We Remember
THIESSEN, William James “Bill”
September 17, 1931 — March 29, 2021
With deep sorrow and loving hearts we had to say goodbye to our Dad and husband Bill who passed away at Mountainview Village care home in Kelowna, BC, where he spent the last months of his life. He leaves behind his best friend and loving wife of 34 years, Ursula and children Robert (Kim), James (Ute) and Daniel (Marion).
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1931, Bill moved to Kelowna in 1971 where he established a successful and respected career as a Lawyer. He was also a long-standing member of the Kelowna Golf and Country Club.
Despite his declining health he continued to be the same reassuring father and spouse.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, known as a gentleman and appreciated for his kindness, empathy, and quick wit.
The family wants to thank the many caregivers who supported Bill in his last years, in particular Dr. Michael Bobyn, his trusted longtime family physician.
Due to Covid-19, there will be no service at this moment. In lieu of flowers please make a donation 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 “Condolences”.
Ursula, Rob, James and Danny. My heartfelt condolences on Mr. T’s passing. I started working for him back in 1982 along with Mary and it is sad to have lost them both in the same month. Mr. T. was always the gentleman and very generous with his staff. All the secretarial staff enjoyed working with him and he always had a smile or perhaps a funny story. I would like to share a story with you, Many years ago, I was on my way to work when I had a flat tire making me late and I was never late. After my tire was fixed, I showed up an hour late. There was Mr. T. walking out the door with a very concerned look in his face. When he saw me he looked relieved. I explained what happened and he explained that he was so concerned that I had had an accident he was going to drive the route to search for me. That was such a sweet and caring thing for him to do and I always appreciated that. May all the wonderful memories you have of Mr. T. help you through this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts. Love, Heather
Our condolences to you Ursula and the family. As you know Bill and I (Ron) are cousins. My memories go back to the days in Winnipeg celebrating family gatherings at Christmas, Easter and birthdays.
My family had a cottage at Falcon Lake Manitoba. Bill would visit and we play golf which he enjoyed all through his life. He and his family moved to a farm in Abbotsford where I was able to keep in touch by spending summer holidays there. Ursula you choose an excellent picture of Bill – just the way I will remember him with his warm smile. May our Lord comfort you and the family. Peace and love be with all of you.
Ursula, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I always appreciated Bill’s intelligence and sense if humor. He was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have known. There are not many like him. He will be missed by many.
Úrsula & family. My sympathy & condolences to all of you for your loss. Truly a wonderful gentleman with a kind heart & intelligence. Loved & respected
great memorieswonderful memories.
Our condolences to the Thiessen family. We have been good friends with Bill and Ursula for a long time and our times together when we visit North America has always been warm and welcoming. We were always well taken care of by Bill and his family and had many wonderful memories together. He will always be remembered.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Bill and his family. May God give him comfort and peace.
Pom & Kao
Ursula and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sadden to hear of Bill’s passing as he was always upbeat and enjoyable to be around.. As I moved from Kelowna many years ago I have not seen him recently, however, I know he will be missed by his family and his many friends.
Bill Thiessen
Glenda & I first met you and Ursula on a cruise and became enduring friends
In every possible way we shared our happy times. Our only regret was failing to entice you to Australia for Glendas 60th birthday celebrations
Glenda has never been more surprised than the time she arrived in Kelowna to be met by a choir singing Waltzing Matilda, arranged by Bill when he paid a choir about to board a flight to welcome Glenda in such a personal way
We will miss him and keep our thoughts with Ursula
Today in Melbourne was our annual charity appeal for the Royal Childrens Hospital, without their care Kevin would not have lived passed 9 years of age. We gave our usual donation and then a second in Bills memory
Our sincere condolences to Ursula & Family. Cousin Bill was a cherished friend & mentor to me from the early days in Winnipeg especially after losing my Dad at a very young age. We always kept in touch and especially moving to the Okanagan in 1991. I will truly miss my dear cousin leaving me with many heartful memories to reflect on and enjoy.
Our condolences to the Thiessen family. Bill was a wonderful person, and will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to the Thiessen family. It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Bill. He will be missed.
Dear Ursula Peace be with you Bill was a real Mensch may God comfort you at this time Fred Koehle
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Robert, James, Ursula and Danny;
Take comfort. Few would measure up to the integrity, intellect, honesty, quick wit and generosity of William Thiessen. It was a privilege to be a client and a blessing to be a friend. Heartfelt condolences.