We Remember
ROBERTS, William Gordon
August 9, 1941 — April 3, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Roberts on April 3, 2022, at Kelowna Hospice surrounded by family after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.
Bill leaves behind his partner Becky (and her children Nicole & AJ); his four children Nicole (Steven), Michelle (Todd), Sara, & Tobin (Christy); his five grandchildren Shania, Jackson, Sydney, Owen, & Oliver; and his brother Brian (Sharon). Bill was predeceased by his wife Kathleen (d. 2005).
Born at St. Paul’s hospital to Elizabeth and William, and joined soon after by Brian, the four enjoyed their early family life on BC’s coastal waters, fishing and swimming on boats built by their father, most notably the Hi Dad. From a young age, Bill was passionate about all sports, but ultimately excelled at soccer and boxing. Outside of sport, Bill’s focus was on becoming a veterinarian, until one afternoon when he attended an RCMP recruitment event. A decision that would shape the rest of his life. The first 18 years of his career were spent in small towns across Manitoba, before being posted in Kenora, Ontario in 1979. Transferring to the west coast in 1984, Bill would spend the next 12 years in Burnaby, BC and North Vancouver, BC. Before retiring, he served six life-changing months as a United Nations Peacekeeper during the Yugoslav Wars.
On the prairies, Bill learned to fly small craft airplanes, hunt, fish, and curl, and there was never a dull moment. Back in BC, his love for the outdoors continued. There were many fishing and golfing trips with the boys, and many years skiing and cycling at Whistler. Whistler memories always came back to volunteering at World Cup with the Weasel Workers. A love story was also born out of Whistler, Bill and Kathleen. The two married in 1996, then moved to Livermore, California where they shared a wonderful life in Wine Country. This is where Bill, in his retirement, really honed his golf game, cooking skills, and the art of the perfect martini.
In 2005 Bill moved to Kelowna, BC and settled in Quail Ridge. Here he formed many relationships through golf at the OGC and playing bridge with a regular group. We’ll always remember him shooting his age at 65 on the Bear and the numerous ‘sand-bagger’ awards he amassed. Over these years, many of his Okanagan and Vancouver friends spent time together in Phoenix during the winter months. The final chapter included one more love story, Bill and Becky. The two met on a cruise in the Baltic Sea, and it was clear from the get-go they wanted to spend the rest of their days together. For eight years they shared their love, travelling the world over, from Kelowna to Phoenix and California, to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. A wonderful reminder that no one is ever too old to fall in love.
Throughout his life, Bill was a very proud, loyal and loving man. His family and friends meant the world to him. Nothing brought him more joy than everyone gathering around the kitchen, opening a bottle of vino, and enjoying one of his many culinary creations.
Dad, you may have lost your life, but your life will never be lost.
The family would like to thank the Kelowna General Hospital staff on 4 West, the Palliative Care Nurses, and Hospice House Kelowna for their hard work and compassion during Bill’s fight.
In Memory of Bill, please consider making a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation.
A Service will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022, AT 1:00 PM, AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, 608 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC. A Celebration of Life will follow the service.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022, AT 1:00 PM,
Location
THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS
Share with Others:
BC Cancer Foundation Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ROBERTS, William Gordon is scheduled for SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022, AT 1:00 PM,. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS
608 Sutherland Ave Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Deepest sympathies to you all at the loss of this tremendous character! The life and soul of the party Happy and fond memories. B and J Xxx
A lovely tribute to a loving, compassionate, and extraordinary man❣️May his life be always remembered as he contributed so much to so many who crossed his path. Blessings to all his family and devoted partner & friends who are his Legacies to a life well lived. He was an Instrument of God’s Peace to our world❤️🙏💕
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have the fondest of memories of Bill with his big laugh and big bear hugs. Will never forget how fun it was to play golf with Bill or float around Bill and Kath’s pool in Livermore with a beer listening to country music. My heart goes out to Bill’s family. xo
I am so sorry to hear of Bill‘s passing. We were weasel workers together for many years, shared a lot of fond memories and adventures during that time, and he really supported and encouraged me in getting into law-enforcement as well. Thank you for your friendship and support Bill, rest easy, and thank you for your service. We have the watch.
