Tribute

Bill was born to Phyllis and Clayton Belton on May 5^th 1938 in Neepawa, MB. As the  story goes he was born at midnight and every year they would disagree if his birthday was the 5^th or 6^th. Bill passed away peacefully on March 15^th, 2023 after a short stay at Cowichan Hospice. He is predeceased by his parents, beloved sister Glenda and brother/best friend Barrie. Bill is survived by his partner in life for 51 years, Betty. Also survived by his brother Doug (Dona), who he has shared these last 2 special years living on the same property, able to visit and reminisce any time they want, and by his brother Bryan (Bernie) and many nieces and nephews.

Bill and Betty have been blessed with a large blended family, daughter Catherine (David) Foxon, and their children Nicolas (Kim), Danielle, Shelby (Evan), April, and grandchildren Ashlee, Taylor, Josh, Kennedy, Adrianne, Cora, and Mila. Son Lance (Andrea) Middleton and their children Emily (Kevin) and Claire. Daughter Robyn (John) Dallaway, and their daughter Devon (Tyler) and granddaughter Autumn. Daughter Shelley (Curtis) Brimacombe, and their children Saige (Morley) and Michael (Kaylynn). Daughter Tammy (Shawn) Elzinga, and their children Chayse (Jenner), Hunter (Lexi), Dawson (Amy) and grandson Miller.

Bill was raised in Eden, MB and moved to Winnipeg, MB as a young man to pursue his career as a mechanic.  Brother Doug encouraged Bill to move to Duncan, BC in March 1963 with his first wife Myrna and daughter Cathy. Bill’s son Lance was born in 1964 in Duncan, BC. Bill and Doug’s brothers, sister and parents all followed from Manitoba to settle in Duncan.  Bill met Betty in 1972 and became a father figure to Robyn, Shelley and Tammy. Bill went to work at Duncan Garage for a short while and then moved to City Service Garage where he worked for a few years. In 1973 he began his career as a mechanic for BC Hydro where he remained for 30 years. As soon as he retired Bill and Betty fulfilled their dream of living in the Okanagan and moved to Keremeos, BC in July 2003 where they remained until April 2021. He loved their property there on the river, where after a day of puttering he could sit and listen to his Country and Western music and enjoy their beautiful views.  Whenever we visited he’d take us on a tour of the countryside he loved.  They then relocated back to Duncan to be near family. Bill loved his pets of which him and Betty had several throughout the years. Bill enjoyed time with his family, the outdoors such as camping, boating, fishing, and his annual moose hunting trips with his buddies. Bill also enjoyed the wildlife on their property which is now home to the chubbiest squirrels in Duncan. Bill was a man of few words who always liked good jokes, good arguments, and drinks with friends. Since moving back to Duncan, he looked forward to his weekly visits with Shawn at his shop where he could sit by the woodstove and enjoy his drink and a smoke. Bill passed away within minutes of his best buddy Max and they are now together enjoying a glass of whiskey and snacks.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bass and the wonderful staff at Cowichan Hospice House. We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday March 24^th at 1:00pm at Eagles Hall (2965 Boys Road, Duncan BC) to enjoy a light lunch and beverages. Please bring your fondest memories of Bill as we celebrate his life with his family and friends. Casual dress, Stanfields welcome.