It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father in Victoria, BC on January 13, 2020, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bill leaves to mourn his loving wife, Julie (Mladsi) of 70 years; son, William (Cynthia); daughters, Lenore and Donna.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Bill moved with his family to a small mining town, Duparquet in Northern Quebec. When he was four years old, while in Sunday School, he met the girl who was to become the love of his life and happily his wife for 70 years.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1950 and underwent Air Navigation Training at the RCAF Air Navigation School in Summerside, PEI. He then went on to serve with 405 Eagle Squadron (Lancaster-Anti Submarine Role); 426 Thunderbird Squadron (North Star Transport Role); 437 Husky Squadron (Yukon Transport Role). His flying days took him around the world with many hours flown in support of United Nations Operations in the Congo, El Arish in the Sinai, Yemen, Cyprus, and Saudia Arabia. He retired in 1973.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to a charity of choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bryce Gibney
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Bronwyn Romain Dear Julie
I am very saddened to hear of your recent loss. Please accept my condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bronwyn
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Douglas J McClean Julie and Family;
So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Patty and I fondly remember our time together living in married quarters behind the Naden wardroom. I always thought Patty and I met at a young age – 15 – but we were oldies compared to you two!! You were so kind to a couple of newly weds and new parents.Love,
Commodore (Ret’d) Douglas McClean, OMM, MSM, CD
Royal Canadian Navy
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Dan “Sabu” Hunt Donna, I just read of Dad’s passing, and want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family… Love and hugs for you all.
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John and Conny Arkesteijn Dear Julie and family our sincere condolences. Bill was an officer and gentleman period. Perhaps it was no coincidence that I have been thinking of Bill the last few days. As a navigator I served with Bill during his last year of service in the Victoria management services unit. When later you were in Lahr Germany Bill was instrumental to our transfer there where I served with him with pleasure for several years. We have very fond memories from there of you both. Our thoughts and love go out to you during this difficult time.
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Ray Griffiths I am Ray Griffiths. I was a Navigator on both 426 and 437 Squadrons. I knew and had great respect for Bill. He was a very good Officer and Navigator but most of all, he was a wonderful friend and crewmate. Condolences to Julie and family.
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Bruce and Laurie Hardy Dear Julie
We have fond memories of Bill and enjoyed our way too few talks about his service days and adventures .
We are thinking of you and send our love. You were are devoted and wonderfully loving partner in Bill’s life.
Bruce and Laurie Hardy
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Jackie Darlington Dear aunt Julie , what an amazing career uncle Bill has had. I was fortunate to have visited you both on the island in your beautiful home with Mom many years ago. What a kind and beautiful man uncle bill was. Heartfelt sympathy to you aunt Julie Bill jnr Lenore and Donna . R.I.P. Uncle Bill
Jackie Tina Tom Darlington.
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Angie Bentley Deepest condolences to you Aunt Julie, Donna, Billy and Lenore.
We are thinking of you all during this difficult transition.
I have such fond memories of my Great uncle Bill from when you visited us in Perth and have been so fortunate to spend time with him recently, forever in our hearts!
Much love and warmth to you all!
Love Angie, Adam and Levi.
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Donna Kirk and Hy Freedman Our sincere condolences to Julie and family. Bill and Julie were our our great neighbours for 24 yrs of living on the Gorge. Bill taught us many things about gardening on the coast. Their gardens were always beautiful. Bill was a respected veteran,father, friend and loved
dearly by Julie who has been his careful caregiver the past few years. Love to Julie
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Mary Frado Dear julie and family , my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May he rest in peace. He will always be remembered as the most kind and wonderful person that he was. Love Mary
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shelley bentley rest in peace uncle bill.it was fantastic to visit you in your home last july such incredible hospitality even though you were not feeling well.we just loved you.shelley and eric bentley perth.
Bill, Donna, Lenore, and Mrs. Romain
I always have good memories and thoughts about your father and husband. He and I last chatted at my brother in law’s grad at Royal Roads, when Bill Sr. presented Mike with one of his awards. Mr. Romain (the only name I ever called him) was a wise and sensible gentleman. He and I had a heart to heart about Terri Dog when they moved overseas, and he trusted me to do what might inevitably be necessary because he told me Billy would be too heartbroken. I made him a solemn promise which I fortunately never had to keep. I thought young Bill was lucky to have a father like he did, and I still do.
My deepest regrets and sympathy to all.