It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a dear husband, father, brother and son, “Bill” Willie Albert Klassen, who died peacefully on May 2, 2016 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria BC with his family by his side. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife Cynthia, children Aaron & Kailee (Ehsan & Elijah), mother Helen, as well as his many siblings and their spouses.
Born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on August 19, 1947 to Helen and the late Peter Klassen.
In the early 70’s Bill joined the Auxiliary RCMP in Fort St John and in 1974 became a regular member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police where he was first posted to Duncan, BC.
A true gentleman with a witty sense of humour, it’s little wonder he caught the eye of a young Cynthia during their chance encounter at Romeos Restaurant in Duncan, where upstairs at “Juliet’s” became a favourite spot to dance the night away.
Life began in earnest in 1981 when they were married and began their family shortly thereafter with the births of their son Aaron and daughter Kailee.
In 1994 Bill retired from his RCMP career’s final posting of Fort St John and they moved to Ladysmith where Bill signed on with 911 Fire Dispatch out of Duncan. After leaving his position with the Fire Dispatch in 2004, Bill continued to work forensics on contract with the RCMP until 2006, when Bill finally retired his fingerprint dusting kit and mask for a new uniform consisting of more casual ware, a bathrobe and jungle hat.
Bill was a man of honour and integrity, opening doors for women and helping anyone out, by way of revealing a very thoughtful & considerate nature. Bill invariably thanked Cynthia for every meal she served him, even if it did not always warrant it. He showed that same love and appreciation for his mother, which simply resulted in him becoming a loving, caring and well-respected man with a strong faith in God.
Bill was an entertainer, with a love for music and strong passion and talent for playing
guitar and singing with friends and family.
Regardless of the time in his life, those who met him remember him to have an incredible ability to create a rapport with them, no matter where or what the situation. He greeted everyone with warmth and enthusiasm and was genuinely interested to know what was going on in “the jungle out there.”
Bill’s pride and joy were his family and their accomplishments. He leaves a legacy of strong passion for music and entertaining, remarkable human connections, and an unequivocal faith in God; all which will undoubtedly live on through both Aaron and Kailee.
Please join Bill’s family in celebrating his life at 1pm on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the Neighborhood Church, 4951 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5P1.
Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc.com