William Rodger Jones

Born September 29, 1928

Died August 16, 2017

Bill passed away at his home in Port Alberni, BC after a short battle with cancer.

Bill is survived by: his four daughters Tricia Darby (Jim), Karen Jones (Bruce), Sue Bingham (Dave), and Amy Kelsch (Brian); grandchildren: Steve (Pam), Mike (Kyla), Jason (Kathleen), Megan, Bridget, Ben, and Ruedi; great grandchildren: Owen, Evan, Dezirae, Nathan, Kiersten, Jenessa, Scarlett, and Ella; and brother Ron Jones. He is lovingly remembered by his life partner, Sharon Hollinshead, her two sons, Lee (Brenda Lee) and Curtis (Shannon), along with his ex-wife, Joan Jones. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Ken Jones.

Born to Ira and Alena (Rodgers) Jones, Bill grew up in Vancouver, BC, graduating from Magee Secondary School in 1947 where he excelled at many sports including football, and track and field. He worked his way up in the family business, Jones Tent & Awning, making and selling their many products.

Bill’s passions included trap shooting, and he competed as part of the Canadian team in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting with many friends. “Daddy Bill” had a special bond with his dogs, and it was a rarity in his life to be without at least one to share his bed and treats, a trait he passed on to many.

Bill showed he was versatile when he readily took to texting, which overcame some of the communication barriers associated with his deafness. He created many of his own abbreviations, including his “DD” (darling daughters) salutation, and his optimism was reflected in the number of exclamations and emojis peppering his texts. “Papa Duck’s” gentle demeanour and love for his family, for whom he would travel long distances to visit, will be greatly missed.

I must go down the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

Excerpt from Sea Fever by John Masefield

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/54932/sea-fever-56d235e0d871e

No service by request. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to:

http://bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/donorcentre/donate-now/