November 27, 1929 - October 5, 2018
Bill was born in Godlinze, Groningen on November 27, 1929. He was received into glory on October 5, 2018. Bill is lovingly remembered by Audrey, his wife of 64 years, and by his children Ed (Darlene) of Prince George, Norman (Janet) of Lacombe, Anita (Henry) Geldof of Lacombe, Bryan (Yvonne) of Lacombe and Joan (Kevin) Pasveer of Chestermere.
He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and in the Netherlands by two brothers and their families - older brother Oom Barteld (en Tante Jannie), younger brother Oom Harm (en Tante Corrie) as well as by a sister-in-law Tante Nettie and her family.
Bill was predeceased by two brothers and a sister-in-law, as well as grandchildren Christine Pasveer, Jamen and Daveny Noordhof and Mckayla Geldof. Bill completed 8 grades in school and then went to work. Right from that early age, he was interested in being in the kitchen. He worked for a baker delivering bread and picking up supplies by bicycle. As a young man he went into the Dutch Marines and served for a term in Indonesia. In 1952 Bill struck out on his own for a new land. He arrived in Alberta and spent his first year or so working on a farm in Neerlandia before heading south. In Lacombe he found more farm work, but before long got a job with Mr. Avery in Avery's Bakery. When the bakery was sold Bill went across the street to Henry Salomons and worked for 12 years at Beaver Hardware. When the bakery came up for sale again, he was able to buy the Lacombe Bakery and begin his own business. In the meantime, he met the love of his life - Audrey Wassenaar. They were married on September 1, 1954. During his last few years especially, she was life itself to him. Bill was committed to his God and to the best of his abilities served Him faithfully at home, in the church, in the Christian school, and in the community. After retirement Bill and Audrey loved being at home together, working in the garden, making Sunday soup, enjoying their children and grandchildren, and of course - doing a bit of baking. (Dad's snickerdoodles were the best ever!). They made several trips to Holland and enjoyed visiting with family there as well.
he family is deeply grateful to the staff at Aspen Cottage in Red Deer as well as the doctors and nurses in the Lacombe Hospital for the wonderful, tender care given to Bill in these last few weeks.
A Memorial Service for Bill will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 5704 - 51 Avenue, Lacombe, at 2:00 p.m.
If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to World Renew or to Back to God Ministries International, both at 3475 Mainway STN LCD 1, Burlington ON L7R 3Y8 or by going to their websites and clicking on the Donate button.
Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of arrangements.
Phone: 403.782.3366 or 403.843.3388
"A Caring Family, Caring for Families"
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM