William "Bill" Charles Rattray

We are heartbroken to share that Bill passed away suddenly at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital from complications following dental surgery. He was 97. His children were by his side.

Born in Mahone Bay, NS the family moved to Montreal when he was young, a move that changed the course of his life. He played hockey for the Montreal Royals and was on the team when they won the Memorial Cup in 1949 - the first team from Quebec to do so.

Bill spent his career working in marine transportation for N.M. Paterson & Sons, Montreal office, and thoroughly enjoyed every day of those 40 years. He retired as VP and Director.

The next stage of Bill’s adventures took him first to West Vancouver (1990) and then to Nanoose Bay, on Vancouver Island (1993) where he spent his days fly fishing with a dedicated and loyal group of like minded friends. Nothing made him happier than setting off to explore the rivers in his VW camper van. After he retired his rods he still met weekly with the gang to discuss conditions.

Bill is survived by daughter Lynne and son Robert. Predeceased by his wife Jessie, sisters Doris Lambert and Fay Hudspeth and brother Lewis.

Many thanks to Dr. Carey Sulz of Parksville. A memorial gathering, river side, will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.