June 2, 1922 – May 4, 2013
Embraced by his loving family, Bill has passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital. His strong constitution kept him lucid while he sang songs and cracked jokes before he said his goodbyes. This was his gift to his family.
Predeceased by brother Ken, Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia; his children Heather (David), Kent (Marianne), Kathryn (Larry) and David (Paule), and his brother Don (Vera). Affectionately called “Pompa” by some of his nine grandchildren, his sense of humour, his songs and his colouring abilities will be remembered and missed.
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Bill joined the Air Force early in the war, flying his Sunderland (The Flying Boat) in the North Sea until the war ended. He remained in the Air Force as an accountant until retirement in 1968. At that time he moved out to Vancouver, working for several financial establishments, finally retiring from Canada Trust in 1988. In 1993 Bill and Pat moved from North Vancouver to Victoria to be near his daughter’s family.
Bill loved the outdoors and was an avid skier into his 80s, and the potluck was always at his house. He loved his Kiwanis friends and work, his Wedgewood Estates friends, and his Holy Cross Church community. Bill’s family extends warm thanks to the compassionate ICU staff, Dr. Brad Amson and 7 North staff.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 2 pm at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4049 Gordon Head Rd. Reception is to follow in church hall. In lieu of flowers, Bill requests that individuals give blood, register as an organ donor, or make donations to the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion Foundation, 3034 Cedar Hill Rd.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
-
Anne & Guy
-
Dawn Nicolson Jennifer and I remember you and Bill very fondly, and our best wishes and prayers go out to you and your family.
All the very best
Dawn Nicolson
-
Julie Lawson Dear Heather,
Our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. You’re in our thoughts.
Much love,
Julie and Patrick
-
John and Lil and Teresa Hearn Dear Pat and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know if Dad and Mom’s health were better they would be there for you Aunt Pat. We have fond memories of your trips to Weyburn, Uncle Bill always laughing and telling jokes. May wonderful memories bring you comfort at this time.
John, Lil and Teresa Hearn
-
Helen Molloy Dear Aunt Pat and the family.
Bill will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind. He is an inspiration to live life, to be active and have laughter every day.
I hope to get out to Vancouver Island this summer and I will drop in to visit with you.Helen Molloy
-
Robin Mahadeva (Stewart) Our deepest condolences to the family. As I read uncle Bill’s obituary, I can see he had a full and happy life. I wish I had the chance to spend more time with him. You are in our prayers and hearts.
-
sally&roger hemeon Dear Pat, a note to say how saddened we were to read of Bill’s death in the paper this morning. we sort get living in own world so much that we were unaware you had moved on from wedgewood until Sally met you in Peppers a few weeks ago.know what a blow this has been to you and and your family and may be of help to know we share your loss and want to express our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely The Hemeons
-
Susan Stewart My sincere condolences to you all. I know we didn’t spend a lot of time together as families as we lived so far apart but I will always treasure those Christmases in Quebec. Uncle Bill will be missed. Love to you all,
Susan
Dear Heather,
Very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Kindest regards.
Anne & Guy (of Casa Marcia)