November 26, 1932 – March 12, 2018
After a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s, Bill found peace quietly on March 12th, 2018. Like all of the challenges in his life, he attacked it head on for the last 20 years, very rarely did he waiver except for the occasional unintentional “tossing” of the TV remote across the room from his trembling right arm.
Known by all as an entrepreneur, he was able to take his thoughts and ideas and shape them into the “next big deal”. We all believe that he was probably still working on his next deal to the very end. Bill’s professional career saw him holding a number of Sr. Executive positions within the Financial Services industry, including Canadian Dominion Leasing, US Leasing and Dominion Creative Inc. In 1979 Bill founded the Zippy Print Franchise network establishing locations across Canada and in the Northwest United States.
Bill was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on November 26th, 1932 to Morgan and Ruby Flannigan (both pre-deceased). He grew up in many cities and towns across Canada as his parents were both Officers in the Salvation Army and were relocated several times to continue their work with that organization. He is survived by his sister Jean Flannigan who lives in Seal Beach, California.
Bill lived most of his adult life in the Toronto area when he built his pride and joy chalet/cottage outside Thornbury, Ontario in the early 70’s. He spent many days and weeks enjoying his time “up north” with family and friends – many lifelong friends. He moved to BC in the late 70’s.
Beloved husband of the late Bonnie. Missing him today are his children, Rick (Rita), Ron (Christine), Sandi (Ivan) and Michael (Tiffany), and step-children Ben and Jen. He also had 13 grandchildren - Stefannie, Max, Maggie, Sydney, Michelle (Wes), Christopher (Martina), Tammi (John), David (Malorie), Katie, Mason, Ella, Bella, and Samantha (pre-deceased). If you told Bill that he would have 7 great-grandchildren I’m sure he would have laughed at you but it’s true! Nevin, Isaiah, Silas, Henry, Sloane, Brendon, Cameron would all call him “Great Grandpa”.
The family wishes to thank all of the nurses and staff at Stanford Senior Residence in Parksville and in particular Susan Stobbs from Nurse Next Door who has become a part of our family over the last 18 months. Her compassion and caring for our Dad can never be replaced.
Bill’s life was full of many chapters, each of them containing triumphs and struggles, laughter and tears, family and friends but mostly he will be remembered for the fun and good times that he had while he was with us all.
Donations will be gratefully accepted on Bill’s behalf at the Samantha Flannigan Fund for Sarcoma Research - samflanniganfund.com
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