Edwards, William “Bill” Ronald

September 03, 1923 – March 19, 2021
at the age of 97 years:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father William Ronald Edwards on March 19, 2021 at the age of 97.

He was born on September 3, 1923, in Korah Township, Ontario to William Edwards and Mary Ethel (Moore).

He was predeceased by his father in 1934, his mother in 1936, his brother Gordon in 1997, his sister in-law Mary Edwards in 2012, his loving wife, Ruth (nee Cederholm) in June 2016 and his brother in-law, Keith Seale in March 2021.

He is survived by his sister Thelma Seale, his two nephews, Gordon and Eddy, his two nieces, Darlene and Donna, his daughters, Wilma (Debbie), Wendy, Billie (Layne) and his son Mark. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Wayne, Nikki, Chris, Lisa, Mike, Darcie and Reese, nine great grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Mackenzie, Brett Grace, Gabe, Axton, Austin and Emma and three great-great grandchildren, Ryder, Maeve and Farrah with one more on the way.  Dad was known as Boompa to all the grandchildren and they never got too old not to use it.

Dad had quite the life; he enlisted in the New Westminster Regiment in 1942 and spent four years serving his country. He was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, the France & Germany Star and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp for his dedication and valor while fighting overseas. Upon his discharge in 1946 he moved to New Westminster and started his career at Labatt’s Brewery. He met his future wife; Ruth at the Honey Dew Café in New Westminster and they were soon married. They moved to a small acreage in Surrey where they raised their four children, some chickens, a couple of pigs and a small flock of sheep and mean cow called Judy. They had great fun attending many dances, they loved their bowling and of course they were busy with all the kid’s events. When dad retired, they moved to Gardom Lake, BC and lived there many years gardening and raising sheep and chickens. When the acreage got too big for them, they downsized into Salmon Arm, now they had time for the bus tours that both mom and dad enjoyed. Dad loved to walk and he loved to talk. He would gab to anyone he came upon whether he knew them or not. Mom and dad loved to golf and they loved camping especially with their little dog Yogi. Ten years ago, dad was diagnosed with dementia, so we moved him into Piccadilly Care Facility in Salmon Arm so he could receive the care he needed. Before the dementia got really bad mom would go over and they would play crib and if the weather was nice, she would take him out for walks. Now they can continue all of those things they loved together once again.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff at Piccadilly Care Facility and a special thanks to the nurses and care aides in the Aberdeen neighborhood (ward) that took care of our dad over the last ten years, your amazing dedication to the care and attention you gave him was greatly appreciated.

The family would also like to thank Vince Fischer for the care and thoughtfulness he has given to us during this time of sorrow

Dad lived a long life and will be greatly missed.

2 Comments

  1. We knew Bill for quite sometime and only just heard of his passing. We were great friends of Bill and Ruth and truly loved our times together, especially playing cards (500) at their home in Surrey. (Bill always had to have the last bid). They were a very special couple and played a big role in our life, especially Bill who was very outspoken and always reminding me where I came from in Saskatchewan, “Ponteix”, he always called it “Tampax Saskatchewan”. We had a lot of good times together and will miss him very much. Lots of Love, Roy and Sharon

  2. So sad to have to say goodbye to Uncle Bill, he really was a trouper and bigger than life. He was always on the go kind of like the “energizer bunny”. Vic & I enjoyed many visits with him and Auntie Ruth both when they lived at the coast and after they moved to the Salmon Arm area. His was a life well lived and he is now together again with his love, Auntie Ruth. Condolences to all the family and hope to see you when you are able to have a celebration of his life. Hugs, Diana & Vic

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