became a flying Officer. He had two more postings in Gander and Ottawa before retiring to Edmonton in the mid-80s There Jean and Bill purchased their first home. Bill worked for the Alberta Government in Emergency Services AB. They had one more move to Red Deer for several years before their final retirement to Oliver, BC in the mid 1980’s. It was while living in France that Bill and Jean got the travel bug. They made many trips over the years to Europe, Hawaii and Mexico. They retained many long-term friendships with people they met in their travels. Bill was active in the community and taught Sunday school. He was a Cub and Boy Scout leader. While in Ottawa Dad purchased a small boat and spent many hours teaching people to water ski. He and Jean loved to canoe and went on many fun trips They took up backpacking when Charissa moved to Alberta. Bill was renowned for building a large stone wall at their new home in Oliver. He and Jean scoured the countryside for the rocks. The wall and the garden it protected was a work of art. He loved to garden and kept at it well into his eighties. One of his favourite activities was dragging people up Mt. Baldy to cut wood. No visitor was spared. He and Jean both loved to golf and were long-time members at Fairview Golf Course. He also loved to play crib and always had a big grin if he won. Bill has always been known for his incredible sense of humour and maintained that to the very end.

Bill will be greatly missed by all of his family and his many friends.

A celebration of life will be held with family and friends on September 14 on Mt Baldy.