John William 'Bill' Pringle
Born In: Boston
Born: November 12th, 1933
Passed in: Carcross
Passed on: January 19th, 2014
It is with great sorrow that we, the family of Bill Pringle, must share the news of his passing at his home in Carcross, Yukon Territory, at the age of 80, surrounded by his wife Linda and several close friends on Jan. 19, 2014 at 8 p.m., following a short valiant struggle with cancer.
Bill was born Nov. 12, 1933 in Boston to Kenneth G. and Elizabeth C. MacLeod. He was the third of their five boys. The family lived in Boston till 1944 when they moved back to Roberta, his fathers place of birth.
It was in Roberta that Bill developed a passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors that stayed with him his whole life.
Bill attended school in Glace Bay and was accepted as a recruit with the RCMP in Nov. 1952. He was very proud to serve with “The Force” and served with distinction for 31 years
One of his early postings was in Aklavik. He spent his first summer in the north at Whitefish station with a special constable and his family putting up fish and whale meat for the winter dog food supply. It was there that he fell in love with the North. He left in 1957 for service in New Brunswick returning to Whitehorse, never to leave the North again.
Bill opened the first summer detachment in Carcross, finding a place where he would eventually retire. He loved the country, outdoor opportunities and the people of the small community.
Bill worked throughout the North for the duration making a multitude of friends in Spence Bay especially the Tyall family. It was there he met his first wife, Isabelle. They married in 1963.They were inseparable until her death in 1986.
He met Linda Garner in 1987 and married in 1988, They spent 25 wonderful years together.
Bill retired in 1981 after 31 years service with the RCMP, became a school bus driver, and dedicated his time to the Carcross volunteer ambulance service, Member of the fire department, developed the Isabelle Pringle Library, established the Rod & Gun Club and The RCMP Veterans Association as well as the Yukon Heritage Resource Board.
Bill was the proud recipient of the Canada Medal of Bravery 1983, The Queens Golden Jubilee Medal 2002, The RCMP Long Service Medal with Silver Clasp in 1983, The Canada 125 Medal in 1992, The Order of St. John Silver Lifesaving Medal in 1983 as well as a C.O. Commendation in 1959 and a Commissioners’ Commendation in 1983.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Linda; brothers, George (Leone), Roberta, Donald (Belle), Port Hawkesbury and numerous nieces & nephews
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth G. and Elizabeth; wife, Isabelle; brothers, Jim and Douglas and his golden girls, Bridey, Emma & Molly
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Carcross and interment will be held at a later date in Regina.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice or The Canadian Cancer Society.
Bill was a man of principle, integrity, honour and compassion. His generosity and care for his friends and neighbors was limitless. He had a great sense of humour as well as a limitless capacity for love. He will be sorely missed.
