William John Child

CHILD, (William J) “BUD” Born in 1932 in Chilliwack on the front porch in the middle of a snowstorm to Bill & Jenny Child, the middle of 3 children. Bud passed February 23, 2023 in Abbotsford. Predeceased by wife of 50 years, his Little Sweetie, Donna (nee Graham) in 2003. Also predeceased by older sister Jean McCann, younger sister Betty Kildare, and brother-law Bud McCann. Survived by brother-in law Dave Kildare. Bud leaves behind his children Lynn (Paul), Wendy, David (Amanda), Penny (Clyde), his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews.

After marrying Donna in 1953, they both worked in Kitimat for a couple of years, earning a down payment for their first home. They bought a house on 18th Avenue in East Vancouver where they started their family. In 1966 they moved to Golden St. in North Burnaby where Bud lived for 40 years.

Bud had a long career as an automotive engineer/engine builder, with a wide reaching reputation, particularly in the racing community. He started out working after hours in his home garage and opened Engines Unlimited in 1964 on Commercial Dr. in Vancouver, subsequently becoming High Performance Engines Ltd. in North Burnaby. Bud supported many varieties of motorsports. Over the years he was a fixture at Digney Speedway in Burnaby, Westwood Raceway in Coquitlam, Langley Speedway, and Mission Raceway, to name a few. Bud was an early member of the Fraser Valley Drag Boat Association, where in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s the family ran number 22 “Child’s Play”, piloted by son Dave. A formidable competitor, Bud always had respect for fellow racers and was a gentleman in and out of the pits. Bud was inducted into the Greater Vancouver Motorsports Pioneers Society in 2002.

Bud retired and moved to Mission in 2006 to be closer to family. Bud was proud of and greatly loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Telling us on his last day, “You have all been just wonderful”. He remained involved in his grandchildren’s lives until the end of his, cementing the connection he had with them and instilling his principles of hard work, honesty, family values, and respect for others. The man may be gone, but his legacy continues.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 13th at 1:00 PM, at Matsqui Community Hall.