William WORTON

WORTON, William "Bill" "Skull"
Born in Erith, Alberta, March 13,1919, to Ishmael and Elizabeth Worton. On November 4, 2013, his loving, generous soul returned to God.
Predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Olga Telosky Worton. Survived by his wife, Lynne; her daughters, Lori (Wes) and Monique (David); and five grandchildren, Emily, Joshua, Calvin, Luca, and Melanie. Also survived by his sister in-law, Hélène, who helped care for him and whom he affectionately called "the rabbit," Lynne's entire family, who loved him dearly, and numerous cousins in England and Wales.
His love of soccer began at the age of six in Wales, then blossomed in England, where, as a teenager, he was drafted by the Tottenham Hotspurs. He played for Tottenham's farm team throughout Europe. At the age of 18, he returned to Canada, and in 1939, he joined the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, with whom he served during WWII. After fighting in Sicily, Italy, and Holland, he returned home in 1945. He worked for Canada Post for 27 years, and retired as a supervisor. He played soccer in the West Coast League until the age of 57, then refereed soccer for three years. He was a proud veteran, who, for years, worked tirelessly on the Poppy Drive for all North Burnaby schools, and who also visited schools to help students celebrate Remembrance Day. On Fridays, he visited George Derby Hospital to cheer his fellow Seaforths. He was among the delegation to bring "The Unknown Soldier" from Vimy, France, back to Ottawa. He also did eulogies for quite a few Seaforths, including his good friend Smokey Smith, VC. Bill was unassuming, but we think of him as a true hero.
We wish to thank Dr. Kharmali and the staff at Maple Ridge Seniors Village (2nd floor), who cared for him.
Bill requested that there be no funeral. A memorial will be held in April, 2014.
The world has lost an exceptional man! He was loved by many and will be sorely missed by all.