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Willie (Bill) Albert Klassen
August 19, 1947 - May 2, 2016
Tribute
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a dear husband, father,
brother and son, “Bill” Willie Albert Klassen, who died peacefully on May 2, 2016
at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria BC with his family by his side. Bill will be
lovingly remembered by his wife Cynthia, children Aaron & Kailee (Ehsan & Elijah),
mother Helen, as well as his many siblings and their spouses.
Born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on August 19, 1947 to Helen and the late Peter
Klassen.
In the early 70’s Bill joined the Auxiliary RCMP in Fort St John & in 1974 became a
regular member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police where he was first posted to
Duncan, BC.
A true gentleman with a witty sense of humour, it’s little wonder he caught the eye
of a young Cynthia during their chance encounter at Romeos Restaurant in Duncan,
where upstairs at “Juliet’s” became a favourite spot to dance the night away.
Life began in earnest in 1981 when they were married and began their family shortly
thereafter with the births of their son Aaron and daughter Kailee.
In 1994 Bill retired from his RCMP career’s final posting of Fort St John and they moved
to Ladysmith where Bill signed on with 911 Fire Dispatch out of Duncan.
After leaving his position with the Fire Dispatch in 2004, Bill continued to work
forensics on contract with the RCMP until 2006, when Bill finally retired his fingerprint
dusting kit and mask for a new uniform consisting of more casual ware, a bathrobe and
jungle hat.
Bill was a man of honour and integrity, opening doors for women and helping
anyone out, by way of revealing a very thoughtful & considerate nature. Bill
invariably thanked Cynthia for every meal she served him, even if it did not always
warrant it. He showed that same love and appreciation for his mother, which
simply resulted in him becoming a loving, caring and well-respected man with a
strong faith in God.
Bill was an entertainer, with a love for music and strong passion and talent for playing
guitar and singing with friends and family.
Regardless of the time in his life, those who met him remember him to have an
incredible ability to create a rapport with them, no matter where or what the situation. He greeted everyone with warmth and enthusiasm and was genuinely interested to know what was going on in “the jungle out there.”
Bill’s pride and joy were his family and their accomplishments. He leaves
a legacy of strong passion for music and entertaining, remarkable human connections,
and an unequivocal faith in God; all which will undoubtedly live on through both Aaron
and Kailee.
Please join Bill’s family in celebrating his life at 1pm on Saturday July 2, 2016, at
the Neighborhood Church, 4951 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 5P1
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: BJ Porter
Relation: Worked with Cynthia
Truly sorry to hear of the loss of Bill, may the love of family and friends comfort you all during these difficult days, R.I.P. Bill, it was an honor to know you my friend.
BJ and Jim
From: Nicole Rozon
Relation: Friend
Cynthia, Aaron and Kailee, Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. It was a pleasure to know Bill and I know he left this world in peace and comfort knowing how loved he was by all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended families during this sad time.
Nicole
From: Ray and Diane Stokes
Relation: Next door neighbours
Cynthia and family, we were very sorry to read about Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. I hope that your memories together will give you a lot of comfort. We have a couple of funny thoughts of Bill when he retired but the funniest one was that Rhoomba that he bought to do the vacuuming when you guys changed to hardwood flooring. He was so darn excited about that tool. May you rest in sweet peace Bill. We have your memory rocks from when you lived next door and we would love for you to have them
From: mike coleman
Relation: through his wife and through the RCMP
One of the very good guys. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
From: Kim & Violet Teh
Relation: Ladysmith community
Bill is a very dear friend of ours in the town of Ladysmith.
Kim and Bill shared love of music, playing the guitar, and golfing together. We will truly miss you Bill but Haven will rejoice with singing and your guitar playing. Rest in peace.
From: Terry & Nancie Sorenson
Relation: retired RCMP member
Bill was best man at our wedding. He took over the stage at our reception and became a ‘legend’ – still talked about today. I remember sitting with him having coffee in the Duncan RCMP office when he told me – “I’ve met the girl I am going to marry” he truly was head over heals in love with Cyn. A lot of memories flashed into my mind when I got the news of his passing – can’t wait to get Heaven and see him playing in the band. May God give you strength and peace as you, his family mourn and remember a truly great man. It was a honor to call him my friend.
From: Brian & Karen Cousins
Relation: Ladysmith Community
Sending heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Bill – our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care of each other.
From: Monica Kristensen
Relation: Friend of Cynthia's
Dear Cynthia,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Husband and I wanted to reach out to you in your time of loss to let you know that I care. My heart goes out to you and your family, may you find peace and comfort in the warm embrace of all who hold you dear.
From: Dean and Veronica Ford
Relation: Co-worker & friend
It was with great sadness when I found out that Bill had passed away. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for 10 years during his career with 911 Fire Dispatch, Duncan and Nanaimo.
Bill was always telling me how proud he was of Aaron and Kailee. There were numerous times when he would need someone to come in early so he could travel somewhere for his children. He never hesitated to show me his latest accomplishment with his flight simulator program. He loved idea of being able to ‘virtual fly’ over Vancouver Island.
My wife and I wish to pass on our condolences to Cynthia, Aaron and Kailee as we are unable to attend Bill’s celebration of life.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
July 2, 2016
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Neighborhood Church
4951 Rutherford Road
Nanaimo, Select your State or Province V9T 5P1
Celebration of Life
4951 Rutherford Road
Nanaimo, Select your State or Province V9T 5P1
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.com/ or 250-715-2630
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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