William Mark VAN WORMER

Bill was born in Swift Current, Sask. and grew up on the family farm, homesteaded by his Grandad, with his parents, Guy and Marjorie, his brother Bob, and his sisters Bev and Brenda. A few years ago he found out he had a half brother, also named Bill who had died in 2002.

Bill joined the RCMP and was stationed to BC where he served in Campbell River, Victoria, Ucluelet, Duncan, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, back to Duncan, Fort Nelson, and Penticton. It was while he was in Ucluelet that he met Shannon Braithwaite. It was truly a case of love at first sight. They were married for 43 years.

Bill retired from the RCMP while he was in Penticton and then worked at yard maintenance and painting. In 2005 Bill and Shannon moved to Sask. where they bought an old run down house in a small village called Pennant. Bill continued to paint and in his ‘spare’ time completely renovated the house into a beautiful home. In 2014 they moved back to Vancouver Island.

Bill enjoyed having fun and helping others. He was a great gardener and always made sure to grow enough so he could share with friends and neighbours. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and fishing, though he said the fish never had anything to worry about. He liked participating in and coaching sports. He was never happier than when he was around kids, coaching them, playing with them, or just hanging out. So many of them could not figure out how a policeman could be so crazy, silly and fun.

Bill was thrilled when his daughter, Tricia, and his sons, Cory and Travis were born. Being a Dad was probably the most important thing to Bill. He loved his kids completely, they filled his heart and soul and he was so proud of them. When the grandkids, Tricia’s Nico and Cory’s Tyson and Ivy came along his world was complete.

In late August of 2015 Bill was diagnosed with cancer. He stayed positive through all his surgeries, chemo, and radiation. He said he would not go ‘peacefully’ but would be fighting and kicking to the end. On December 3, 2016, still determinedly fighting, Bill died at home in Qualicum Beach, BC.

Bill was an amazing man who loved and lived life to it’s fullest. He always said ‘if you’re not having fun you’re not doing it right.’     

Lives Cherished and Celebrated