Sadly, we announce the passing of our beloved William David Hipwell, born October 8, 1925 in Chilliwack, BC. He passed away suddenly on May 2, 2011 in Victoria. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Karen of 39 years; daughter, Joy Babiki; grandchildren, Sunny and Justin; son, Jim (Diane); grandchildren, Sarah Logan (Ashley), Chad, Ryan (Kate); daughter, Jill Scott and son, James (Sharon); grandson, Finn; brother, Dick (Sue) of Campbell River; sister-in-law, Joyce Dyble of Chilliwack and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Rosemary Tompson of Vernon and his brother, Jack of Castlegar.
Bill served in the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII. Using his service credits, he attended UBC and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy. He joined his father, Harry D. Hipwell at Hipwell’s Pharmacy in Chilliwack. Together they expanded the company and opened stores in Lytton, Hope, Agassiz and Vedder Crossing. Finally, he concentrated on the Vedder Crossing location, where he appreciated his loyal customers, whom he greeted by name, until his retirement in 1986. His love of sport prompted him to organize the first Chilliwack Community Football League and the first public swimming lessons at Cultus Lake. He had a passion for fishing, golf, tennis, football, poker and bridge. He was a proud Kinsman and Rotarian and was an avid traveller. He travelled the world and had spent the last twenty-five winters in Maui. Bill will be missed dearly; his kindness and love brought two families together.
Family and friends are invited to gather at 3:30 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Water’s Edge Club House, 2600 Ferguson Road, Saanichton. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre, 813 Darwin Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 2X7 or BC Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5 would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
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Tammie Carr (nee: Dreaddy)
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Owen Nelmes Karen and family’
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He certainly left his mark on Chilliwack.
Our condolences.
Owen and Jacqui Nelmes
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Doug Boyd To Karen and family;
I am deeply saddened at the news of Bill’s passing. My Dad, Bob Boyd, worked with Harry D. and Bill for his entire career.
I always enjoyed working with Bill in the Chilliwack and Vedder Crossing stores when I was a teenager.
I also enjoyed meeting with Bill at the Kihei/Wailea Rotary Club breakfasts, and golfing with him at El Aire (Silversword), where I was never able to beat him.
Always smiling, always friendly, Bill was a real gentleman, who will be missed by all who had the good fortune to meet him
My sincere condolences..
Doug Boyd, Squamish.
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Colleen Pinvidic We are all very sad to hear the news of Bill’s passing. We so enjoyed visiting with you both in Maui this year. Bill’s sharp wit and kind disposition will be sorely missed. You were the very best neighbours with my Mom for those many years at Water’s Edge and we consider that such a blessing. Please know that we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Colleen, Allan, Grady & Joelle
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Clarinda (Cindy) Stevenson Mr. Hipwell
Our family was saddened when you left Vedder Crossing Pharamcy in 1986. It was just never the same without you.
Thank you for your kindness.
My families condolences to your
The Stevenson family
of Vedder Crossing
(Cindy)
Edmonton
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Joan Lawrence Dear Karen and family,
I was so sad to hear of Bill’s death, and have hopes that your time in Hawaii this year was one to remember.
On behalf of our sisters I send this love, and hope to connect with you on Saturday.
Carol sent flowers on Chapter AI’s behalf, cause we wanted you to have some fresh ones.
much love
Joan
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Paul Larigee To Karen and family, my deepest sympathy. We will miss Bill’s smiling face and the pleasure of his company at the poker table and the bridge table here on Maui.
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Al & Joy Berry Karen . . . We are tremendously saddened to hear of Bill’s death. He was a great “allemand left” man and anchored our Carman Couples’ Club in its heyday. We send our love to you . . .
Al and Joy Berry
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Ernie and Eleanor Instant Karen and family. So sorry to hear of Mr. Hipwell’s passing and it brought back fond memories of my Pharmacy Days. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family at this sad time and you are in our prayers.
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Tricia Antonini I was very sad and surprised to see this Karen and have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. While I know Bill had health challenges, he always showed such fantastic energy and love for life, espcially a few months ago as he once again showed us how to really play the card game golf. I always enjoyed seeing you both in Hawaii as well as back when you were grandma’s favourite neighbours. Kind thoughts,
Tricia Antonini
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Lui and Marie Antonini Karen and family
We are very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a great friend to Mom at Water’s Edge and became a great friend to us as well.Our visits with you and Bill in Maui over the years were always one of the highlights of our trips. We never play “mexican train” or “golf” without thinking of the two of you!
A very special guy – he will be missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
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Bob Gunn Mrs. Hipwell and family,
Karen, Heather and I want to pass on our condolences. Both you and Bill were very special friends to my mother Amanda Gunn at Water’s Edge for which I am grateful.
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Glenn and Gloria Bailey Karen..please accept our deepest sympathy for you and your families loss. We were honoured to have Bill as our next door neighbor for the past 6 years. Always a gentleman, always had time to stop and talk and we always enjoyed his Hawaii updates every spring. What a wonderful person. We will surely miss him.
Rest in Peace BIll…Sail On
Glenn and Gloria Bailey
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Jim & Karen Weaver We want to pass on our condolences.
We will remember Bill as a kind gentle gentleman and a good bridge player.
My deapest condolences to you, Karen and your family. I don’t know if you remember me Karen, but Bill was my boss at Hipwells United Pharmacy in 1980 to 1982. He was an exceptional boss and I have always talked about and admired him ever since. He spoke at my wedding and offered a toast to the bride. He was someone I have always had in my thoughts and prayers through the years. He had a great impact on my life and I have often wondered how he was doing. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I love the picture you have choosen, this is exactly how I remember Bill. When I pass the old location in Vedder, I always think of him. Just wanted you to know Bill was definitely an important male guide in my life, sort of a father figure away from home. I loved him and everything he did for me as an employee in your pharmacy…..he will definitely be missed.
My sincere condolences,
Tammie Carr (nee Dreaddy)