August 22, 1938 - November 1, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Bill. Bill was born in Rossland in 1938 to Estelle and John Newman.
Bill's connections in the community started growing when he began delivering groceries at an early age.
In 1961 he met the love of his life, his 'lily pad hopper' and bought the 'house up on the hill' shortly thereafter. They went on to marry in 1963, and grew their family in that home, expanding onto the house and old dog shed.
Bill took pride in his many contraptions and inventions created in the old dog shed. He ensured to make many memories with each child and grandchild; from driving lessons out at King George Park, long walks in Rossland, and jumping off that dog shed in the winters.
Bill contributed greatly in his job as a labourer at Cominco, an ambulance driver, and a firefighter. Anyone who knew Billy knew he could tell a story, and many included firefighting.
Due to his advancing dementia, Bill spent his final few months at Columbia View Lodge, where he brought so much joy, had many laughs and made new memories.
Bill is predeceased by his mother Estelle, his father John, step-father Robert Franklin, and daughter Laurie.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 60 years Agnes; his children Arthur (Laurie), Rita (Owen) Verdon, Doria (Lisa), son-in-law Merv Flack; his grandchildren: Katie (Josh) Moisson, Timothy Flack, Curtis (Kristen) Flack, Carissa (Josh) Anderson, Nicholas (Karly) Verdon; great-grandchildren: Jaxton & Ryker Moisson; sister Marjorie Newman; as well as many extended family and friends.
The family would like to extend an enormous thank you to each and every staff member at CVL who poured out their love and care to him and the family. We'd also like to thank Cathy & staff at Alpine Drugmart and Doctors Smith, Jenkins, & Benzer for their care of Bill over the years and recent months.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the spring 2024. Wayne Szopa of Clark's Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, the family welcomes donations to BC Cancer Society, or the Heart & Stroke foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.clarksfuneral.ca