William (Bill) Wigmore passed away peacefully on March 10, 2016, to be with his beloved wife, Grace, who predeceased him on October 17, 2015. At 91, Bill was just a week shy of his 92nd birthday. Bill was also predeceased by his sisters, Evelyn and Julie and brother, Dave. Bill is survived by his loving daughter, Gayle Wigmore and his brother, Roger Wigmore (Marilynn) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was born in Victoria and travelled extensively in his lifetime. He joined the navy during the WWII and was stationed on the East Coast of Canada. After returning to Victoria, he met and married Grace in 1948 and continued his service as a civil servant for the Department of National Defence. He was very involved with the Union of National Defence Employees and was President of the Union as well. Bill enjoyed both salt and freshwater fishing and spent many a day up at Shawnigan Lake fishing for trout which the family always enjoyed. Bill also enjoyed salt water fishing catching salmon with his friend, Walter, at Mill Bay. Golf became his passion in the 1970’s and he golfed many of the Island’s different courses for almost 40 years. He also enjoyed moose hunting in the 1970’s with his friend, Harry Hill, up in Northern BC around Babine Lake. He also took up curling and lawn bowling for a short time. Bill retired in 1986 and then he and Grace did a lot of travelling, especially cruises. Bill lived a long full life and now will be with Grace forevermore.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for making Bill’s last days comfortable for him. A special thanks to Dr. Riddler who initially took care of Bill and Dr. Demott at the end of his life. Also, thanks to the staff of the Waterview Unit at the Gorge who always gave him a warm welcome when he went up to visit Grace. Special thanks to Gayle’s partner, Paul who has been very good and supportive to Grace and Bill. Also, to Cousin, Barry and wife, Anne who have been very supportive; they came down from Comox on a regular basis to visit Grace at the Gorge and to visit with Bill. Thanks to neighbors, Bob and Joan Ainscough as well for watching over Bill.
A Funeral Service will be held at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:00 a.m. A Burial Service at Royal Oak Burial Park will follow after fellowship and refreshments have been enjoyed at McCall’s.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Victoria Hospice Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Ann and Bob Callow
Dear Gail and family.
Ann and I, along with our children wish to give our blessings and condolences on the loss of your dad, Bill. Our friendship over all these years since 1954 when we married and moved in as neighbours of your parents on Donald Street at Obed Ave., has endured ever since then. Many great times have come to mind lately and we are so grateful to have called the Wigmores good friends!
God Bless, Ann and Bob Callow