Bill was born April 7, 1934 in New Westminster, BC. For nearly thirty years, he was the owner and photo finisher for Precise Colour Processors in Victoria.
Bill expressed a lifelong passion for music. He served as organist at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria. He lent his tenor voice to a number of barbershop groups over the years, including the Totem Tones and the Nanaimo Tidesmen. He was one of the founding members of the Victoria Village Squires. Family and friends recall many hours with Bill enriching their lives with piano.
He was always involved with the church, offering a joyful noise as he sang in the choir. Later in life, he attended Knox United Church in Qualicum Beach and St. George’s United Church in Courtenay.
Whether hiking the Cape Scott Trail with his daughters or enjoying an Adriatic cruise to Dubrovnik with his wife, Bill had a sense of discovery and adventure. His photographs show a canny eye for the world, whether taking shots of temples near Mazatlan, the natural wonders of Haida Gwaii, or candid images of his family and friends.
His wonder infected those around him as he explored the coastal waters by kayak and canoe. Spring and summer would find him toiling in his garden, coaxing forth beautiful flowers, the rare treat of fresh strawberries, and vegetables to enliven the dinner table. He loved animals, especially cats. His heart was full of love for the wonders of the Creator’s work.
His smile was known to all who met him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Gwen Staton of Courtenay; two daughters Cindy Budd (Roland) of Courtenay, Sue Pack (Michael) of Prince Rupert; one grandson, Jamie Muirhead of Prince Rupert; one sister, Dot Nash of Calgary; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Emily Staton of New Westminster, and his brothers Ed, Fred, and Jerry Staton.
Services will be held January 26 at 2 pm at Piercy’s-Mt. Washington Funeral Home in Courtenay presided over by the Rev. Ryan Slifka.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill’s name to either Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
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