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
What a loss! Bill was a great man and we are greatful for having known him! Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Love always Cvitanovic family.
Bill was a friend to our family for many, many years and will be sadly missed – Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat, Lisa and Clare and their families at this truly difficult time.
Clare, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Morgan
Dear Pat and family:
The news of Bill’s passing was very sad for me. He was a person I had likes immediately. Alban & Phyllis regarded him very highly so that when I finally met him I was not disappointed. As a family we were so impressed by him coming all the way over to White Rock to Eric’s funeral. One thing I will always remember was the look on his face the day I told him to put holy water on him’s tomatoes. He was not impressed.
May God bless all of you,
Edna
Rest in peace, Bill. Sure you, Alban and Eric are already sharing a pint.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.. I always enjoyed working with him… Our deepest condolences to all the family….. Zeke and Arleen Bronson
Shocked to hear the news, Enjoyed working with Bill on many pipeline projects. My thoughts are with the extended family and friends
With deepest sympathy from your cousin Bobby wife and family Hilltown.
To our families best friend, you will never be forgotten. ..Slainte Don, Viv Grace, Keith and Allison
To Dear, Pat, Lisa and Clair
Bill`s Obit just says it all
We were so priveleged to have known Bill for the wonderful, kind and generous man he was.
We will ALL miss him terribly but are so grateful for the memories.
May God bless Pat, Lisa, Tom , Simon and Liam, Clair and her Jeff.
With much love to you all,
Tomas and Eileen
So sad to lose a dear friend in Bill, i loved working with him as a customer which in turn became a solid friendship along with his brother Noel,, i always listened to his advice and respected his opinion on anything he spoke about. after his retirement we always met for a few beers as he passed through Edmonton. I looked up to Bill in many ways, coming from a family with many involved in the military i always felt indebeted to all service men and woman and listening to Bills occasional story was always a treat. Being an immigrant like Bill we cherish good friends which are few in life, Bill was my friend and i trusted his word like an older brother,always told it how it was.He will be missed like all strong leaders, R.I.P Bill,
John, Linda and family