We are saddened by the loss of our dear father, husband and grandfather. Bill was born in Altona, Manitoba on Aug. 27, 1927, and died peacefully on June 1, 2005. He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth; father, Peter; brothers: Peter and Cornelius.
He will be missed by his wife Audrey (nee Eastham) and his adoring three daughters: Deborah (Allan) McLaren, Brenda Wolfe and Marilea (Kevin) Pirie; three grandchildren: Maresa, Scott and Jane; two sisters: Kay Funk and Helen Kaethler; and many nieces and nephews.
The popular radio-man was well known as the host of Bill’s Breakfast Bell, Let’s Talk and Bill’s Partyline on CHWK in the 50’s and 60’s. He helped pioneer the Cablevision system in the area and became part owner, president and manager of Valley Televue from 1965-1976.
In 1973, he was the Western Chairman of The Canadian Cable Television Assn.
Bill semi-retired in 1980, working part-time as commissioner for the B.C. Utilities Commission. He was President of Western Institutional Television, President of the Kinsmen Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and until recently, a member of K-40.
Bill was a volunteer feeder at Chilliwack Hospital and on the board of the Community Chest. With a group of businessmen, he was President of Edenbank Investment Corporation.
Bill’s hobbies were model airplanes, motorcycling, boating, fishing, woodworking and electronics. He enjoyed playing bridge, chess and poker.
Later in his life, he took up the organ and lived to play, mostly by ear. Bill was known as Mr. Fix-It and spent his spare time fixing appliances, radios, etc. for friends and neighbours — continually on call.
He appreciated the beauty of nature while on his motorcycle in the mountains. At home, he spent many hours on his computer, becoming so rapt he would forget about time. He was an excellent bridge player and belonged to several clubs over the years. Summers were spent at the summer home in Kalamalka Lake (near Vernon), where he enjoyed his Aquacat (boat), being with family and friends. Bill loved travelling and visited many countries.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Services, Chilliwack, an organization he was involved with over the years.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Henderson’s Funeral Home, Monday, June 6, 1:00 p.m. The service will be conducted by Charlie Lenz.