February 20, 1926 – March 2, 2014
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great grandfather, William Soppit on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Olive, daughters Bernice (Bruce) Beckstead, Linda (Jim) Stuart, Karen (David) Salter and Patti-Ann (Len) Brawn, 9 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, brother Louis (Doris) Soppit and Bob (Sherri) Soppit both of Rocky Mtn. House, Alberta and sister Betty (Orville) Anderson of Trochu, Alberta.
Bill was predeceased by his two sons David and Douglas, his parents William and Bernadine Soppit and his sister Donna June.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, his family returned to Canada when he was 6 months old. He attended school in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. He then completed a secretarial training program and gained employment with the Hog Pool in Lacombe, Alberta as a bookkeeper. After a 2 year enlistment with the Canadian Navy serving on the Corvettes he returned to Tees, Alberta to work with his father. He went on to work both as an operator and a millwright in 11 different mines including Con Mine, Yellowknife NWT, HB Mine in Salmo, and for Cominco at Benson Lake Mine, Port McNeil and CM&S, Trail. He also worked construction in sawmills and pulp mills throughout the interior of BC, several years with Chaput and 5 years with BC Hydro. The mine locations changed but Bill could almost always count on there being a familiar face. In 1980 Bill and Olive opened Keremeos Rental and Sales and enjoyed 10 years in the retail and rental business until their retirement in 1990.
After retiring, they moved to Peachland and then again to Kelowna spending many wonderful hours in their gardens and visiting family. Bill was never without his book to read or a good story to tell. His interests were diverse and his knowledge impressive. He was truly a charming gentleman, well loved by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeff Brown, the staff at Cottonwoods Care Centre and at Kelowna General Hospital (4W) for their wonderful care and compassion for Bill. We can’t thank you enough.
Following cremation Bill will be laid to rest in Fruitvale, BC. A remembrance will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the KGH Foundation at Kelowna General Hospital.
Condolences to the family may be sent to soppitmemorial@gmail.com