Tribute

Dell, William George Richard (Bill) 1921 – 2009 passed away peacefully with family at his side, on Sunday, August 2 at McKinney Place in Oliver at the age of 87. Bill is survived by sons Gary (Georgina), Bob (Brenda), grandchildren Matthew, Kelly, Graham, Lisa and Greg, nephew

David Norcross (Angie and Jamie). Bill was predeceased by his wife Dorothy.
Bill was born in London, England. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and returned to England in 1931. Bill and his family returned in 1939 to make Canada their home. It was during his first time to Canada where he met his future bride and life long friend, Dolly.

Bill was a greatly loved father and grandfather, a well respected man within the community and an innovative and strong leader within the fruit industry in the Okanagan. Throughout his life in his quiet and humble manner, Bill accomplished much and touched the lives of many.

Bill began his career working for Boeing Aircraft in Vancouver. He was transferred to San Diego during the war to oversee the building of the PBY aircraft. Upon his return to Vancouver he joined the Canadian Army in the Army Service Core. After the war, Bill worked for Russell Engineering in Vancouver. Shortly after his marriage to Dolly, the two moved to Osoyoos where they purchased their orchard on the corner of Hwy 97 and 12th Ave, which became their home for the next 60 years. In addition to running his orchard, Bill became the manager and general manager of the Osoyoos, Oliver and Osoyoos, and Okanagan Similkameen Coop Packing Houses. Bill was instrumental in introducing many innovations to the fruit industry and took pride in seeing the installation of the first wind machine in Canada on his orchard in 1972

Bill was community minded throughout his life. He was one of the original members to start the Osoyoos Sailing Club and Borderline Ski Club. Bill served as a School Board Trustee for School District #14 for over 20 years and as a member of the Okanagan College Council for 5 years.

In his younger years Bill was active in a variety of sports from playing cricket, soccer and tennis to being a ball boy at Wimbledon. He was a dedicated fan of baseball, tennis and golf and remained current on events which he loved discussing with his grandchildren.

Never one for show or ceremony, Bill’s greatest joy was the peace and solitude of the home he built with Dolly, the orchard he tended to and his children and grandchildren. We will always keep close in our hearts the image of our Dad and Grandpa walking through his orchard in his sweat stained hat, well worn jacket and gumboots and his constant love for us.

A celebration of life for Bill Dell will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at the Osoyoos Golf and Country Club, 12300 Golf Course Drive, Osoyoos, BC from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the BCSPCA would be appreciated. A special thanks to the staff at McKinney Place extended Care for their care and compassion.

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC www.nunes-pottinger.com