It is with great sadness to announce the very sudden and unexpected passing of William (Willie) Richard Joseph Jeffries. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his children, Meghan (12) and Brady (10) of Ottawa, ON. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene (Jason Ness) of Victoria, BC, his Father, Jeff (Val Beauregard), and his Mother, Lorraine, of Port Alberni, BC.
Willie grew up in Port Alberni, developing a love of the west coast and all associated activities, fishing most especially. Having worked as a fishing guide through many summers, he leaves behind many good fishing buddies and memories of fish that were caught and, of course, fish that got away.
After marrying Susan, life and employment took him to Ottawa, where he worked as a biologist for the Health Canada. While in Ottawa, Susan and Willie started a family, bringing the beautiful Meghan and Brady into this world, both of whom he loved above all else. More than anything, he would want his children to move forward in life with the knowledge of his love and pride in them.
Throughout his life from BC to Ontario, he also gained a passion for the sport of curling. Having started curling at a young age, he competed a number of times at the BC junior provincial championships. After moving to Ottawa, he became a very accomplished curler, competing at, and at times winning, numerous events around the province. Willie was known for his heartbreaking, pirate-like wins in extra ends which earned him the nickname of ‘Captain Black’ amongst his curling mates. Whether they curled against him or with him on the same team, Willie leaves behind many good curling friends across the country.
Willie, aka Will-Dog aka T-Bone aka Captain Black, left us much too early. We will always remember his smiling face and teasing ways, and his propensity towards logic and reason which won many discussions as well as many games. Whether as a loving father, husband, son, brother or friend, he will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him in any capacity.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Ottawa, ON at the Ottawa Curling Club on September 8th, 2018 at 1:30 pm. Another Celebration of Life will be held in Port Alberni, BC at the Alberni Valley Curling Club on September 29th, 2018 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Willie’s memory to Indspire, furthering indigenous post-secondary education in Canada (https://indspire.ca/).”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Willie’s memory to Indspire, furthering indigenous post-secondary education in Canada (https://indspire.ca/).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
29 Responses
Dear Susan, Meghan, Brady and all the family
It is with great sadness that I heard the passing of Willie. I am honored and blessed to have known Willie both as a friend and a colleague. I have many fond memories of all the years I have worked with Willie and I will never forget him. Remembering the good conversations we had together and his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in my heart. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to you Susan, Meghan and Brady and the family. May his soul rest in peace and may the care and love of those around your family provide comfort and peace to get you through these difficult times. Willie will truly be missed.
With a heavy heart
Gilles
Deepest condolences to Lorraine and family
The curling world reaches across the land…Lorraine, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
I worked with Willie for some time when I started in the public service. He was a great person, always smiling and willing to help. He helped me settle into my job and was always there to answer any question I had. My deepest condolences to his family. It very sad to hear that he is gone.
Meghan and Brodie. I am so saddened by the loss of your Dad, and Susan, your husband. It is hard whenever it happens, but harder when the person is young. I truly hope the memories you all carry will be what gives you strenght.
My thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you.
Valerie Carew
I was very shocked and sad to learn of Willie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the kids during their grief and the time that follows. May they see the Lord in His support of them during this difficult time, and find rest in His embrace.
Geoff Bowlby
I worked with Willie as a biologist at Health Canada for a number of years. He was a great colleague and excellent worker; so friendly and just an all around great guy. We used to love to chat about Manitoulin island where he would sometimes cottage and fish and where I had frequented myself as a child with my family. I am very happy to have known Willie. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family.
Our condolences on the loss of your father and husband, Meghan, Brodie and Susan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan and Maya
I did not know William but I was reading this and wanted to leave a few words to his family and friends. I hope that this bible text can provide you with a little bit of comfort and hope as you continue to cope during this difficult time. Take care. John 5:28,29-“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,those who did good things to a resurrection of life…”
My sincere condolences go out to Willie’s family and friends. I did not know Willie long, but had the pleasure of curling against him last season. My heart goes out to Susan, Meghan, and Brady through this very tough time.