September 9, 1937 - July 27, 2021
The dash written between the dates is small, yet it represents Bill's life here on earth. 83 years! Bill was born in Vancouver, BC. After five daughters -Theresa, Frances, Marion, Helen and Patricia, he was the first son born to Dorothy and William Liguori Bertrand. As a child he was very active in sports. His father was an avid hunted and fisherman and often took Bill out and taught him how to fish, hunt and to respect and love our country.
Bill joined the R.C.A.F. after he finished school. He met his wife Fennetta in Vancouver in late 1957 and they married in 1959. Bill received military transfers many times, so together with their son's, they often travelled across Canada and the U.S.A. Once he had a transfer to a place in Northern Ontario where his family couldn't go. He called it an Unaccompanied Transfer. His family caught up with him a year later.
In 1986, after retiring from the Canadian Armed forces as a Master Warrant Officer, Bill retired in Campbell River. He was a fishing guide for a few years, also he enjoyed hunting a lot. He was blessed to have awesome hunting and fishing buddies. His fishing call-name was Barnacle Bill.
After Bill got sick he would often sit by the front window, watching t.v. and waiting for the ding on his ipad. It was a message from Messenger. He would grab his binoculars and look out to see the whales. He had joined a group that would let people know where whale sightings were. Thank you to that awesome group of people. He loved the whales and loved your messages.
His Ipad still dings.
Bill had a short stay in the Campbell River Hospital and passed away there.
He had prostate stage 4 cancer. It's nasty disease and I urge all fellows to make sure you keep getting you PSA blood tests done. It's so very important.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Fennetta, his sons Bill Jr., Ron (Ruth), Andy (Tara-Lee), and Doug. Three grandchildren: Rebecca, Gray, Robyn, his younger brother Paul and all his very favourite nieces and nephews.
All four sons took turns caring for their Dad the last month he lived. Bill Jr. came from Victoria, Ron from Nova Scotia and Andy and Doug live in Campbell River. Bill has the opportunity to tell each of them how much he loved them.
Many thanks to Father Jan, Kathy, Laurel, Vivian, C.W.L., members and members of St. Patrick's Parish. You helped Bill on his Spiritual Unaccompanied Transfer. Bill's funeral was held on Tuesday, August 3rd at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Campbell River.
Thank you to our Campbell River Hospital staff, the doctors and nurses in our emergency ward, staff of 3A, and Dr. Joe Nelson, Dr. Bang, Dr. Bascom, Dr. Anne Morrison and members of the Palliative team for all your care and compassion extended to Bill.
Farewell Barnacle Bill - 'til we meet again