William Sibbald Turnbull

Whether you called him “Will” like his wife, Lita, or “’Cuz” like his cousin, Lorna Court, or simply “Bill” like everyone else, you knew he was a character. He was opinionated, stubborn, fiercely loyal and incredibly talented and creative when it came to mechanics. If it had a motor, he loved it. It didn’t matter whether it was for a ship, truck, car, tractor, or even a lawn mower, he could rebuild it!

Bill was born in Vancouver, growing up on John Street by Little Mountain. His bad eye sight precluded him from joining the military in WW II, instead he thrived working on fish boats until his natural abilities with engines and mechanics took him to Cullen Diesel where he spent most of his career. He was a stickler for precision and impatient with anything he considered substandard, so he was a natural running the parts department.

He probably came by his abilities naturally, as he was the grandson of (William Sibbald) a renowned jeweller in Scotland in the late 1800s, who had been commissioned to create exquisite gold miniatures for Queen Victoria and Queen Alexandra! A proud Scot, Bill was the son of William Turnbull & Helen Sibbald Turnbull, and older brother to “Mickey” (Jimmie) who died of TB at only 21.

Will & Lita were married for 36 years and without her, he would have never been able to spend his last years in the house that he loved. In their earlier years they enjoyed travel, particularly back to her friends and family in the Philippines. Bill was always fixing or building something at the house and when health ultimately prevented him from doing the work himself, it caused him intense frustration and he was so grateful for the help of Gordy and his other friends.

We will all miss you, ‘Cuz! But let’s raise a glass to one of a kind – Bill, here’s to you!

No service by request, but offers of condolence can be sent to Lita through First Memorial Funeral Services - Fraser Heights. Bill and Lita were very grateful for the hydraulic lift and wheelchair provided by the Red Cross Equipment Loan Program in Surrey. If you’d like to make a donation, they are a very worthy cause.

William Sibbald Turnbull, age 102, of Surrey, British Columbia passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024.