Our beloved Bill passed away suddenly at his home in Malakwa, B.C. at the age of 68.
Bill was born in Victoria, BC. As a young man, he served with the Fort Garry Horse Tank Corps in Germany and then the Military Police in Chilliwack. He also worked as a heavy duty diesel mechanic for CN Telecommunications in the Yukon. Bill’s travels then took him to Great Britain where he worked on the oil rigs on the North Sea. In 1987 in changed careers; apprenticed and became a Control Room Operator for BC Hydro in Revelstoke. He retired in 2006.
Bill was extremely creative and applied himself vigorously to writing fiction, gardening, and entertaining his friends with his illustrious stories. He was also a prolific builder, beginning with bookcases, then moving on to a catamaran and finally, renovating his home, complete with a kitchen he constructed entirely on his own and an elaborate in-laid stone fountain in his garden. He became a passionate gardener in his final years, enjoying many hours growing vegetables and flowers.
Bill was often a mentor to his friends. He was loyal, generous and flamboyant. He was a dreamer. He was also a proud and loving grandfather. In his final years, he quietly battled cancer and won.
Bill leaves behind his wife of forty-eight years, Elizabeth (nee Moran), sons Timothy and Steven, daughter Shannon (Greg) Phillips, granddaughters Reede and Asha Phillips, sister Beverley Richardson, niece Laura (David) Barkman and great nieces Jennifer and Whitney. He was predeceased by his parents Aaron Roy Barnes and Elsie Elizabeth Barnes (nee Doust).
Bill will be sorely missed by his family and friends for his many fine qualities. He leaves a great void in our lives.
Family and close friends attended a celebration of Bill’s life on September 24. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 1141, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4P3.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, (250) 833-1129, Email condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.