Lowry – William James, known to all as Bill, passed away on February 2, 2016 the way he would have wanted, in his own home, in James Bay and in his sleep. Bill was born in Victoria, BC, in a house in James Bay on May 3, 1927, the youngest of 6 children.
Bill is predeceased by his wife, Pat and survived by his twins, Theresa (Mark) and Tom (Brigitte); his grandchildren, Jenna, Brandon and Nicholas; his last surviving sibling, brother, David and many nieces and nephews.
A life time resident of James Bay, he lived his full 88 years and 9 months of life living in only three homes on two James Bay Streets. Bill met his wife Pat who moved to Victoria from Penticton, living in the house next door to the Lowry family home. They married in 1959 and bought the last empty lot in James Bay at that time, building a house, where Bill has lived until his passing. An avid gardener, Bill worked for the City of Victoria Parks Department for 37 years and his family was proud to tell people that he never had one sick day during those 37 years. He was a hard worker, retiring from the city in 1987, enjoying 29 years of retirement. Bill spent many weekends fishing off of the Dallas Road waterfront in his little wooden boat, he was also a founding member of the James Bay Anglers Association. Bill was the longest life-long member of the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Club Unit #12 for 67+ years. He enjoyed his Sunday beers and music, listening to records with his buddy and neighbour Earl Schmidt and his Friday afternoons spent at the “Little Legion” where he would enjoy a beer and talk old times with his friends, including Art Davies, his best man at his wedding. Bill was a gentle soul, liked very much by everyone. He lived simply but his life was rich in everything that mattered, family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, all of his legion friends, his neighbours, his four legged friends, who will miss his dog cookie offerings while on his “walks” to the end of the street twice a day and all who were recipients of the seasonal cruise ship schedule, which he would handout while sitting and enjoying the ocean view.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 19th at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets with a reception to follow at 1:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Public Service Branch # 127, the “Little Legion” , 514 Government Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC SPCA at http://www.spca.bc.ca/support/other-ways-to-give/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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coulombe jean-yves
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André Roussel Dear Theresa and Tom, it is with great sadness that we learn of your Dad’s passing. From Danielle and I, Melanie and Isabelle, all our deepest sympathy to you and your families.
I will cherish the moments we spend during your Mom and Dad’s visits back east, to me, they were very good parents.
Knowing them, made us love them for who they were. They knew that the most important things in life are not things, but the love of their children.
André
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Jack Thame & Patti Teresa & Tom and Family
We were very sad to get the news that Bill passed away. I have known Bill and his family all my life, and will miss him dearly. I know Bill has been going through a tough time health wise in the last few months. Also, I know for a fact that if Bill had his choice, he would want to pass away in his sleep, at the home he built in James Bay. So be proud of all the help and joy your Dad gave to others in his life. He was a great guy, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. “REST IN PEACE BILL”
Jack Thame & Patti Mertz
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Shelley Harsant/Chris Coward Theresa and Tom,
We are so very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing.
He was such a gentle loving soul.
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Claudia Berry Theresa & Tom
I was very sorry to read about your Dad. Many years ago when the two of you were in my French Classes at Central, I can remember him coming to Parent Night and being so interested in what you were doing and how you were doing at school. He was a very caring father and so genuinely interested in his children.
My sincere sympathy to you both.
Claudia Berry
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Olga Zachary Dear Pat and family,
Such pleasant memories Bill left for us all. He was a true family friend especially to my husband Michael. We remember him for his warm and friendly personality, his hard work, and his always most gracious manner. May he rest in peace.
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Ron Charlebois Maryse and I extend our heartful condolences to Tom, Theresa and your families on the passing of your dad Bill. We thank you for providing us with the opportunity to meet your dad Bill on his last trip to Ottawa. Although our visit with Bill was brief, it was apparent that he was a very kind and loving father who was extremely proud of his children and their families. We wish you godspeed in coping with this tremendous loss.
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City of Victoria Parks Division employees The current employees of the City of Victoria Parks Division are sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. We have employees still on staff today that were supervised by Bill and he is remembered fondly and remains well respected by the group. The work plans he orchestrated on the City bvlds. as the Supervisor of that work unit, continues on today. A remarkable career with the City and true steward of the parks system in Victoria.
Bill attended a pancake breakfast last June at 7.00am in the Parks Yard, where he mix mingled with some of the people he had worked with and engaged with Parks employees who had started after he retired!.
Bill`s nephew, Dennis, has been working in the Parks Division for close to 30 years. So a bit of Bill is still with us in a way …..The Parks Division passes on sincere condolences to Bill`s family. A great loss for all of us.
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David & Sylvia Thame Our sincere condolences to Theresa, Tom and families. Bill was a very kind, gentle man and a good friend. He was always there to give you a helping hand and never spoke ill of anyone. You will be dearly missed Bill, especially the phone calls every Sunday.
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Frank & Donna May Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your families on the loss of your Dad. He was such a kind and gentle soul and we always enjoyed his company. He will be sorely missed by us both.
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Ron Dean As a former neighbour on Luxton for over 50 years I remember when you built your house and you and Pat became an asset to the neighborhood. Bill you will be sorely missed, and Dallas Rd. will never be quite the same. Ron
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Jake Jacobs My wife and I will miss you Bill. We have been one of Bill’s neighbours on Boyd Street for the past 25 years and will miss chatting with Bill and talking about the good old days of James Bay. Had the pleasure of having a cold beer with Bill down in his memory room and leaning back on the Dallas Road ledge with Bill on those sunny warm days. A life worth remembering.
Jake
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John Yankoski #127 A most sincere condolence to Bill’s family. It was an honor and pleasure knowing him.
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Don Peterson A lovely man with a great smile and personality. I only knew Bill as an aquaintance and too briefly, and am sad that he’s gone. R.I.P. Bill Lowry
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Miki Simpson Always remembered by his happy smile and sitting in his favorite chair at the Legion. Our favorite member to be sure.
Miss you Bill.
Regards
Miki
Sincères condoléances à la famille éprouvée par ce deuil.
J’ai connu tes parents lorsque vous demeurez à St-Augustin, Qué.
Gisèle et Jean-Yves.
2016-02-18