We Remember
GUTHRIE, William Ray (Bill)
May 1, 1943 — October 26, 2018
It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I (Marilyn Guthrie) announce Bill’s sudden passing, after a short one-week battle with aggressive lung/liver cancer.
Bill was born on May 1, 1943 in Calgary, AB to John and Evelyn Guthrie. His father worked in the oil patch, so they moved frequently around Alberta, but he received most of his schooling in Edmonton, AB. He married young and he and Erma have one son. After giving up the cowboy way of life, he sold cars in Edmonton and got his Private Pilot’s license. They moved to Kelowna where he obtained his Commercial Pilot’s license and flew for Caribou Air as a bush pilot. Bill and I were married February 14, 1969. He lived a very colorful life, not only as a pilot but also a Country Taxi owner/driver in Westbank, BC, selling newspaper advertising for both the Kelowna Daily Courier and the News Advertiser, and working for Frontier Manufacturing of Industrial Trailers. His most rewarding career was with Interior Health for over 20 years working in Material Management as Supervisor and lastly in Pharmacy Inventory, from which he retired in 2005.
His love of horses was evident from very young and, when he was older, he rode for the Edmonton Sheriff’s Posse (all Palominos) as well on two long distance Centennial rides with Calgary, AB’s Sam Steel Scouts Commemorative (RCMP) Troup – in 1985 (NorthWest Rebellion of 1885), riding from Fort Saskatchewan, AB to Loon Lake, SK and then again in 1987, riding from Fort MacLeod, AB to Fort Benton, MT, USA with 80 other troopers.
He was a great “sharp-shooter” who joined the Kelowna Black Powder Club (BEAR Club) and, as a “mountain man,” he qualified to shoot in two BC Summer Games.
Bill was a member of both the Kelowna and Peachland Yacht Clubs, past member of the Peachland Riding Club and current member of the Peachland Sportsmen’s Association. He was also a proud past member of Peachland Community Policing – serving as President, Past President, Vice President and Speed Watch Co-ordinator with over 20 years of service. In 2007 and 2008 he received an RCMP award “In Recognition and Appreciation of Outstanding Contribution and Dedication to the Citizen’s Patrol and Speed Watch Programs.” In 2008, he was awarded the “Spirit of Peachland Civic Award – Freedom of the Municipality” and in 2013 we received the “Councillor’s Award of Merit” from the Peachland Municipality.
In 2012, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and, with its progression, was unable to continue volunteering or with most of his hobbies.
He will be sadly missed by me, his wife Marilyn and his son Bill Jr. as well as his sister Del Dennis, brothers John and David (Shirley), brothers-in-law Borden Tarapaski, Harvey (Penny) Ross and Gordon (Melanie) Klontz, numerous nieces and nephews and of course many friends and co-workers.
We wish to give heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff (ER/4A) for their excellent care and compassion not only to Bill but to me and his two nieces. A very special thank you to Drs. Purdon and Naude.
Bill will be cremated and there will be no service at his request. A Celebration of Life will be planned for May 2019. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
A Celebration of Life will be planned for May 2019
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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice
Service Information
Service Details
The service for GUTHRIE, William Ray (Bill) is scheduled for A Celebration of Life will be planned for May 2019. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
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Condolences
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing Marilyn. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I have memories of Bill some years ago when you were our nurse at Sears. The love you shared will never die. It will live on in memory bringing you comfort giving you peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with you . I am off to Vancouver for medical appointments but will try to see you when I return home
Debbie
We are deeply saddened by the news of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marilyn May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days.
I did not know your dear husband, but my Mom (Shirley Zaporzan) spoke of both of you so often that I feel I know you. I would like to extend my sincere condolences and prayers of comfort as you say, “until we meet again” to your loving husband.
Debbie Parsons
Marilyn our thoughts are with you at this time. Bill was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Think of you often. Hugs Bev & Bill
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. In our thoughts and prayers. Sue and Frazer
Dear Marilyn
John and I are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. This picture is such an excellent one of him. Always a smile on his face whenever we would meet downtown Peachland when he was out walking. Our thoughts are with you
John and Sue Hedrich
My deepest sympathies to Marilyn and family
He was a great guy to work with.
Flo Rowney
Dear Marilyn & Family. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I fondly remember Bill from KGH days. He was always willing to help in any way.
Dear Marilyn, I know there are no words that I can say that will ease the pain of Bill’s sudden passing so I am just sending all my love and a big hug to you. xoxox sandi
we are so sad that Bill left us. We like to think back to the days with you inPalm Springs, California.
Our thoughts are with you, dear marilyn. We hug you
Monika and Volker from Germany
Hello Marilyn
So sorry to read about Bills passing. May your difficult days ahead become easier to bear with the passage of time.
It seems like only yesterday when we were all at work together.
Best regards, Gerry Bleiler
Marilyn, our condolences,our thoughts and prayers are with you Hugs
Hi Marilyn…am sorry for the loss of your wonderful, active husband. As other KGH/CTW employees have written it seems like “yesterday” that we were passing in the halls of the IHA buildings with greetings. I can just picture Bill in the halls of KGH and you telling us workers at cofee/lunch about all your Peachland activities. Bill did have a full life. Take care of yourself, Marilyn. cheers Pat
Marilyn – We send our love and sympathy to you and family at this very sad time. Bill was always a cheerful face in the halls of KGH – May your memories of Bill soon bring smiles instead of tears. Love , Patricia & Byron
Words cannot express our heartfelt sympathies for you, your family and friends. May you be surrounded with love and blessings through this difficult time.
Members of Peachland Sportsmen’s Association
Big hugs Auntie Marilyn! I loved him very much and will be ever so thankful that I was able to be with him and say goodbye.. Uncle Bill was my “big brother” and I will miss him. Thinking of him makes me smile! Love you.