William "Villi" Douglas

Villi was born in Copenhagen, Denmark February 8, 1938. His life took an unexpected turn when he applied to the Royal Danish Air Force without any aspiration of becoming a pilot. He secured one of only ten coveted spots in the flying division. This achievement led him to Canada for an intensive training program under NATO.

After immigrating to Canada, Villi embarked on what would become a distinguished career in aviation. His first flying job was in Alert Bay, where he honed his skills in float flying. He was a bush pilot for over 45 years, flying the west coast of British Columbia.

While working in Port Hardy he initiated a pilot training program. The program was designed to give pilots with a commercial license, but little to no flight time, an opportunity to gain practical experience. Through this initiative, Villi helped launch the careers of at least 50 pilots, many of whom became pilots in commercial airlines. He travelled to China and Nepal where he assisted in the development of a runway.

Villi took a break from flying between 1987 and 1990. He and his wife, Grayce, worked at a Sport Fishing Lodge in Rivers Inlet. They travelled throughout Canada and the United States during the off season, doing Sport Shows. The highlight of Villi’s career was being honoured in 2016 with the Robert S. Day Trophy at the Silver Wing Awards by the BC Aviation Council. This prestigious accolade stands as a testament to his significant contributions to aviation. If you happen to visit the Aviation Museum in Victoria you will see a mural created by Jack Scofield in Port Hardy, where Villi is the prominent figure. His wife, Grayce, is also featured on the mural. They worked together for many years in the airline industry.

A perfect day for Villi would be sitting in his black leather recliner with his cat and a warm Molson beer in a glass.

Villi struggled the past couple of years with advanced COPD. He was a heavy smoker most of his life. He would want the harms of smoking be known.

Villi is predeceased by his parents William and Vera Douglas and his sister Lillian. He leaves behind his loving wife, Grayce, with whom he had countless adventures. His daughter Kim (Rich) and granddaughter Lily. His stepchildren Darcy, Daryl, Elayna and grandchildren Lydia, Franco, Anthony, Karlee, James and great grandsons Emmett and little Frankie.