April 30, 1926 to
February 24, 2007
Bill was born in Ladysmith, BC. He is predeceased by his parents David and Mary Brown, his brother Dave Brown, sisters Mary Larade and Margaret Rogers, brother-in-law Ray Puska and son-in-law Rocky Rakoczy. BiIl is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Doreene and son Dennis Brown (Linda), daughters Leslie Rakoczy, Janet VanPelt (Ron), Gayla Hunter (Rob), and Lynn Brown. Grandchildren: Dan DeFrane (Sunshine), Jana McKee (Tony Brunet), Jason Price (Jen), Stacey Smith (Chris), Tanya Brown, Christa Brown (Fraser), and Megan Hunter; great-grandchildren: Jessica McKee, William Brunet, Ashley DeFrane, Celeste DeFrane, Emma Smith, Tristan Smith. Survived by his brothers Jim, Joe and Alex Brown, sisters Janet Rashleigh, Sarah Henning and sisters-in-law Margaret Brown and Joyce Puska and many nieces and nephews. Bill retired from Crown Zellerback after 35 years and came out of retirement to work as a Rural Route Courier for Canada Post for 11 years. He loved to be working. Bill served in WWII overseas in Holland, France and Germany with the Canadian Scottish Regiment. After the war, he served as a Reservist in the Canadian Scottish and taught young soldiers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion #171 in Ladysmith, a Lifetime Member of St. John's Masonic Lodge and a Past President of the Kinsmen Club of Ladysmith. Bill was a member of the 808 Wing Airforce Association in Nanaimo, served as Commanding Officer of the Ladysmith Air Cadets Squadron 257 for 16 years, and later as liaison between air cadets and 808 Wing. Bill was very proud of his family and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave him much joy. They sure loved their Papa! He was always there for his family when he was needed. Bill had a wonderful sense of humour and will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral service Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 2:00 pm in Bethel Tabernacle Church, Ladysmith, BC, followed by interment in the Ladysmith Cemetery. Pastor Rob Bedard officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or BC Children's Hospital.