My memories of Mr. Cove are from my childhood on Gilhurst Crescent in Richmond. Melanie, Will and Dan I’m so sorry for the loss of both your parents. I have many fond memories of time spent  in your home in the 1970s, the road trip to the Okanagan I was kindly invited on, and the very thrilling short flights Mr. Cove invited me on if I happened to be playing at your house that day. Your folks always made me feel so welcome. When I came across the memorial photo, I knew at once that was the Mr. Cove from my childhood because of that great smile.

This late afternoon I read Bill's obit. I remember Bill and his son years back from his visits to Tradewinds Aviation. Bill lit up a room with positive energy. One of the greats of Coastal Aviation.

We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He became a very dear friend to our family from the moment we met.  Bill shared his passion for aviation with us over a BC ferry trip in June. His enthusiasm and determination to have another young pilot "under his wing" is what steered our friendship. Our oldest son, Luke, will be Bill's 39th! He sure hoped our youngest, Josh, would make 40 for him in the future.. We'll see :) We want to thank Bill, and his many friends, for putting us on the path that we are now on. We miss him dearly, and will think of him every time we fly. We wish him endless blue skies.

Harvey and I send our deep condolences to Bill's family.
We've just heard of his passing and were always happy to see Bill's smiling face and spend time with him.  He was a very kind, cheerful and  helpful friend.

There is a small photo of Bill which I took in July for the senior magazine, when he was dressed as Superman for his tandem parachute jump.

If anyone would like a copy of the full photo I'd be delighted to email it to them on request.  My email address is in the obit details.

Barb and Harvey Freedman

To Bill's family,
We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Bill was a great friend and we enjoyed our numerous adventures travelling with him. He was our bus driver "extraordinaire" on numerous trips. We'll miss his incredible kindness, infectious laugh and humorous stories. He kept us laughing for hours! He was a friend to many and one of a kind!
He will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt condolences.
Susan & Pat Murphy & family,
Courtenay, B.C.

My husband, then fiancee, Bob Rainsford, and I were visiting his elder brother, Fred and wife Ven. on Paradise Street in Esquimalt, B.C. back in 1951.  They next door neighbours were Rose & John Cove.
    We got into  Bob's truck and started to leave the house, when a voice from the rear called "STOP".  We did, right away and Billy came running up to the door and said -"your wheels are going around".
     That was what he was like.  Never realized that he was just a year my junior - Bob is  now 95 but not able to get around much as arthritis has got his left hip and right knee.   
        Next thing  you know Rose and John moved in just a few houses from us on Arundel Drive, we lived on Admirals Rd. on the shore of the Colquitz River, next to the bridge at the bottom of the hill, Rose and John also lived on the Colquitz River, just down to the West of us.  We  became very good friends with them as did my Mother and Father, and we would get together on Friday nights to play Rummoli, as by now we had 3 children and stayed put at nights.   The Coves loved fishing and we were the beneficiary of much of their catch, as they didn't like to eat it.  We would hear from Bill every once in a while, by this time we had moved to Murray Dr.  where we still live, just blocks away from our old home.  Still Bill kept in touch and we even met him once on the return trip from Alaska when he and his wife was in the elevator when we went down for dinner one night.  And then he phoned when Bob and I celebrated our 70th Wedding Anniversary and then my 90th which was all in the newspaper.   He said he was helping out an old friend who had helped him many times during his flying career.  The only one  we know of the family now is Shirley, she may remember us, although we never kept in touch over the years.  "Net" phoned me when Rose was in the hospital and I was able to visit with her, she soon passed and then I saw that Jerry had also gone and then Net, several years ago.

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the rumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…..

Up, the long delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark nor eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Sent with much love and deep affection  to Bill Cove, our dear and much loved Member who shared so much joy  with us all as we travelled together and whilst in our company at our Qualicum Beach Seniors Centre over many years. Blessings to you sweet Bill from us all.

Willy and family, Danny and family and Melanie and family.  Daniel and I are very sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Bill.  He was a wonderful, caring and generous person and a fantastic Uncle.  I have lots of wonderful memories of our trips to Richmond and family get togethers.  He and all of you made our trips special and memorable.  He will be sadly missed, but he is free of pain and is with your wonderful Mom, grandma and grandpa, my parents and so many other family members and friends.  Our thoughts are with you all and take care.  Love your cousin Cathy and son Daniel.

Dear Willy and family:

Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time, all conversations confirm what a great guy your Dad was.

Sorry for your loss,

Jim and Lynne Hewson

I remember Mr. Cove from Port Alberni and am so sorry to learn about his passing. He was such a kind man with a very generous spirit.  Condolences to his family and friends.

We send our condolences to Bill’s family. I flew with Willie, and although I never met Bill, I suspect Willie is a carbon copy. My wife, Sue Robertson ( Cooper ) did fly with Bill at B.C. Airlines, as a flight attendant. She often speaks fondly of Bill’s big smile. Bill, we wish you a smooth ride and a good tail wind on your last flight west.
Best regards,
Doug and Sue Robertson
Foothills County, AB.

To Bill's family,
I am so sorry to hear of his passing thinking of you all saying prayers I will light a candle. I first met Bill October 8th 1999 when he drove  our hockey team to a game. I enjoyed talking to him.

OBITUARY

William Cove

March 29, 1933 – December 5, 2023

South Calgary Funeral Centre and Crematorium

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