Just a few weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday, Bill died peacefully at home. Bill was a loving husband, amazing father, best grandfather IN THE WORLD, dedicated brother, hockey player into his 80’s, long-time hockey coach, skilled sous chef, dedicated ‘Habs’ fan, cyclist, golfer, skier, season ticket holder to the Titans, football referee, and committed community volunteer.
Bill was born in Moose Jaw, Sask, where he took up his love of hockey, skating on the frozen ponds. As a boy, he moved with his family to BC, but hockey remained a key part of his life, whether it was travelling across the country by rail at 21 to see his beloved Habs, coaching his son and many Bby hockey players, or playing in the Snoopy “Old Timers” tournament. Bill spent any time he could at a rink.
Bill had a long career at BC Tel in the engineering dept, retiring at 60. Throughout his life, Bill was known for his community service. He was President of the BC Amateur Hockey Association, co-founder of the Bby Minor Hockey Association and General Manager of the Grandview Steelers. In recognition of his contribution to hockey, Bill was inducted into the Bby Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
In retirement, Bill and Moira continued their active lifestyles travelling to all parts of the world with family and friends: skiing in Colorado, hiking the Great Wall in China, visiting friends in Cranbrook, Scotland and Australia, fishing at Lasqueti, or kayaking at Muldrew Lake. Family trips with the Colbourne clan to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and Ontario are cherished memories.
Bill was not just a sports guy, he was a lover of good food, especially Jackie’s tiramisu, as well as music and theatre, from opera to pipe bands and everything in between. Both a sentimental guy and a vibrant storyteller, Bill was a true renaissance man.
Bill is survived by Moira, his loving wife of 67 years, his sisters Geraldine and Sharon, and predeceased by his brother Murray. He was loved tremendously by his children Margaret (Bruce), Freda (Joe), Stewart (Jackie), Barb (Mike) and grandchildren Oliver, Meaghan, Cole (Maegan), Ellen, Jack, Marco, Gwen, Grace and Christina as well as many nephews, nieces, in-laws and countless wannabes.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Bby Lake Rowing Pavillon on May 29, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00pm. If you are able to join us, in honour of Bill’s passion for sport, please wear a hockey jersey of your choosing.
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