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
Susan, just heard of Willie’s passing from your Dad, our sincerest condolences; I know Meghan and Brady must miss Dad terribly as you also miss Willie.Wishing you all the best as you move forward with your new life.
Uncle Dobby,Laura, Pam
Grew up with Willie, childhood best friends. Fished with him, worked with him and curled with him .He was a great friend and person. He will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP my friend.
Rest in peace my old friend.
Willie – a great guy. Competed numerous times in curling – god bless your family. Rest In Peace. Jeff Pilon
My deepest condolences to Willie’s family and friends.
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, your children and all of your family at this time.
Dear Meghan and Brady,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad – and Susan, for the loss of your husband. I wish that his loving memories and the love of your family and friends surround you and give you comfort and strength in this difficult time. My support and big hugs will always be here for you.
Madame Julie
Dear Susan
I am so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing.
I first met Willie back in 2001 when I interviewed him for a job with the Biologics and Genetics Therapies Directorate of Health Canada, and worked with him for the next 15 years. Willie was hard working and made significant contributions to a new project our Division had implemented in 2000. He was also very helpful in providing guidance to new employees who worked on this project and got along very well with all his colleagues. It was a real pleasure knowing and working with Willie.
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you, Meghan, Brady, and the rest of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
It’s with great sadness that I heard about the passing of Willie. I had the privilege of curling with Willie for two phenomenal years. During that span, we made the Ontario Men’s Provincial. We had a exciting run where we beat Wayne Middaugh and Brian Cochrane. Willie was a great curler and new how to read the scoreboard and adjust the strategy. He made great shots and was a great competitor. I will always remember his laugh, smile and love for the game. I never had so many come from behind wins until I played with Willie. He just had a knack and mental fortitude to keep with it and fight to the end.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to you Susan, Meghan and Brady and the family. May Willie’s memory, family and close friends give you comfort during these trying times. Willie will truly be missed and the curling community won’t be the same without him.
With a heavy heart
Nicholas (Nick) Aubin