It is with great sadness that the family of William Wesley Welbourne announces his passing on December 16, 2017 at the age of 77.
Predeceased by his father James Welbourne, his mother Minerva Welbourne, and brothers Robert, Lionel, and Dwight, and a sister in infancy.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters; Laura Leah Therrien (Andre), Dawn (Mike) Stigant, Roberta (Kelly) Helmke, and Kathy Welbourne, grandchildren; Robert and Michael Welbourne, Thomas, James, David, and William Stigant, and Jordan Welbourne, Mykaela, Heidi, Gabriella, and Maksym Helmke, as well as his siblings; Gordon Welbourne, Helen Toovey, Norma Owen, Marlene Bialas (Ted), Eric (Ria) Welbourne, Brian Welbourne, Sandra (Jim) Mitchell, and Duncan Welbourne.
William was born to James and Minerva Welbourne on August 25, 1940 on the family farm, in the municipality of Harrison, Manitoba. He spent his young life working in Manitoba but eventually made his way to British Columbia, where he found his calling as a millwright working in the lumber industry for 40+ years until retirement from Western Forest Products (Domans) Duke Point Division.
He settled in Cedar, B.C. in 1983, and this was home until his passing. William will be remembered for his love of family, sense of humour, kindness, work ethic, and his generosity. For all that spent time with him, they well know how much he enjoyed good food, good conversation, and a good whisky.
He loved tinkering around fixing things, cooking, listening to music, reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends; especially his grandchildren.
His grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and he loved teaching them to be mischievous, all the while instilling in them good morals, strong values, and supporting them through life lessons.
He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and all that knew him.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the British Columbia Blind Sports and Recreation Association, British Columbia Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life is to be planned, and will be announced at a later date.