Our deepest condolences to you and Bill’s family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.. Loving memories are forever. Warmly, Art and Joan Lucero
May the comfort of fond memories and the visuals within our minds bring special moments to mind today, Good Friday and all the days ahead of us❣️🙏
May your Hearts & minds be filled with his time spent with you❣️🙏. He will be in each sunrise and sunset💕🙏
I worked with Bill for two years in North Vancouver. During that time we became very close friends and I relied a lot on Bill for his wisdom, intellect and common sense. He helped me through a difficult time in my life and for that I will always be very grateful. my most sincere condolences to all his family you have lost a very kind person. Rest in Peace Bill
Our condolences to the family. I go back a long way with all the curling games with Bill. He was an avid sportsman. Rest in peace.
Bill was a very special friend and we will miss him. He lived his life large and enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed many golf and fishing trips with him. Tipped a lot of pops and ate many of his great meals. Condolences to Sara, Tobin, Becky, Nicole, Michelle and families. Will miss you big time buddy. Patti and Richard.
Bill was more than a brother,companion or friend, someone so special, it is hard to explained unless experienced!
We seamed to know if something was wrong and a phone call would confirm an accident or serious problem and quickly help! A one of a kind, I was so lucky to have him as My Brother,Billy Love forever Bri
A neighbor that turned into so much more.
Bill, I appreciate all the wisdom, stories, and food we shared. I have YOU to thank for so many lifelong friendships. I still don’t like vodka martinis – but damn it- you sure made them look good!
Love always
I am an ex-Safeway employee, and worked with Kathleen Roberts. Would like to offer my condolences.
Sincerest condolences to the Roberts family.
Bill was always welcoming to me and seeing him always brought on the warmest of smiles followed by his gargantuan bear hug – a hug that definitely kept me on my best behavior around him. Though he offered me many tips and tricks on the golf course, the single most important lesson I retained was how to properly enjoy a classic, shaken martini, spritzed with only the finest dry vermouth, garnished by no less than three olives. The memories on the courses, followed by those martinis will always be among the fondest.
While Bill was such an accommodating host, he could also be the life of a party as well. He had such a great time partying with my late father during my wedding, that they had to be re-introduced to each other five times, even as they literally sat there together tasting wine and whiskey.
For once Bill, I was happy to be able host you with such a good time, as you’ve always done for me over so many years, with all the premium wine, gourmet meals, and of course the best cocktails.
Thank you for your graciousness and all the wonderful memories. Thanks for your patience with me on the golf course, and for every effort you made trying to teach me how to play Bridge, which to this day I still have no clue. You will be forever missed and remembered in my heart.
Please accept our deepest condolences. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. Bill.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Nicole, Michelle, Sara, Tobin & families for the loss of your dad.
We shared many enjoyable occasions together as a family. Fishing trips on Lake of the Woods, many enjoyable curling & golf games. Bill’s culinary skills were enjoyed by all & he was pretty darn good at making cocktails 🍸.
We appreciated his many years of service with the RCMP & as a peacekeeper in Ugoslavia.
Bill was a walking encyclopedia, his knowledge was admired by all who knew him.
PEACE BE WITH YOU BIll 🙏🏼❤️
Love, Ernie & Barb
My wife and I send our condolences to the family. I worked with Bill on Burnaby Drug Section for four years. He was the Sergeant and I a Corporal. Bill was the book guy, I was the field guy. Bill saved us from a tremendous amount of trouble, heartache and grief from potential repercussions In court and with senior management. I enjoyed working with Bill and we became good friends. We ran hundred of miles on the streets and trails near Burnaby Detachment and spent probability too many after hours in the Fireman’s Club in Burnaby, but we had ton of laughs. He loved being in the Force. Although I lost touch with Bill many years ago, I often think about him. Rest in peace my friend.
My heart goes out to our children, Nicole, Michelle, Sara & Tobin for the loss of their father and best friend. He was a great husband and a caring and loving father. We have many wonderful memories Bill and even though we weren’t together for many years, my love for you has not died. I had the past with the children but you had their future. You were such a great father, mentor and friend to them and they are missing you deeply. You will live in their hearts forever. 💕 Jacquie