December 31, 1919- August 7, 2017
It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of Charles William Friend (Bill) on August 7, 2017 at the age of 97 from pneumonia at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Bill was born December 31, 1919 in Vancouver, BC. He always loved his birthday as it was the most celebrated party of the year and he celebrated a lot of them. Bill attended all his grade, high school and first Year University in Vancouver.
Bill is survived by Patti Friend (41 years), sister-in-law Debby Camazzola husband Carlo, daughter Melissa, son Brayden. His sister Grace (Joe) and children Linda, Brenda and Keith and families. Cousins Norman Lawrence, Oregon, Keith Lawrence, England. Bill loved his sister Grace very much and was very fond of Brenda.
Bill is further survived by his beloved cat Patches (19 years old) as he called her his little scalawag. Bills wishes were upon his passing that Patches would spend the rest of her life with Patti. Patches is now living with me and is doing well.
Bill was predeceased by his father Charles William Friend (age 96, 1963), mother Elsie Evelyn Friend (age 96, 1994), younger brother Thomas Henry Newton Friend (age 83, 2005) and many aunts, uncles and cousins in England.
Bill enlisted in the RCAF on April 19, 1940 as a volunteer. He was sent to Montreal where he attended the #1 Wireless School and graduated with the required training to become an RCAF Wireless Electrical Mechanic. His responsibilities included the installation and maintenance of communication and electrical equipment of the just forming RCAF fighter squadrons from Hurricanes to Spitfires and forming the new Canadian Spitfire Fighter Squadrons. (Done at Digby Facility/Aerodrome, England)
Bill’s squadron was named the “409 Nighthawk” Squadron. Bill stayed with RCAF until July 9, 1945. Upon his discharged he received a book with the 409 Coats of Arms and a framed picture with same Coat of Arms signed by King George. Bill was very honoured and proud of this keepsake. Because of his love for the Spitfire plane he borrowed a clock from one of the planes and to this day it still works. For Remembrance Day he loved to go the Army & Navy Club in Vernon because of the Spitfire on the side of the building. On November 25, 2016, Bill was awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order medal which he never had had the pleasure to wear with his other medals, 1939-1945 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and war Medal 1939-1945
After the war Bill went back to University to study physics, and loved anything that was electrical.
Bill went to work for BC Telephone Company in 1946 (age 27) in the Equipment/IR Shop.
Bill retired from Telus in June 1983 (63) after 37½ years of service. His last assignment was the amalgamation of BC Tel to Telus working directly with the Vice-President. He was extremely proud of this and thought what a nice send off for his retirement.
Bill’s hobbies included curling for a number of years when he younger and then in 1968 he joined the German Roller Canary Club where he became a Master Breeder and Judge. His Canaries were very much sought after that he sold a few to Woodward’s Dept Store for their special customers. In 1974 Bill sold most of his canaries and only keeping a few for his own personal enjoyment.
Bill spent his last 7 years at Creekside Retirement Centre, where he very happy there. His suite overlooked the creek so he could watch the birds and the airplanes flew over his building. He loved going outside to see the airplanes especially the “jets”. Bill was fond of Margaret as they were both in the air force and shared a many good stories and laughs. Bill was well cared for at Creekside and the staff was very caring and showed nothing but the highest respect for Bill. I would like to thank all the staff at Creekside for all your help and support over the past 7 years. Special thanks to Veterans affairs for your care and concern for Bill, making his life easier.
Thank-you to Dr. Gavin Smart (Tammy & Kim) for taking care of Bill for the past 20 plus years. Also to all the Doctors and all the Nurses on 2 West (Vernon Hospital) for their exceptional care that Bill received while in hospital.
A very special thank-you to Rick (my partner). my sister Debby and to Brenda for your love and support during this difficult time for me.
As per Bills wishes there will be no funeral service and cremation only.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Bill’s memory can do so to the Vernon SPCA, 4800 Haney Road, Vernon BC
Always remembered and never forgotten.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home,
Phone: 250 542 0155. Condolences may be offered at
www.vernonfuneralhome.com