HOLDEN, BILL (MAURICE WILLIAM) - On Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Bill, always an early bird, slipped away in the wee morning hours leaving behind a life full of family, friends and many journeys. Bill was born on December 6, 1920 in Douglas, Isle of Man, Great Britain - a homeland always close to his heart. In 1937-40 Bill apprenticed as a ship’s engineer with the Isle of Man Steampacket Co. He joined the RAF in 1940 and was posted to Canada as a flight mechanic. While in Swift Current SK, Bill met his first wife Shirley Caswell in 1944. Bill immigrated to Canada in 1946 where he worked with the CPR Moose Jaw Division, first as a fireman and then an engineer from 1948-60. When laid off due to dieselization of the railroads, Bill worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance for 18 years. In 1977 Bill moved to Victoria, BC where, following Shirley’s passing, he met and married Marian (Babiuk) Kordich. In BC, he worked with the Corp of Commissionaires at Rocky Point ammunition depot until his 1991 retirement. In 2010 Bill and Marian moved to NB living at Ste. Anne’s Court and, finally, at the Duffie Unit of the Oromocto Hospital, due to declining health. Bill’s ongoing love and passion for British steamships and railroads was life-long. He was a talented, recognized train and ship modeler with a ship on the go right to the end. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Marian in Oromocto Hospital; son Derek (Eileen), their children Todd and Tanya, and grandchild Emily all from AB; daughter Wendy and her sons Trevor and Ryan from SK. Adopted daughters Barbara (Dwight); Betty (Dave) and adopted son John (Julie). Also adopted grandchildren Nigel (Mary), Kyla, Dion (Mindy) and Kristal (Ely); Jesse and Isaac; Donny, Jackie and Tyler; and Zane.
Arrangements are entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, “Fallsview Chapel”, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John West, (634-1701). The family wishes to thank Dr Gregory Haines and staff and the amazing nurses and staff at the Oromocto Hospital - Duffie unit. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., from Christ Church Parish Church 245 Westmorland, Fredericton, N.B. Interment will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2013 in Hatley Memorial Gardens, Victoria, B.C. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice.