William John Wilson was born November 11th, 1932 in The Pas, MB and passed away October 24th, 2016 in Kelowna, BC. William (Bill) passed away peacefully in his daughters home with his wife at his side. Bill is predeceased by his parents Donald and Olive Wilson, his older sister Thelma Clarida and his younger brother Stanley Wilson. He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Rowena Leslie Wilson. Bill leaves his son Wilf (Louise) and their children Matthew (Jessi) and Michael (April); his son Graham (Mary) and their children Amanda (Jesse); William (Marley); Cameron (Janet); and stepson Jonathan; his daughter Heather (Alec); his daughter Sheila (Rob) and their children Ian, Stuart and Megan; his daughter Kellie; and his daughter Jennifer (Brian), Jennifer’s daughter Hannah and their son Aaron. Bill and Rowena are blessed with many great grandchildren, each one the apple of Bill’s eye! Bill’s brothers and his sister, many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces will miss him. Bill worked for almost 35 years for the Department of Highways as a Heavy-Duty mechanic and volunteered many years of service to his community, including 30+ years volunteering with the Fire Department, 30+ years with the volunteer Ambulance Service and 25 years as an RCMP auxiliary constable. He also volunteered many hours with Scouts Canada, and as a hockey and baseball coach, referee and umpire. In his retirement, he grew beautiful roses in his garden that frequently ended up in the bouquets at local weddings. He enjoyed wood working, gardening, reading the history of the Kootenays and sipping tea and gossiping over the fence. Bill was a quiet man whose values of hard work and volunteerism were evident in his love of the community of New Denver. He valued family above all else and leaves behind family rich in memories of their times with him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in New Denver on November 12th, 2016
from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Bosun Hall. Please join the family in celebrating Bill’s life.
Cards and expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Rowena Wilson, Box 74, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0.
Those wishing to do so may make a memorial donation in Bill’s memory to the New Denver Fire Department (PO Box 285 V0G 1S0).
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca Arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES ® Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237