October 5, 1928 – March 12, 2013
at the age of 84 years
Bill passed away peacefully at his home on Shuswap Lake with his wife, Shirley and his family at his side.
An Avid fisherman and outdoorsman, Bill spent many enjoyable hours fishing and hunting with his sons and friends on Shuswap Lake and at the Coast. He could often be seen sitting at the end of the dock at his home enjoying his morning coffee and watching the sunrise. Dad said, “I love to be on the water, I never tire of it.”
Bill spent his working life with BC Telephone and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. He really enjoyed his long retirement, spending many years travelling with Shirley. Most summer weekends would find him surrounded by his extended family enjoying barbeques with the wine flowing. There are lots of good times to remember.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his sons, Bob (Deb), Brian (Deb), and Daughter, Sue Bergren (Terry), five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the Community Care/Palliative Care nurses (thanks Mern) for their wonderful care and support. Thanks also to Fischer’s Funeral Services for all their help and support. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Shuswap Community Care.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”
“I have fished through fishless days that I remember happily without regret.”-Robert Haig-Brown
Bill was an amazing man whom I will never forget. I swear if he ever slept, it was on his dock! Bill and Shirley are the best neighbours and friends anyone could ever ask for. Much love to Shirley and family! Bill, you will be missed by many.
our sympathy to you shirly and family,we had great times long ago in penticton with work and ball etc. i know you people have had a nice retirement out there..god bless…….
Dear Shirley & Family – We are so sorry to lose such a good neighbour and friend and extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. Bill loved the lake, the mountains and wildlife and it was his love and concern for the Shuswap that earned him the affectionate, unofficial title, “The Mayor of Blind Bay.” We’ll miss Bill’s friendly wave as boated by our house on his way to the Point and beyond, and later as he returned, with or without the catch of the day, deeply satisfied with the experience. For Bill, it was never about the destination, only the journey.
Barry & Linda
Our heartfelt deepest sympathy to Shirley, Sue and Terry, Bob and Deb, Brian and Deb, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill was a very cheerful and interesting man who always had the time to share a great story with us. Except he never quite mentioned exactly where he went fishing to get all of the big ones!!
Without a doubt Bill and Shirley were and are the best neighbours our extended families ever had.
Bill always kept us up to date on the happenings with his family and local going on’s. He was a wealth of information on the local area.
We feel very lucky to have called him our friend.
Remember all of the good times and great stories.
Ron, Sandi, Reid and Stephanie, Amy and Kelly Hill
It was with great sadness, that I read Bill’s obituary in today’s paper. I remember the first time my husband and I met Bill when we pulled into the bay with our houseboat. Bill and a friend quickly ran out to tell us we ran over his waterline. We didn’t!!
However, we invited them on board for a tour and a drink and our friendship was formed. Next spring we purchased a house down the street and became the neighbour of this wonderful man. We watched him fish by our house everyday. He was a special, gentle soul and a great neighbour who will be greatly missed.
Shirley and family, we extend to you our heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
The Thompsons
Our deepest sympathy To Shirley and Family. I have many memories of our dear neighbour and friend. One that comes to mind was his teachings of the elusive Beaver to this city girl. Still don’t know if he was pulling my leg. Both Art and will miss him. Love to all.
To All of the Tams Family
Very sorry for your loss. Bill was a
True Family man who loved each and
Every one of you . Cherish all your
memories and keep them close to
Heart. May God comfort you all
during the days ahead, and until
you meet again.
Our deepest sympathy to the Tams family. I have very fond memories of Bill at the lake. I always enjoyed chatting with Bill and catching up on the fishing report for the year or finding out about the wildlife that may have wandered down from the back forty. He was a good kind man who will be missed. Love Lisa Geosits and Steve
My sincere thoughts are with all of Bill’s family. He was a good husband, father, great grandfather and a very special neighbour. We will miss him.
My love and hugs to all of you.
Barrie
To the Tams family, my deepest condolences.
I feel very sad to know Bill is gone, he was a cheerful, funny, loving, wonderful person.
Yep, He’s “gone fishin”
R.I.P.
with love, Marcia
Goodbye my dear Dad:
I will love you and miss you forever.
I guess you will be out “fishing” with all your buddies and Uncle Mel.
Thanks for always being there.
Love,
Your daughter, Sue