July 20, 1933 - June 30, 2020
On June 30th. , Bill passed away quietly after a lengthy battle with dementia. He was predeceased by his parents, Ella and Ernest Milton of North Vancouver, and a sister, Ellen and a brother, John.
Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian, his daughters, Leslie (Michal) ; Laurie (Rick); a grandson, T.J. Bronson (Sara); a grandaughter, Jackie and a great-grandaughter, Emily. Also several nieces and nephews.
Bill was raised mostly in North Vancouver, B.C. in the Upper Capilano area (in the days before the Dam or the Grouse Mt. development ). He spent many happy hours fly fishing on the unspoiled Capilano River with his Grandfather A.J. Milton. He and his siblings and friends used to play in what they called the "bear fields" - now it is the area where the gondola parking lot is. North Vancouver was also where he met "the girl next door" - Lillian (nee Mackenzie). They married in 1957 and went on to have their two daughters who were raised mostly in Terrace and Smithers.
Bill enjoyed his career as a Prov. Govt. Agent - it took him from the Vancouver Court House to Terrace and Smithers and lastly to Duncan where he retired in l988 after over 35 years service. While living in the North, their two daughters were also bitten by the horse-lovers bug ( a passion caught from their Mother), so- Bill soon became a horse-husband - building barns and helping with pasture cleanup with his beloved tractor! He got lots of time-off for good behaviour to enjoy fishing, golf and later, in Duncan - a sailboat.
After retirement Bill and Lillian left on a truck and 5th.wheel adventure across Canada and the U.S.A. - returning to Duncan after almost a year ( because a grandchild was due) --where they bought property in Sahtlam and Bill built a home, barn, etc. (- in typical Bill fashion --"..if I can research it, - I can do it!). and - he did a great job! He had a wonderful dry sense of humour and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank the nurses in the Cowichan District Hospital for their care and kindness during Bill's last month - and a special thanks to Dr. M. Ismail for her above and beyond care.
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