Tribute

William Ernest Aspden, known to all as Bill, aged 77, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on April 7 at 11 am at Willingdon Creek Village. He was surrounded by care staff and supported by Lilia Gould. Our thanks to all staff and Lilia for their care.

Bill was predeceased by his devoted wife Lynne, nee Stubbs, in 2013 after 38 years of marriage. He is survived by his sister Joyce OíReilly and their cousins Antony, Mary, Joan and Hilda, all living in the north of England. Bill is also survived by his brothers-in-law Michael Stubbs of Campbell River and Bob Stubbs of Quesnel; and sister-in-law Joanne Otto of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Bill also leaves behind nephews and nieces.

Bill grew up near Burnley, Lancashire, England and was in the Royal Air Force from 1956 to 1963. He trained as a teacher in Hull and taught in Salford, part of Manchester. He came to Canada in 1970, drawn by the mountains, and taught in Quesnel and Prince Rupert, where he met Lynne. They married in December 1974 and taught in Powell River from that time until retirement.

In his younger days, Bill enjoyed walking, cycling, skiing, climbing and caving. He led and taught outdoor pursuits in the RAF, and to children from the school in Manchester in his spare time. He also climbed with famous climbers such as Don Whillans when he lived in Manchester.

In Powell River, Bill enjoyed being a member of Toastmasters and was keen on sailing. He always read a lot of books, was a deep thinker and also a member of Mensa. He was always coming up with fresh jokes, even on the morning he passed away he was joking with staff. He was a kind and gentle man, polite to all.

There will be a celebration of Bill’s life at Stubberfield Funeral Home on Monday, May 2, at 2 pm, followed by a reception, the location of which will be announced at the celebration.