Mr. William Thomas Duggan

      Mr. William Thomas Duggan was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Bill will be remembered as an outstanding individual.

      Bill was born on January 29, 1923 at Kelowna General Hospital in Kelowna, British Columbia. He was the son of Tom and Nell Duggan and grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia.

      He was raised with three siblings: two younger brothers, Keith and Bryan, and one younger sister, Mary. Bill was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. often experiencing rivalries typical of a growing family, but sharing many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Bill had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games: was curious about the world around him and often eager to explore it. Bill was an active child who took part in baseball. In his spare time he liked track and field and horseback riding. However, to Bill, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Bill had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Kelowna Junior High school in 1937. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Bill enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Billy Atkinson and Middy Middleton. Later in life, he became friends with Jim and Milly Messum, Bill and Marie Thompson, Kevin and Muriel Scallon, and Ken and Alice Walker.

      On April 16, 1949, Bill exchanged wedding vows with Agda Elin Anderson at the United Church in Kelowna, British Columbia. Empathic and loyal, Bill was committed to making his new family happy.

      He worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Bill was blessed with five children; one daughter, Dianne, and four sons: Gary, Robin, Reg, and Warren.

      Fortunately, Bill enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, He worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was truck driver, distributor, and supervisor. Bill was employed for 33 years by The Kelly Douglas Warehouse Company. He always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Bill was a veteran of the Canadian army, serving with the Fifth Anti-Tank Regiment. He took part in the D-Day invasion of Europe. Bill saw action for four years during World War 2. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Private. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Bill enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were raising and riding horses, training his dogs, and music and dance. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Bill found pleasure in sports. In high school, he participated in track and field. Recreational sports included gymkanas, horse club, and trail riding. He was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were boxing, hockey, and horse racing.

      Throughout his life, Bill was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, Bill was an active member of Western Horseman and the Riding Club.

      Bill enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included camping and fishing.

     He was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favorites were Tony, his first horse, and Cue, a Golden Lab and Husky dog. Cue was his best friend for seven years.

      When Bill's retirement finally arrived in 1980, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Vernon, British Columbia. In retirement, Bill found new pleasure in horseback riding, music and dance, and the casino. He continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Bill was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Bill passed away at Hospice House in Vernon, British Columbia on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the age of 86 years. He is survived by his children Dianne, Gary, Robin, Reg and Warren, his sixteen grandchildren, and his twenty four great grandchildren. A celebration of his live was held on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at 4:00 . Bill was laid to rest in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Vernon, British Columbia, alongside his loving wife Agda E. Duggan.

      Simply stated, Bill was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person; someone who was a vital part of their lives. Bill leaves a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. William Thomas Duggan.