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Major William A. (Bill) JONES

December 2, 2007

Jones_Bill_1207

William A. (Bill) Jones late of 7451 Shaw Ave., Chilliwack, passed away suddenly on December 2, 2007, at his home at the age of 79. Born August 10, 1928 in Harris, SK, the fifth child of Jack and Pearl Jones, both deceased.

He was pre-deceased by his only sister Myrt Hewsen (Ben) of Indian Head, SK and his brother Richard Jones (Isabel) of Edmonton, AB.

He is survived by his oldest brother Johnny Jones (Enid) of Swansea, Wales, and Russell Jones (Mid) of Winnipeg, MB.

He is survived by his wife Donna Jones (Larson) of Chilliwack; his five children: Debbie Tiede (Bob) of Moose Jaw, SK, Steve Jones (Wanda) of Cultus Lake, BC, Ken Jones (Judy) of Port Coquitlam, BC, Randy Jones (Janet) of Kelowna, BC, and Mike Jones (Carmen) of Coquitlam, BC. They will all remember a man that was first their DAD, and over the course of their lives became a friend.

“Grandpa” was most proud of his nine grandchildren and one great-grandson, and was very active in their day-to-day lives.

Also survived by brother-in-law Jim Larson (Joanne), sister-in-law Betty Prachnau and sister-in-law Beverly Johnson (Guy), all of Chilliwack.

He lived in La Rivere and Winnipeg, MB, and Indian Head, SK. He worked at the Manitoba Telephone System, Canadian Wheat Board, Winnipeg Grain Exchange, the Coca-Cola Co., farming in Indian Head, and a sawmill in Galloway, BC. He couldn’t find the right niche in life until he joined the Army on 31 March 1948.

He spent 32 years serving his country at home and abroad, having postings in Camp Borden, ON; Werl, Germany; Chilliwack, BC; Moose Jaw, SK; Shilo, MB; and serving the United Nations efforts in Cairo, Egypt.

He served his beloved country and the Royal Canadian Engineers in so many different facets and places throughout his career it would take a full page to list them all. However, his achievements could be summed up when he was awarded the prestigious Canadian Order of Military Merit in June of 1978, given for outstanding merit, achievement and service to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Bill retired from the military in 1979, achieving the rank of Major.

After the military, Bill began his “civilian” career in Prince Rupert, BC at the Prince Rupert Fisherman’s Co-Op and worked for seven years in labour relations and founding one of the first commercial salmon farms on the west coast.

He returned to Chilliwack in 1987 and began a business venture in commercial rainbow trout farming at a location in Bridal Falls, BC, near Chilliwack.

Being near his “family” again, he was the senior advisor, trustworthy confidant and true friend to all of us, and he will be sorely missed for all he did for all of us.

At his request, there will be no funeral or formal service. The family requests no flowers or donations to any organization on his behalf.

There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 13:00 at the Royal Canadian Legion #280 in Vedder Crossing near CFB Chilliwack.

We invite all family and friends to join for a final “gathering of the clan”.



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