William George Limerick

Will passed away on Saturday night, Nov. 22, at the age of 76 after many years of suffering both Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Canada and in South Africa. Will was predeceased in 2018 by his wife, Jani, after almost 50 years of marriage.

He leaves both family and friends in both countries. He has 5 children (Sean, Nikki, Lee-Anne, Kim, and Bruce) and his sister Francis Hyson in South Africa. In Canada, Will leaves cousins Theo, Greg, James and David, in Vancouver. His present wife, Sue Foreman, lives on Vancouver Island.

Will spent many years as a mining manager for both platinum and gold mines in South Africa and neighboring countries. During that time the family moved frequently and also traveled to England and Canada.

When asked recently what stood out for him, about Will’s mining career, his friend and co-worker, Pikkie said that he used his math skills to become a peacemaker. People would get really upset about some happening in the mine, and Will would come along and settle them all down with the big picture! As well as being a peacemaker in his family, and with his friends, he was also a deeply faithful man.

Although Will was mostly quietly reticent, he was quick witted, and thoughtful in his responses. And everyone stopped and listened.

Will and his second wife Sue Foreman met in Jo-burg in March of 2019 on the way to visit Francie, in White River. It was not long before the two were enjoying getting to know each other without actually dating. Three weeks later, and after a few scary rides on the wrong side of the road, Sue was put on the plane back to Canada at the airport in Jo-burg with a proposal of marriage. Three weeks later she was back in South Africa for 3 months.

They visited all of the family members, had time to get to know each other, and also apply for a visa to come to Canada. They took the same plane back to Canada Aug. 7th , 2019 and were married in January of 2020.

Will had 6 happy and fun years living in Parksville, golfing, reading, and getting to know Sue’s two sons and her daughter and family in Australia. He greatly enjoyed his new friends at St. Mary’s Church in Nanoose Bay, and made friends in Oceanside, and Prince George. And all this would have not been possible had he not had the convincing advice of his friend Dion, and the use of very frequent video chats with the kids and friends back in South Africa.

Will, the peacemaker, you are well known for your deep faith and gentle ways, ever kind and funny. And you are greatly missed in our lives and communities both here and in South Africa!