February 21, 2025
In loving memory ~
Bill passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Bills final wish was to pass in the home he and his wife Rose of 62 years built in 1972. With special thanks to Daughter in law Peggy, Son Brian, and Bill's sister Darlene who spent countless hours providing the best care for him in his last year, Bill was able to leave this world a very happy man.
Bill was born in Swift Current Saskatchewan, speaking only French when his family moved to Port Alberni when he was 3 years old. Bill started working for MacMillan Bloedel Sproat Lake Division in 1961 at the age of 18, running machinery and blasting in the Grade department. He then went on to drive Logging Truck and Debris truck until his semi-retirement in 1999. Bill was the camp committee chairman at Sproat Lake division for many years. Promoting safety was a big part of his job. Bill also sold Satellites Systems in the Alberni Valley from 1982 to 1996 with a lot of very happy customers. Bill was hired on at School District #70 driving school bus until his full retirement at age 60.
Bill loved the sunshine and could be found basking in the summer sun on his front porch keeping guard over the neighborhood. Bill had many pets throughout the years and loved his dogs Rusty, Keno, Tammy, Storm, Griz, Coco, Pepper, Tia and Zoey. Bill spent many years boating down the canal as a Port Alberni Yacht club member with his wife Rose fishing and traveling to different communities. Bill was passionate about many things including Muscle cars where he shared many wonderful years racing his 1966 Accadian with son Brian. Bill was a very knowledgeable man and loved to be in the know about everything. He was able to give advice on how things should be done properly and how they should be done his way. Bill was a very generous man and would do anything for a person in need.
He helped many people first before himself and would give the shirt off his back without question.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Bill was a type two diabetic and asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Diabetes Canada and the BC Cancer Foundation.