Albert William Attridge

William (Bill) Attridge skied his last run on February 11th, 2015. He was 91. Born in Calgary, Alberta in 1923, Dad was always an avid skier and spent his growing up years traversing the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This would become a lifetime passion. He worked in his father’s machine shop as a propeller grinder during WW2. His sense of adventure brought him, with his new bride, Betty Thorpe (deceased) to Vernon in 1945, during which time Dad purchased Vernon Machine and Foundry Ltd.

The Lions Club gave Dad an opportunity to meet other businessmen and this led to what would be a true legacy to Vernon’s growth as a resort destination, Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort. In the early 1950’s, Dad and six of his friends formed a little company called Silver Star Sports Ltd. Their dream was to develop Silver Star Provincial Park into a family ski hill. Years of hard work, dedication and personal sacrifices made their dream come true. Dad was also an opportunist when it came to moving forward with the development of the mountain. He acquired the Canada Division of Mueller Ski Lifts of Switzerland. It opened more doors to provide Silver Star with its first T-bar lift and double chairlift. When these same directors began to retire, it was decided to pass on the development of Silver Star’s growth to the next generation, so it was sold. ‘At Ridge Ski Run’ is named as a tribute to our father.

Dad and Mom managed to raise four kids in all this time. He will be lovingly remembered by: daughter Susan (Nelson, B.C.), sons Jim (Vernon, B.C.) and Timothy (North Vancouver, B.C.), and their respective spouses; grandkids: Sara, Brandyn, Cody, Tasha, Nicole, Taylor, Drew, and Claire, as well as his three great grandkids. Dad was predeceased by his daughter, Linda (Susan’s twin sister).

During his always changing life, Dad has had many adventures as he travelled the world. He spent many years of his retirement living by the lake and spent winters down south with his wife, Jean. Our extended family also includes another brother, Larry (Fife) of North Vancouver, three more granddaughters: Christine, Marnie, and Lindsay; their kids and respective spouses who will also remember Dad.

We all have memories of Dad and what he accomplished in 91 years. ‘You’ve left a wonderful legacy, Dad, to Vernon and to your family. Many thanks! You are missed by all of us.

A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at a later date.