We Remember
McCREA, William “Bill” Ralph
December 1, 1953 — October 25, 2021
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and brother-in-law, uncle, and dear friend, William Ralph McCrea. Bill was born in Winnipeg, MB and spent the majority of his midlife in Peachland with his wife of 47 years – Judy – raising their five children. Here, he took pride in living in a house in perpetual renovation, where his late parents Lillian and Kenneth and extended parents, Gladys and Albert were always close by.
Bill “The House Doctor” McCrea was a man who did not stay put for long, as he took pride in travelling for both pleasure and work. He left a trail of coupons, completed renovation projects and countless smiling friends and family. During the last years of his life, Bill and Judy spent much time as snowbirds in Phoenix, Arizona, where they enjoyed playing daily golf, horseshoes and pool games. In his off hours, he could be found talking and playing card games around a propane fire or by their community pool with their fast friends at El Mirage.
Bill had the gift of gab and a heart of gold, always willing to drop anything to offer a helping hand for those he loved, or to attend one of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.
William is survived by his very large extended family and friends: Judy his wife, whom he met in Penticton, BC and their five children, Chris (Amanda), Dave, Elissa (Scott), Jenn (Fernando), and Laura (Tim). He will forever hold a place in the hearts of his eleven grandchildren, many of whom had the honor as babies of falling asleep to the vibration of their grandfather’s snores. He is also survived by his brothers and sister Greg, Kenny, Pat, Dan, Stewart, Stephen, and Brent; and his extended siblings Darlene and Doug.
A Memorial Service will be held to honor Bill, with Clair Janzen Officiating. It is with great regret that due to Covid-19 restrictions, the number of attendees will be by invitation only. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021, AT 1:00 PM (PDT) (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Judy our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family may the memories made along the way forever keep him close. !
We are so sorry for your loss Judy. Bill will be so missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family through this difficult time.
Our thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to you Judy and your whole family at this very difficult time..
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Way too soon. Our hearts and love go out to Judy for this loss of her true soulmate. Bill was a great friend to both of us during the time we spent in Arizona. He helped us with so many things and we shared so many great times. Rest in peace Bill. It was a pleasure to have known you. Robyn and Mike Bagby.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time.
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and the entire family on the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult times in your lives.The wonderful memories you shared together will always live on in your hearts.RIP Bill
It is still so hard to realize that Bill is gone. We first met Bill and Judy in El Mirage Arizona when Bill and Judy parked their motorhome beside ours. My late husband, Neil, stuck his head out the window and yelled “Hey there, are you guys here on the Special?” Of course that got Bills attention right away, there’s a special he asked?!? Needless to say they got in on the special and their one month stay turned into five months. An instant friendship was formed .and the guys got into horseshoes, golf and any other sporting event while us girls hung out at the pool. Bill will be dearly missed and we will all do our best to keep Judy close to us.
Wishing that we could be there to celebrate the life of a wonderful man. Uncle Billy always had a smile on his face and a quick-witted joke or comeback. The picture I’ve attached is from our wedding in 2015. I always thought that it showed the deep love that you had for one another. Thinking about you all in this hard time.
We are so sorry to hear about Bill. Our thoughts go out to you Judy, and your families. I hope all the great memories you have of Bill will help you through this difficult time. Heather and Dave Fraser xoxo
My deepest sympathy to the whole family RIP my friend
Meet Bill here in El Mirage at a shed building site and I went over to see if I can help out and meet some guys in the Park.. Got to put to work as soon as I got there thanks to Bill. Was really impress with his knowledge and skill. Help with the first shed and got promote to foreman for the others we built for our friends again thanks to Bill. He is and will be missed here in PEM el mirage Judy take care and be strong as Bill was.
So sorry to hear about Bill, I always enjoyed working with him at Littco back in the day. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to Judy and the McCrea family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult times in your lives. The wonderful memories you shared together will always live on in your hearts. RIP Bill
The day has finally come when Wayne and I can say goodbye to Bill. This closure will help us heal the pain of losing him. We are thankful to have so many good memories with him and Judy. Love 💕 Faye and Wayne
Judy our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. As you know Bill was truly my brother from a different mother we did everything together. Played golf went to ball games what ever there was to do we did it together. Words can not express how much we will miss Bill he was one of a kind. Love Doug & Polly
Judy, Chris, Dave, Allisa, Jenn, Laura and extended family. We are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing, so sudden and unexpected. We have known Judy and eventually Bill from work over the past 30 years. He had such a kinds spirit and would help anyone who needed a hand. We shared a meal with you both in Peachland after Bill fixed our drywall after some old man fell into the wall. We will miss his quick wit and infectious laugh. Family and friends were everything to both of you. Donna and Greg Heck
West Kelowna.
Dear Jude,
My heart is with you and the family. I feel blessed to have known Bill for all these years. He will be missed. So many good times. The four of us nursing students grew from 4 then produced 15 kids! I’ve lost count of all of our grandchildren. Your family will be great comfort to you at this time.
Love Linda
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Bill. He was truly a special man & will be sorely missed by many… my deepest sympathy to you Judy & all the family. Love ❤️ & hugs
Judy we’re so sorry for your loss. Bill leaves many cherished memories from teaching me to drywall in Didsbury, ball games with the Dusters, golfing in Fauqier & many laughs & good times in Peachland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family ❤️
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. We have some great memories from Arizona and were so glad to have shared our many experiences golfing and dancing. Our thoughts are with you Judy and your family, at this difficult time.
Judy, Chris, David, Elissa, Jenn and Laura-
Our very deepest sympathy in the death of Bill. You were such a big part of Peachland and my children Greg and Shannons lives. Daryl and I always thought so highly of both of you. Bill was a great man, that touched so many lives and will be missed.
Susan McNeill, Greg and Shannon
Jeanne and I are so very saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Although we haven’t been up today for a number of years, your family never left our hearts. Our prayers and sympathies are with you during these sad days. Rest in Peace Bill
Dear Judy
Words cannot describe how saddened I was to find out about Bill’s death. It is heartbreaking. Our sincere and loving condolences to you and your family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. Take good care ❤️
Hello Judy,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. It would be wonderful if we could connect sometime in the near future, even by email
Thinking of you & sending love & prayers
Linda Otterman (Jamieson) lotter@telus.net 10121 Imperial Street Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 7N8