William (Bill) Malcolmson headed back out on the road again on January 9, 2016 surrounded by the family he loved.
Bill began his adventure on March 26, 1943 in Rathfriland, Northern Ireland and he began his first career at the age of 18 in the British Army Paratroop Division. Success within the military ranks saw him join the Special Air Services. Once he returned to civilian life, he earned his Master Mechanic designation from Nottingham College in England. Bill immigrated to Canada in 1970 to begin a career in his new field. His career as a heavy duty mechanic provided many adventures as he travelled throughout Canada and the world. This is what Bill did and this is who Bill was…
Bill was a big brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
The eldest of 10 children, Bill with his brothers and sisters romped through the Irish countryside creating adventures and learning about life together. His brothers and sisters were much more than siblings, they were lifelong friends.
Bill met the love of his life Pat in 1968 and they spent the next 48 years together (married for 44). Their love would bring two wonderful daughters into the world, Lisa (Tom) and Clare (Jeff). Bill’s military training came in handy during their teenage years and the girls were always the apples of his eyes. They spent their lives sharing in wonderful adventures that brought about countless stories all filled with love and laughter.
Bill was blessed with two amazing grandsons, Simon and Liam. His two partners had arrived! From flying RC planes with Simon to watching Liam play baseball, there was never a man more proud to be a papa. The adventures that Papa undertook with the boys were some of his most cherished.
Bill lived his life with a twinkle in his eye and a kindness and generosity of spirit that touched all around him. He loved sharing a pint with the boys and being around the people that made up his chosen family…his friends.
However, family and friends were not all that defined Bill; he was a builder, a not-for-profit used car locator, the king of the Kit Kats, a winemaker, a deer wrangler, a candy hider, an inventor, a libations connoisseur, a master chilli maker, a tool collector and a rollercoaster rider. His garage was his sanctuary where he could build, fix and invent things to help his friends and family and also where he hid his stash of Girl Guide cookies.
Most of all, he lived his life fully. He embraced every moment in his quiet and thoughtful way. Bill always did his best to make people’s lives better. He was a great man and a better person. He will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 18, 2016 at McCall’s Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver Street (at Johnson), Victoria, BC.
A donation to www.multiplesystematrophy.org would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
22 Responses
We were greatly saddened upon hearing of Bill’s passing.He was a mentor,confidant,friend to so many of us who knew him.Rest in peace Bill you will be sorely missed
Dear Pat
Elizabeth and I are so sorry we were unable to attend the service this morning. We were there in spirit though. We’ve missed you so much over the past months. We pray that the Holy Spirit is bringing you and your family His special Comfort and Peace.
God bless and keep you.
Lovingly Anne