William HOURSTON

HOURSTON, William Roderick (Rod)
November 26, 1922 - April 28, 2018
It is with saddened hearts that we inform you of the passing of William Roderick Hourston on April 28, 2018. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn, brothers - Archibald, Robert and Alfred. He is survived by his children Roger, Patricia and Gregory, daughter-in-law Malou, and granddaughters Kyra and Mackenzie. Known as Rod, or W.R., he was born in Vancouver on November 26, 1922, the second of four brothers. Graduating from King Edward High School, he entered University of British Columbia in 1941. He left his studies to serve his country as a bomber pilot in WWII. Resuming his education, he graduated with a Masters Degree in Zoology in 1949. He married the love of his life, Evelyn Johnstone on May 2, 1947, and they spent 67 happy years together until her death in 2014. Rod joined the Department of Fisheries as a Biologist in 1949. In 1958 he transferred to Ottawa, spending two years there before returning to the West coast and serving as Director, Pacific Region until his retirement in 1980. He also spent many years on the Board of Governors of the Vancouver Public Aquarium, retiring with the title of Honorary Life Governor. Rod's father built a cabin in Point Roberts in 1924, and he spent many happy years there, before building his own cabin on Crystal Waters Beach in 1964. He was an avid golfer and a long time member of Quilchena Golf Club in Richmond. He was also a ham radio operator, under the handle VE7 FH0. Rod attended St. Giles United Church for many years, doing charity work and driving for meals on wheels. He spent three happy years at Legacy Senior Living before moving to Crofton Manor for his final days. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 12:00 noon at Marpole United Church, 1296 W 67th Avenue, Vancouver. All are welcome. A celebration of his life will follow after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Alzheimer Society of BC may be made.