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William NICOLL Obituary
July 23, 1926 – October 12, 2012
After a difficult year of health challenges, Bill passed away in Ottawa, surrounded by family.
Survived by his longtime and loving partner Beata (Bobbi) Papmehl, sons Gregg (Patricia), Glenn and Scott (Rosanne), grandchildren Karrah, Kristoffer, Harrison, Heather, Jasper, Ripley, Lawson, Alycia and Spencer, sisters Shirley Flynt (John) and Lois Allanson (Rob). Predeceased by his parents Albert and Bertha (Heatherington), sister Elva Bowler (Gerald) and brother Jim (Shirley). A loving, kind, gentle and humorous partner to Bobbi, he was born in Prince George, BC and raised in Melville, Sask. Bill served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during WWII, including helping to build and maintain the Alaska Highway. After the War, and relying on his natural capacity for languages, he joined the Department of National Defense Signal Corps, eventually coming to work as a civilian communications analyst for Canada's Department of National Defense (Special Branch) in Ladner and then Masset, BC. Always a passionate amateur astronomer, he spent many hours observing the skies above Ottawa after retiring here in 1984. His telescope was always a constant source of enjoyment for him and a source of interest for his visitors, especially the younger ones. He combined his passion for astronomy with a similar passion for photography, ensuring him many hours of pleasure during his retirement. His family is grateful to all of those, especially Ferideh, who provided so much assistance to both Bill and Bobbi as Bill's health deteriorated. His last years of life were comfortable and pleasant because of the kindness and devotion of all those who helped him, and who helped Bobbi look after him, when she could no longer do it alone. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel, 2500 Baseline Rd. A celebration of Bill's life will follow the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations to an animal welfare charity of your choice will be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7 Entries
Arnie Watton
January 6, 2013
Attended language course with Bill at Van Wireless Station in Ladner BC - very fine gentleman.
October 18, 2012
It was always a pleasure to see how much Bill enjoyed the view of the skyline and birds from his very comfortable perch at the condo.
Love,
Nina
Tony King
October 17, 2012
Have many fond memories of Bill from our years as co-workers in Ladner and Masset. We were both saddened to learn of his passing and offer our most sincere condolences to the family. Rest in peace Bill
Tony and Muriel King
Bill ROGERS
October 17, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Bill at VWS. Ladner & his brother Jim at Delta Police. they were both gentlemen & great to work with also they had a great sense of humour although dry. Bill will be missed as is Jim by
all I am sure. Bill Rogers Ladner
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Don & Kathy Tarabas
October 17, 2012
Hard to believe more than 30 years have passed since we would stop along our regular walks to take coffee with Bill at his home on Trumpeter Drive. Our condolences to the family.
Jim Troyanek
October 16, 2012
My sincerest condolences to Bobbi and the families. I first met Bill when posted to Vanc Wrls Stn in late 1959. We worked together at VWS and it continued when the Stn moved to Masset. Bill was always my on job source of information during all those years. Although I lost track of him after he retired, I have often talked about him with others, wondering how he was doing. Bill will be missed by all who knew him as that laid back, easy going civiy either on shift or days!! Another of the good ones gone but certainly not forgotten.
October 16, 2012
An unassuming, pleasant and upbeat colleague. I worked alongside Bill during Ladner days. He was always ready to lend a hand with his practical expertise . Later, I also worked with Bobbi in the Studio and was so pleased to learn that she and Bill had gotten together. My condolences to her.
Dennis M. Stapleton
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