William Joseph Pemberton

He displayed remarkable courage in his battle against cancer maintaining his trademark wit while looking forward to engaging with some of his cherished projects particularly the art of perfecting his beloved motorcycles. It is with deep sadness that we share Bill's passing, which resulted from an unexpected medical complication that occurred while he was under the care of a hospital.

Bill is survived by his loving and beautiful wife, Marie, who was his steadfast companion throughout life's journey. He took immense pride in his roles as the devoted father of two wonderful children, Katherine and George, and as the cherished "Poppa" to his four adoring grandchildren: Damon, Ronan, Jules, and Brooke. His memory will forever be marked by the stories he shared with his family, his renowned talent for voice impressions, and his uncanny ability to gauge the perfect moment for a tickle.

Three passions defined Bill's life - motorcycles, guitars, and engineering. In his teenage years, against the wishes of his father, he acquired his first motorcycle for a mere £5. His fearless racing at Aintree, Wales, and Oulton Park earned him the moniker "Big Bill" due to his towering stature. Among his proudest achievements was participating twice in the Isle of Man, Manx Grand Prix, an event he revisited later in life. The joy he derived from recounting his racing experiences, as evidenced by his radiant smile and piercing blue eyes, is etched in our memories.

Bill had an unshakable love for music, with rock and roll being the soundtrack of many summer road trips up and down the coastline. In later years, he reignited his passion for music, converting his children's former bedrooms into a guitar studio. Here, he reacquainted himself with both classical and rock guitar, recording numerous songs and sharing them with his adoring grandchildren. His nightly solo concerts, serenading his beloved wife, Marie, were a testament to the enduring love that bound them.

Engineering was an enduring passion for Bill. While working at his father's factory, his natural aptitude for all things mechanical was unmistakable, and he quickly honed his skills on the job. Bill ventured into marine engineering and served with the Merchant Marine, ultimately achieving the rank of a first-class engineer. In the early 80s, he transitioned to a land-based role as a marine safety inspector in Port Moresby, a decision rooted in his commitment to being with his young family. During the late 80s, Bill secured a position with Transport Canada Marine Ship Safety, where he continued to monitor and inspect vessels along Canada's coastline in Prince Rupert and Victoria until his retirement. His extensive knowledge of engines, diligent observation, and candid opinions earned him the respect of his peers. Even in his free time, Bill found solace in his workshops, disassembling and reassembling motorcycle engines.

The memory of William Joseph Pemberton will never fade. Whenever you hear the roar of a motorcycle passing by, gaze upon the ships at sea, or catch the enchanting notes of a guitar riff, remember him with a smile. His love and indomitable spirit will forever remain an integral part of all those whose lives he touched.