Aug. 22, 1934 - Jan. 7, 2012
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my husband and soul mate Bill Storen on Jan. 7/12 in Abbotsford ICU at age 77. He succumbed as a result of acute lung injury, due to complications from chemotherapy, after colon surgery August 29/11.
Bill was born, raised, schooled and held early jobs in Brandon, Mb. In 1959 he met Clara Sutcliffe and they married August 11/62. Bill began working for the Federal Gov’t. - DIA, and transfers took them from Brandon, Dauphin, The Pas, Island Lake to Prince Rupert and Prince George where Bill switched to Coast Guard so we could return to Prince Rupert.
In 1979 Bill opened Wilara Stationers in Prince Rupert and ran it successfully until 1986 when he sold out and, at age 52, we bought a motorhome and small truck - getting “Lost in America” for 2 1/2 years.
We then settled in Nanaimo - Bill built me a lovely bungalow but we decided we were on the wrong side of the strait so in July 1991 we moved to our present location here in Chilliwack.
During Bill’s life he belonged to many clubs and organizations, but none gave him more pleasure or satisfaction than his “Bikes for Kids” program - collecting used bikes around the valley, repairing as need be and distributing them through the Salvation Army at Christmas. The sheer joy of a child going home with a bike made it all very special. He also supplied Chance School with as many bikes and parts as possible for use in their Bike Dept.
He worked elections at every level but being Chief Election Officer for the City of Chilliwack was always his favourite. The staff was wonderful to work with and the election in November 2011 even more so - as by this time the chemo was playing havoc in Bill’s body. Karla Graham, the City Clerk, was there for Bill every step of the way - for which Bill was ever so thankful.
Our thanks go out to Dr. Causton and his staff, plus the staff at Chilliwack and Abbotsford hospitals.
Since Bill is the last of his generation and our families are scattered across Canada and USA, Bill requested there should be no service. Clara thanks all of you for your prayers, concerns and support during this most difficult time.
A drop in reception will be held at Evergreen Hall, Slesse Room, Evergreen Hall, 9291 Corbould St., from 1 - 3 p.m. on Friday, January 13. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to a charity.
God watched your lungs get weaker with every passing breath so he wrapped his arms around you and whispered “come to Me”.
Rest in Peace, my love
You will always be in my heart.
Your loving wife, Clara