Obituary of William George Olmsted

Passed away peacefully in East Kootenay Regional Hospital after a short illness, with his treasured wife of 55 years, Jill, at his side.

 

Bill was pre-deceased by his sisters Joan, Pat, and Jean.  He leaves to mourn his wife Jill Olmsted, his daughter Valerie Booth, son-in-law Ivan Booth, grandsons Brendan and Emmett Booth and their Newfoundland grandparents Peter and Nita Booth, his many nieces and nephews including Elizabeth Grant who was with him when he died, his brother-in-law Jack Grant and his sister-in-law Dorothy Vine, as well as his many long-time strong friends and neighbours in Kimberley.

 

Bill was beloved to many for his kindness and ready smile.  He derived great joy from the outdoors including mountaineering, rock-bonking, camping, fishing, skiing, barbecuing, and gardening.  Bill was born in Rossland BC, went to UBC for university, and came to Kimberley to teach at Selkirk High School in 1964.  He was a devoted teacher and enjoyed teaching at Selkirk until he retired in 1997.  After retiring, he continued to love the outdoors but also took up many new pursuits including cooking dinners and providing much valued help with his twin grandsons, especially when they were small. 

 

Jill and Valerie are immensely grateful to all the friends and neighbours in Kimberley and nearby who have always jumped in to provide care for Bill and Jill when their distant family could not be there for them.  We can’t imagine how we’d get along without all of you.

                                                                                                                                       

Cremation and a private interment are planned, as is a Celebration of Life, to be held later in the year.

 

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to CPAWs Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society or the charity of your choice.