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William (Bill) George CALLAWAY

July 16, 2013

Callaway_WilliamGeorge

Callaway, William (Bill) George

January 3, 1929 – July 16, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill. Surrounded by family, he died peacefully on July 16th after a short stay in the palliative care unit of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. He was surrounded by those he adored and who loved him dearly.

Bill is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 59 years, Rosemary, his four daughters and their partners; Lynne Hume (Rick), Jane Patenaude (Ken), Mary Ann Dusting (Chris), and Karen Callaway (Kelly), nine grandchildren; Jeff, Scott, Carlene, Ali, Jordan, Deanna, Kelsey, Zoe and Kailyn, precious great grandchild Carter, and nephew and niece Ian and Susan Cormack. Bill is predeceased by his father William John Callaway, his mother Ethel Callaway, and his sister Barbara Cormack.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Bill attended McMaster University graduating with a Social Sciences degree. It was during his final year at McMaster University, in December 1951, that he joined the ROTC and received a commission as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was sent to Korea as a reinforcement for the 2nd and 1st Battalions of the Royal Canadian Regiment fighting in such positions as the infamous Hill 355.

Soon after returning to Canada in December 1952, Bill married his sweetheart Rosemary, and lived in Ontario for 12 years during which time they had 4 cherished daughters. Bill retired from army life as a Captain in July 1957 having served as a Personnel Selection Officer .

His selfless devotion to improving the lives of the less fortunate, focusing on unemployed youth in particular, led to a rewarding counselling career at the YMCA. A major move in 1965 saw the family of 6 relocate to Vancouver where Bill continued his mission to improve the lives of all age groups through his compassionate, gentle and caring manner.

Semi-retirement on Galiano saw Bill owning a small resort, Penny’s Cottages, and having the time of his life. The Callaway home was constantly filled with laughter as the children and grandchildren came to visit. Bill finally had time to pursue his love of music, drama and gardening. After selling the resort, he became the volunteer extraordinaire in the community, much respected and loved by all. After the move to Parksville then Qualicum, Bill revived his love for singing when he joined the choir of Knox United Church.

He will be fondly remembered for his commitment to family, his passion for music, theatre, choir, gardening, golf and tennis and for his generosity, kindness and consideration of others.

We wish to thank the hospital and palliative care staff for their compassionate care.

A Memorial Service will be held at Knox United Church in Parksville on

Thursday July 25th at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your charity of choice or to the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH.



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