William Rodger Jones

William Rodger (Bill) Jones

September 29, 1928 - August 16, 2017

Died August 16, 2017 at his home in Port Alberni, BC after a short battle with cancer.

Bill is survived by: his four daughters Tricia Darby (Jim), Karen Jones (Bruce), Sue Bingham (Dave), and Amy Kelsch (Brian); grandchildren: Steve (Pam), Mike (Kyla), Jason (Kathleen), Megan, Bridget, Ben, and Ruedi; great grandchildren: Owen, Evan, Dezirae, Nathan, Kiersten, Jenessa, Scarlett, and Ella; and brother Ron Jones. He is lovingly remembered by his life partner, Sharon Hollinshead, her two sons, Lee (Brenda Lee) and Curtis (Shannon), along with his ex-wife, Joan Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ken Jones.

Born to Ira and Alena (Rodgers) Jones, Bill grew up in Vancouver, BC, graduating from Magee Secondary School in 1947 where he excelled at many sports including football, and track and field. He worked his way up in the family business, Jones Tent & Awning, making and selling their many products.

Bill's passions included trap shooting, and he competed as part of the Canadian team in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing with many friends. "Daddy Bill" had a special bond with his dogs, and it was a rarity in his life to be without at least one to share his bed and treats, a trait he has passed on to many.

Dad showed he was versatile when he readily took to texting, which overcame some of the communication barriers associated with his deafness. He created many of his own abbreviations, including his "DD" (darling daughters) salutation, and his optimism was reflected in the number of exclamations and emojis peppering his texts. "Papa Duck's" gentle demeanour and love for his family, for whom he would travel long distances to visit, will be greatly missed.

No service; ashes to be scattered at the Vancouver Gun Club where Bill spent many enjoyable hours.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

(Excerpt from Sea Fever by John Masefield)

Donations in Dad's name may be made to: http://bcandalbertaguidedogs.com/donorcentre/donate-now/