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
Dear Pat, Lisa, Clare and the rest of the family
I think Bill was a true original. Tough, strong and gentle!
Some people just go – and the world either doesn’t notice or fills the gap. People like Bill leave a hole.
Life is so much poorer now Bill is not with us.
He brought light,laughter and friendship to all,a true gentleman.
It was indeed an honour to have known him and spend time in his company
We will cherish our times together with the fondest of memories.
From his loving sister Rae,brother-in-law Roger and family
Thinking of you all.
Where did the time go? I swear it was just the other day that Bill came over to visit mum, enjoyed a wee dram, and chatted about the day’s activities. It made it easier for me to be so far away in the Yukon, knowing that Bill and Pat were there to watch over mum. I was sad to hear of his passing. He was a fine man, a great neighbour and a good friend to all of us.
I’m sorry I can’t be there on Monday but I’ll raise a toast to Bill. I’ll be thinking of all of you – Clare, Pat and Lisa.
Much love,
Cathie
To Pat, Lisa, Clare and all the Family
We would like to send our deepest sympathy at this time at the loss of Bill, who to us was a brother, brother in law, and uncle. He will be greatly missed. xx We will be thinking of you all on Monday.
It was a shock to hear of your dear husband Bill’s passing. Our deepest sympathy
Pat to you and your family. Many fond memories of our times together at Phyllis’.
God Bless. Evelyn and Gavin
Sorry to hear of Bill passing. I always enjoy working with him on many pipeline projects & having a pint with him after work.
Our deepest condolences to all the family, Ron & Bonnie Mac Gillivray
I am so sorry for your loss.
He was such a generous man with a huge heart. His visits always provided interesting and humerous conversations. A wonderful family friend and neighbour for many years. I always felt I could ask Bill to help with anything whether for myself or for mom and dad.
I will truly miss him.
With love, Nancy
Our deepest sympathy to Pat and Family at Bill’s passing. In 1961 Bill and I left Rathfriland to join the armed forces, I to the airforce and Bill to the army. During the time we were in the Forces we would regularly meet up on leave and also while abroad. I have wonderful memories of these occassions. I was also privilged to have Bill as bestman at my wedding in March 1969. While I remained in the airforce Bill went off to Canada and our meeting up was limited to when he came home on holiday. I was extremely delighted when in October 2014 while I was on holiday we were able to meet up with him and Pat in Victoria where memories were once again shared, from that time we kept in touch by e-mail when in October 2015 I was made aware of Bill’s illness M.S.A. Bill was a true gentleman and he will be sadly missed by family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and all the family circle at this difficult time.
Gone but not Forgotten
Love to all
Gordon & Marjorie
Antrim
Northern Ireland
Pat and family,
I am very sorry to hear about Bill’s death and offer my sympathy to you all. It was many years ago when I met Pat and Bill who have been wonderful friends to Louise. She speaks with such fondness of the family that I still feel connected and you will be in my thoughts in the days ahead.
Dear Pat- I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing last Saturday. I know from Louise that you were a kind and attentive wife- catering to ensure his comfort through a tough illness. May that be of some solace as you face some lonely times.
Glad the girls are close. Not easy for them to lose their dad. The obit says it all- the essence of the man- articulated beautifully.
May he rest in peace. RIP.
Liz Mullan, Toronto.