September 21, 1922 – January 14, 2015
Dad was proudly Canadian and button bursting, shout it from the hilltops, proud of his family. He was born and raised in Saanich and Victoria and apart from a spell during World War II when he served overseas, rarely left. After the death of his first wife, Amy, he discovered he could sing. His voice was the bass that anchored the four part harmony of The Tradewinds. His second wife, Joanne’s encouragement and enthusiasm for his singing meant this remained a huge and active part of his life.
Joanne’s family were now firmly embraced as his family. Sandra and Jim, Mary Ann and Len and their families provided love, Sunday dinners and such practical support and encouragement. He fished in Pedder Bay. And he loved it. Really loved it. He passed that love on and as his family made annual visits back to Canada from their home in England, Pedder Bay became an important focus. His English grandchildren, Amy and David, genuinely share his passion. His stories. Oh, we loved his stories. The Lodge at Broadmead provided fresh ears for his stories in his latter years. To his immense joy, his English family, starting with the grandchildren, migrated to the west coast, his daughter, Ruth and son-in-law, Ian making the move in 2010. His sister, Doreen, will miss calling him on the telephone on a daily basis. He was hers to care for, for 92 years.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 23, 2015. Please contact the family for details.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Shirley Nault (Webb)
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Jack Trueman Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Bill gave me my first job when I was in my last year at high school. He was a wonderful boss and taught me well on the virtues and talents of a good employer and how to make your work enjoyable. He was a kind and sensitive man and demonstrated that you could be a firm leader without being abrasive. I later became a successful businessman in my own right and attribute much of my success to the lessons I learned while working at Atlas Service. I will always have fond memories of my time there.
Ruth: I was so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. I worked with you, your mom, and dear Gam at Gibson’s oh so many years ago it seems, and I often think of you and Gam when I wear the beautiful gold earrings you gave that Gam wore. I often wondered if you were still in England but I see that you have come home. Are you in Victoria or some other city? It would be nice to hear from you and my thoughts will be with you.
Shirley Nault (Webb) Gibson Girl.