He was born on October 12, 1927 to Alfred and Mary (McNeill) Rogers in Victoria, B.C. A second generation ‘bay boy’, as his mother was also born and raised in James Bay.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Vernon, sister Evelyn and wife Rose Marie.
He is survived by his two sons Vern (Jan) and Jim (Joan), a third generation of ‘bay boys’.
During his younger years, he was active in Cubs, Scouts and later Sea Cadets. He attended school at Kingston Street, South Park and Central. He left school at an early age to pursue a trade in the ship building industry. He served his apprenticeship at Falconer Marine Industries Limited on Kingston Street in James Bay, which was originally the Armstrong Bros. Shipyard. He worked on the production line building lifeboats for the wartime freighters that were also built locally at the Victoria Machinery Depot (VMD), and later motor cutters for the Royal Navy. After completing his apprenticeship as a shipwright, he worked at various companies following the work wherever it was available. Among his many work experiences, his resume would probably highlight spending a winter at Yarrows shipyard working on the cruise ship Prince George (CNR), 11 years at the CPR working on the B.C. coast steamships, 4 years at the Victoria Machinery Depot (VMD) when the construction phase of the B.C. Ferries program began. In between he spent some time working in small boat yards in Sidney, B.C. one of which had him commuting daily by boat to an island owned by a notable local marine architect who was commissioned to build a 72 foot wooden motor yacht which upon completion would be christened ‘Claymore’, one of many achievements he was very proud to be a part of. He finally settled into a permanent job at the Dockyard in Esquimalt where he dedicated 22 years passing on his accumulated knowledge and skills to the young apprentices who chose to follow the trade. Truly one of his most memorable and rewarding experiences.
Bill retired on June 28, 1988 after 44 years in the industry. In retired life, he and his wife Rose remained active and especially enjoyed cruising. At least one trip per year; sometimes two. He discovered an interest in photography which became his way of preserving some of the nautical history of Victoria harbour. It would not be uncommon to see him out on the breakwater in the early hours of the day snapping a shot or two of the latest vessel to visit the city.
In his later life he suffered a devastating loss when his life partner, soul mate and wife of 52+ years ‘Rosie’ predeceased him in 2005. His grief seemed insurmountable. But eventually over time and with the love and support of family and friends he was able to move on while still being comforted by her memory. He continued to remain active and even managed a few more cruises. During his quiet times at home, he would sit in his comfy chair and gaze out the window across the inner harbor to the place where three generations of the family were born and raised. Reminiscing from youth to present day and feeling grateful for what life had brought him. If he had one regret, it was that he never got the chance to see his beloved Vancouver Canucks win a Stanley Cup.
Bill was a loving husband, dedicated father and committed friend to those who knew him. A kind man, a gentle man and a decent man…he will be missed.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and staff on the 6th floor, northwest wing of the Royal Jubilee Hospital for the kindness, caring and comfort they provided him during his short stay.
A ‘Memorial Tea’ will be held in his memory on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at First Memorial Funeral Home, 1155 Fort Street, Victoria between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. You are welcome to drop by and share a story.
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