May 19, 1926 - February 1, 2015
Bill passed away in St. Mary's Hospital after a short illness. Bill is survived by his loving wife Wilma, sons Garry (Cheryl), Lenard, Michael, Patrick and Wendy (David). He was blessed with seven granddaughters and 9 great grandchildren.
Bill lived a very full life. He served in WWII in the Air Force twice. The first time he was underage, was found out and discharged. He then went to work in the Boeing Plant in Vancouver where he learned many skills he would later use on his own planes. When of age, he went back into the Air Force till near the end of the war. At wars end he was at sea in the Merchant Navy.
Bill and his family moved to Pender Harbour in January of 1956. In the early 60's he formed his own successful tugboat company 'Tillicum Towing'. Later he bought 'Hyak Marine' in Gibsons and serviced his boats there. The 'Nanaimo Tillicum' served the people in Pender Harbour in many ways including 46 years of leading the Carol Ship Parade at Christmas.
Flying was his first love. He loved to share his joy of flying in the yellow biplane, the N3N. During these flights, he never went alone and he took well over 300 people for a ride.
Bill was also a Founding Director of the Canadian Museum of Flight at Langley Airport. He devoted a lot of time, equipment and expertise in recovery projects and building up the museum.
Flying was his first love. He loved to share his joy of flying in the yellow biplane, the N3N. During these flights, he never went alone and he took well over 300 people for a ride.
Bill was also a Founding Director of the Canadian Museum of Flight at Langley Airport. He devoted a lot of time, equipment and expertise in recovery projects and building up the museum.
No service by request. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to:
Canadian Museum of Flight
Hanger 3
5333 216St
Langley BC, V2Y 2N3

High Flight - John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
- Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."