Passed away peacefully on August 18, 2010 in the Burns Lake Hospital. Bill was born in St. Stephen New Brunswick on January 26, 1935. He grew up on the family farm with his brothers Vance, Leigh and his sister Alma. A dream of Bills was to venture out west, and he did, ultimately seeking a job posting with the Hudson Bay Company in Kitwanga, B.C., and then soon changing careers to the B.C. Forest Service. This was a beginning of a long and compassionate career for Bill.
Bill was introduced to Anne Schreiber in 1958, and they soon married and had three children. Bill and his family moved throughout the northern province of B.C. working as a Forest Ranger for the Forest Service. He worked in the Lakes District for the remainder of his 24 year long career in the Forest Industry.
After retirement from the forest service Bill started a trucking business, then was employed as a logging manager by Decker Lake and Babine Forest Products and then went on to work for the BL Community Forest. He finally retired in 2003.
Both Bill and Anne enjoyed seeking adventure and travelling in their fifth wheel. Their travels extended as far north to Alaska, Tuktoyauktuk, and Yellowknife and to the south, Arizona, USA. He truly enjoyed camping, barbeques, fish fries and travelling into the backwoods hunting and fishing. He had two memorable trips to Africa which Bill quotes as the “trips of a lifetime”.
Bill’s love of hunting began at an early age of six when his father presented him with his first 22 rifle. His passion for shooting, hunting, collecting and trading guns remained with him until the very end. Another of Bill’s passions was the Tweedsmuir Park Rod and Gun Club. He was dedicated and committed to the long range facility at the Club. His name became synonymous with the 1000 yard shoot.
Bill’s hobbies and many friends were very important to him. His dry sense of humor, and quick wit was enjoyed by many.
His three year battle with cancer was by far his biggest challenge. He had many more things to do and see. He was truly one of the legends and one of the good guys. His favorite saying was “first class” and when asked how he felt; even when it was inevitable he felt poorly his response was “first class”.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Anne of 50 years, daughters Cathy (Sam), Sheryl (Kenny) and son Guy (Chris). He had eight grandchildren Gavin, Carli, Brock, Blain, Chanse, Drake, Vance and Jayd’n. He is also survived by his sister Alma (Carol, and her daughter Laurie), brother Leigh (Shirley, and niece and nephews Joe, Leanne, Lisa). He was predeceased by his parents Cole and Grace, his brother Vance and his nephew Danny of New Brunswick.
We will surely miss Bill deeply; however we can be truly thankful that the twinkle in his eye will stay with us forever.