On September 9, 2021. Bill passed away at home surrounded by his loving family after an extremely courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.
Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon, his children: Lisa, Janis (Jay), Steven (Michelle), daughter-in-law Denise, his devoted workforce and project helpers consisting of his grandsons: Willis, Jacob, Nathan, Matthew, Adam, and nephews: Cody, Dustin, Ty, as well as numerous other family members and friends who were all important and special to him.
Bill was the oldest of five boys born to W.H. and Olive Gurney. He will be deeply missed by his three surviving devoted brothers Don, Jim and Bruce. Bill was born and raised in Kamloops, BC and graduated from the University of British Columbia. He began a teaching career in Kamloops in 1966 and was a positive influence in the lives of many during his 30-year career at NorKam Senior Secondary School. He was also involved for many years with Kamloops Minor Hockey and Youth Soccer at coaching, executive committee and "super fan" levels. He derived much enjoyment as a loyal Kamloops Blazer's fan.
Bill was an avid historian and genealogist and loved to share his wealth of memories of earlier generations. He had many talents and interests and accomplished much in his life, but he will be remembered most for his kind and cheerful heart, his compassionate nature, as well as his genuine interest in others.
We will be forever grateful for his lasting legacy of our family cabin that he built from hand at his beloved North Barriere Lake.
"I saw behind me those who had gone, and before me, those who are to come. I looked back and saw my father, and his father, and all our fathers, and in front, to see my son, and his son, and the sons upon sons beyond. And their eyes were my eyes. As I felt, so they had felt, and were to feel, as then, as now, as tomorrow and forever. Then I was not afraid, for I was in a long line that had no beginning, and no end." Richard Llewellyn
Passed Away In: Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada Passed Away On: 23/06/2011
April 9, 1937 - June 23, 2011
It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of Eleanor McWhannel. She died peacefully in her sleep on June 23rd, predeceased by her husband Douglas in November 2010.
Eleanor is survived by her son Tony (Michelle) and grandchildren Sam and Pierre, whom she was "not so quietly" proud of. She was greatly loved by her sister, Catherine (David), brothers, Bert (Liz), Frank (Arla) and Warren (Bev), and sister-in-law Vi (Tommy), and all of their children. "Auntie Eleanor" had a particularly close relationship with Erin, Kendra and Noah James.
She was born in Kelowna to Rob and Kathleen Hewlett, into a big and loving family. She grew up in many small towns in the Interior completing her High School Graduation in Kamloops as the Top Academic student in 1955. After receiving her Teacher Certification at the University of Victoria she began her teaching career in Creston. Graduating with B.Ed. and M.Ed. Degrees from UBC, she worked in Delta as a librarian/teacher. She was one of the first women principals in BC, opening Cougar Canyon Elementary in 1981 and went on to become a board office director. She made many lifelong friendships because of her genuine concern for children and fellow teachers. Following retirement she became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and its president in 1995/96, where she made many friends. She was blessed to have the companionship of Brenda during the past year. Throughout life, she embodied the values of "Service Above Self" and will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
