March 5, 1929 – October 15, 2012
at the age of 83 years
Celebration of Life: Sat., Nov. 10, 2012, 1:30 p.m., Cedar Heights Com. Centre
Bill passed away after a short illness in Bastion Place Care Home in Salmon Arm where he had been a resident for five months. He was born in Burnaby, BC and lived most of his life in the Vancouver area, moving to Sorrento in 1996. He will be lovingly remember by his wife of 59 years, Mariann, their children, Mark (Donna), Dale (Maud), and Julie Adams (Ron), their daughter-in-law, Janice; grandchildren, Bob, Brock (Jessica), Caitlin, Chandell, Matthew, Christina and Jennifer, and great-granddaughter Whitney Sanford, predeceased by his son Gregory in October of 2011. He is survived by his brother George (Margaret) his Aunt Clara and cousins. He will be lovingly remembered also by his Bothers- and Sisters-in-Law and their families and many friends.
Bill spent five years in the Royal Canadian Navy taking part in the Korea War. On leaving the military he became an employee of Canadian Telephone and Supplies, transferring to BC Tel. He retired in 1981 and spent a number of years of self employment in home renovations. Bill was an exceptional handyman, building the family’s first home. Bill was a coach for Little League and Leader in Boy Scouts of Canada. He loved the sea, sailing, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, RVing and camping. He and Mariann were avid square and round dancers for 30 years, teaching round dancing in the Shuswap area. He will be remembered for his kindness and quick wit.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday November 10th, 2012 at 1:30 pm at Cedar Heights Community Centre, Sorrento. A second celebration will be held in North Vancouver on December 30, 2012 at 1917 Larkhall Crescent, North Vancouver. His cremated remains will be committed to the sea.
The family wants to express their gratitude for the kindness and compassionate care Bill received from the staff at Bastion Place and Harmony Haven and to Dr. Grant McCallum. Thanks also to Fischer’s Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd, Salmon Arm for their help and guidance.
If so desired, contributions in memory of Bill may be made to the Alzheimer Research Foundation of BC or Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
Marianne and Family,
I’m sorry we’re not able to attend Bill’s service. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. We know that you are surrounded by family, kind friends and neighbours.
With our sympathy,
Gwyn and Jim Shaw
Hi Mariann, I have often thought of you [in my own situation] since leaving Cedar Heights, and wondered how you were managing. I never got to know Bill but he seemed like a very kind and thoughtful person. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Take Care, Lil
Mariann and Family – my sincere condolences on the loss of Bill. He was a gentle soul and I am glad I had the chance to meet and dance with him
My thoughts and feelings are with you, Mariann. It’s been difficult these last few months but I believe he’s in a better place. Take care. Hugs.