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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bill, on August 2, 2017 at 4:25 in the afternoon at Cowichan District Hospital. In his final days his family gathered around him and celebrated his life well lived. Tears and laughter combined as we all said goodbye to our loving husband, son, dad, papa, uncle, and brother. He went home to be with His Lord, after a valiant battle with an aggressive cancer, diagnosed just 29 days earlier on July 4th, that took him away from us far too quickly, but couldn’t touch his faith. His firm belief in God’s ultimate plan along with his devotion and love for his family supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Bill was born on October 25, 1956 in Port Alberni, BC to John and Hilda de Haan. Mourning his loss is the love of his life, Deborah, his mother Hilda, his siblings Hinke, John (Sabine), Jinny (Harry), Arnie, Ann (Marc) and Renita (Mark). Also his children Cindy, Tara and Tim, step sons Leo, Cody and Joshua, and his grandchildren Dallas, Damen, Dakota, Tanika, Jesse and Shelby and many extended family members.

Bill had a love for spending time in God’s creation, taking to the open road on his Harley, with his beloved Deborah at his back, walking on the beaches of Port Renfrew, with a desire to enjoy a picnic listening to the rolling waves, and time spent with his buddies on the golf course. His love for His Lord was apparent in his servant heart, and he was always the first person to offer help.

His life was cut short and it will take a long time to get used to life without him. We have shared so many wonderful memories and he is going to be deeply missed by all who knew him.

We were fortunate to have had him in our lives and now we will hold our love for him in our hearts.

“The only thing of importance when we depart will be the traces of love we have left behind” Albert Schweitzer



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