WILLIAM ROBERT DOBBELAERE
It is with great sadness that the family of William Robert Dobbelaere
announce his passing quietly and comfortably on July 4, 2015
at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, at the age of 78.
He was predeceased by his father Rene, and his mother Flo. William is survived by his wife Denise, of almost 50 years, his children Ian (Lori) and Jennifer (Mark); and grandchildren Zariah and Xavier. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters Adeline McNaught and family, Shirley (Bob) Donahue and family, and Doreen.
William was born in Deloraine, Manitoba on August 27, 1936. He spent the next two decades of his life working the family farm outside of Deloraine. He loved playing guitar in his younger days and played in a number bands. He ended up in Winnipeg where he attended the University of Manitoba in the faculty of Science. Soon after he entered the pharmaceutical industry, with Hoffmann-la-Roche, and spent the next 33 years of his career in sales and management until retirement in 1995. In 2001, Bill and Denise decided to move from Winnipeg to Parksville/Qualicum Beach, BC where he lived until his last day.
In his retirement, Bill enjoyed travelling, investing in the stock market and meeting with his investment club, curling, gardening, daily long walks, cards, and spending time with his grandchildren. Every summer Bill and Denise returned to the family cottage at Falcon Lake, MB where he was affectionately known as “Billy Bob”. At the cottage there were countless “happy hours”, dinners with friends, and hours spent picking blueberries on “Blueberry Hill”.
Bill was known by his family and friends as a hard worker, a very generous, helpful and kind person. He was always ready to lend a hand whenever he could. He was a devoted husband and caring father and Papa, and he will be dearly missed by his close knit family and the many friends he made.
Our family wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, in particular nurses Sara, Tamara, and Nicole; and Dr. Marback.
Should family or friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
A private celebration of William’s life will occur in
Qualicum Beach, BC in late July and in Winnipeg in late August.