Jens William (Bill) Sorenson

A long life well lived, began in Erickson, Manitoba in 1936. Bill came into the world two months earlier than expected, weighing only three pounds. His mother did all she could to give him warmth, comfort, and love, and after a few months it became clear that Bill would thrive! He was later joined by four brothers and two sisters!

Bill grew up in Gladstone, Manitoba, and was exposed to all kinds of sports and would learn to play hockey, curling, football, baseball and fastball. Team sports helped Bill to become a team player, which served him well as his career developed. After high school, he joined the Bank of Montreal in 1955 and started to learn “the art of banking”, appreciating all aspects of banking, starting from the ground up.

In 1960 he married his first wife, and they were blessed to have three children, two sons, and a daughter. Back in the day, advancing his career meant he had to be mobile and prepared to move anywhere the bank thought he could do the best. Bill was promoted and assumed many positions in a variety of cities as he grew into an experienced banker. His greatest strength was his thoroughness and attention to detail - critical in his profession. He also brought to his team, strong listening skills as he became known as a good mentor to the young men and women coming under his wing.

In 1970, he moved his family to B.C. and began working for the Bank of B.C., initially at their main branch in downtown Vancouver, and a year later, opened their North Vancouver branch, while commuting from his Burnaby home. He joined the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, serving as President 1975-76. The next big career move was in 1978 when he joined the North Shore Credit Union, initially as Manager of their Main Branch, and later, serving in the Executive Branch. He was elected as Alderman for the City of North Vancouver, where he served for four years. This opportunity led him to become part of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce Board. His skills were in demand and with exposure to many businesses and non-profits, he served on the Board of the North Shore Neighbourhood House and the Silver Harbour Seniors Centre, where he volunteered his time for 18 years. In addition to all of these activities, Bill joined Toastmasters in 1985, which improved his speaking skills and increased his confidence.

In 1984, he remarried, and he and his wife, Melvena, purchased a home in Richmond. In 1994, Bill was able to retire at age 58, and joined the Board at the old Minoru Seniors’ Centre in 1996 as a Director, and shortly thereafter as Treasurer. After stepping down as Treasurer, he remained with the Finance Committee. Bill played an active role in the transition from the old centre to the new one which opened in 2019. Other roles he has assumed include as a Vice-Captain of the Senior Pitch ‘n Putt League at No. 1 Road and Francis, as well as serving for 20 years on the Board of his Strata Council.

His private life was spent travelling to Palm Springs with Melvena in the winters as well as taking many cruises with family and friends. Life was good! We were very fortunate to have had good health and friends to enjoy our good times with. Bill loved spending time with his family, in which he took great pride, as well as in his work.

Bill was good, honest, fair, loyal, kind, hard-working and very generous. All will miss his warmth and genuine caring nature. We will miss his greatness.

He’ll be in our hearts forever; we will hear his wonderful voice; see his handsome face and long for his smile of approval.