Passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at the age of 75. He is survived by his loving wife Marianne of 51 years; his sons, Robert (Anna) of Bonney Lake, WA, and Todd (Jennifer) of Sylvan Lake, AB; his grandchildren: Brittany, Brandon, Jenna and Cydnee; his brother, Peter (Gail) of Grand Forks, B.C.; sister, Olga (Don) Baron of Vernon; and their families. He was sadly predeceased by his parents, William and Molly; his brother, Harry; and sister-in-law, Elaine.
Bill was raised in Castlegar, B.C., working with his family-owned general contracting firm. His earliest interest included building flying model airplanes. This keen interest led to an education at the University of Washington in Seattle in Aeronautical Engineering (1961). He returned to British Columbia and accepted a teaching position at Grand Forks Secondary School. Bill taught math and sciences until he assumed the Head of the Vocational Programs. He focused on teaching construction and cabinet making that brought him back to his roots. Bill followed his retirement from Secondary teaching with residential and commercial real estate sales. He knew the construction practices in the community and was a staunch advocate for his customers. Bill had a keen interest in boats and built two beautiful houseboats that resided at Christina Lake, B.C. The first boat was a pontoon houseboat with the second a larger single hull boat. Both were well known on Christina Lake where “Captain Bill” hosted the annual houseboat convention every Labour Day weekend. Bill loved his valley, home, and his family. His family received a lifetime of joy and love and are forever grateful for their husband, father and grandfather.
A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 202 – 1835 Gordon Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1Y-3H5, or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1589 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1Y-5Y7. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.