William Edward Kunzli

August 16, 1941 – March 12, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, Bill Kunzli, on March 12, 2026, at the age of 84. He was affectionately known as Billy by all his siblings.

Bill and his twin brother were born on August 16, 1941, in Montreal, Quebec, to Robert and Dorothy Kunzli. His twin, Harold Robert, tragically passed away two months later October 18, 1941, a grief that Bill carried with him his whole life.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Susy, the love of his life. They married in 2001 and had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in February 2026. He is also survived by his three children from his first marriage: Kim of Beaumont, AB, Sandra (Arno) of Kelowna, BC, and Ross (Wendy) of Williams Lake, BC, and his stepchildren Marcel (Dawn) of California, Jon (Ashley) of California, and Dorianne (TJ) of Arizona.

Bill is further survived by his siblings Danny of Halifax, NS and June of Lake Country, BC, and by his brother in law Ronnie of Montreal, Que. He was a proud grandfather to Chantell (Dallas) of Spruce Grove, AB, Tiffany (Craig) of Beaumont, AB, Randahl (Daryn) of Abbotsford, BC, Alysia (Garrett) of Kelowna, BC, and Kali (Harley) of Calgary, AB. He was also blessed with great grandchildren Kaia, Cash, Austyn, Emmett, Arya, Rylee, Avery, Sydney, Tanner, Juliette, Kyle, Kaylee, Natalie, and Nova, each of whom brought him joy and pride. Bill also leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Stephen, Mark, Matthew, Kristi, Michael, Karli, Erin, Katie, Seamus, Shawnee, and Patsy.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Robert and Dorothy, his infant twin Harold Robert, his sister Roberta, his brother Kenny, and his sister in law Madonna, his grandchildren Kenneth and Christopher, his nephew Bobby, and his niece Lee Ann, to whom Bill selflessly donated a kidney in July 1999. He was also predeceased by many members of his large family.

Bill grew up in Montreal surrounded by a large extended family whose presence shaped his early years and remained an important part of his life story.

In 1968, Bill’s parents moved to Kelowna, and he followed the next year. He worked at Fumerton’s Department Store on Bernard Avenue in 1970 before beginning a long career at Western Star Trucks from 1972 until his retirement in 2001. Bill’s father also owned a store on Bernard Avenue called KTV, and the family still remembers their very first television, a Christmas gift from Papa.

Bill bought his first house, a new build in 1972 in Rutland, where he lived, raised his children, and remained until his last day.

Bill lived a life of service and community. He served as Worshipful Master of St. George’s Lodge #41 in 1980 and as Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel #25, Job’s Daughters, roles he carried with honour and dedication.

Bill and Susy shared a love of travel and adventure. Together they visited Mexico, made numerous trips to California to visit Susy’s children, cruised to Alaska, explored Las Vegas, and travelled across Canada to visit family in Montreal and Nova Scotia.

A true outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting, fishing, and camping, and he even tied his own flies for fishing. In classic Bill fashion, his online username was Camper Bill, Susy’s very own sexy online outdoorsman. He also enjoyed chess and cribbage, games that suited his patient, strategic nature.

We all thought of dad as Mr. Fix-it. No matter what it was, dad could fix it. Blow dryers, curling irons and most other small appliances, we ran to dad. He could also fix vehicles too before they were computerized. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. I think he was motivated by his frugalness. Dad hated to spend money if he didn’t have too. Why waste money on buying new ones when the old one could be fixed and used again. Which leads me to dad never threw anything away. He believed that he would have a use for it some day. If something wasn’t fixable, he would save all the parts to hopefully be used again. He had some framing experience, so projects around the house were no problem for him either. He built his own back deck on his house and just recently only the stairs had to be replaced. Pretty good dad! His frugalness obviously came from the times he grew up in, when money was always tight. His mother used to wash and reuse wax paper, tinfoil and plastic bags. Her drawer in the kitchen was always full. So, I’m assuming he got it from his mother!

Bill was a loyal, steady, and deeply loving man who cherished his family above all else. Rest in peace, dad. We love you, and miss you! Thanks for the memories!

Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to Valleyview Funeral Home.

A memorial service is being planned for June 28th, 2026, at Benvoulin Heritage Church, 2279 Benvoulin Rd., Kelowna, BC, at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments to follow. Space is limited, please R.S.V.P. to Kim at [email protected].