William Russell Southworth

Bill was a people person. People were drawn to his outgoing nature, his boisterous, loud, pronunciations. Bill invited anyone into his world and would share a train story with anyone who would listen. He was a positive force in many lives and positively influenced his many friends and family. Bill was born in Glacier BC, on the 3rd July 1922. Where his dad worked for Canadian Pacific Railway. Being just a few hours old, Bill travelled on his first train to the hospital in Revelstoke. This was the beginning of Bill's love for trains. Bill grew up around the Connaught tunnel in Glacier National Park. His father worked at the railway tunnel fan house. Bill enjoyed the outdoors life, fishing and hiking. Bill joined the Canadian Navy at a very young age, in 1940. His served on ships, which patrolled the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Bill moved up through the Navy ranks. However his proudest professional accomplishment was being the first Chief Stoker to be named Chief Engineer in the Navy. It was a monumental achievement and attested to the his outstanding abilities. Bill served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 26 years. In 1966, Bill left the Royal Canadian Navy to join the Bennett Navy, BC Ferries. During his tenure with the BC Ferries, Bill's first wife, Christina lost her battle with cancer. He and his daughter Carol mourned her passing. Bill had joined the Vancouver Island Model Engineers, an environment where he could openly express his love for trains and the Canadian Pacific Railway. He was an enthusiastic active member of the Vancouver Island Model Engineers. Not only did Bill love trains, Bill loved family. Bill and Tillie Baines met while both were working for BC Ferries. Bill married Tillie and was soon entrenched in Tillie's large family, his family. He ran trains for birthday parties. He took his grandchildren on train vacations. He was even enlisted to babysit. On his first solo babysitting outing, he had a 4 year old, Tiana and 2 year old, Jolene. Bill would hear the two year old speak, then he would ask the 4 year old to translate. The translation was always, "she wants an orange" accompanied by a big smile. To which, Bill always agreed. When the grandchildren had children, Grandpa Bill became Great Grandpa Bill. Torrin, the first great grandchild found it too much to say and shortened it to "Great". Which pleased Bill very much. So the kids were soon visiting "Great" and the trains. Bill loved his trains, He loved his family and he loved his wife, Tillie.

Arrangements under the direction of First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria, BC.