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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HASTINGS, William H. (Bill) - passed away peacefully on April 3 at the age of 85. He leaves behind the love of his life, and wife of 64 years, Marcia, along with sons William (Jill) and Lance (Judy), granddaughters Chelsea and Amber, brother Ed (Assunta), sister Shirley, brother-in-law Peter Smith (Carolyne), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was born in Victoria, BC, to Bill and Annie Hastings. His Dad started teaching him to play the cornet when he was 8, and at the age of 17, inspired by his Uncle Willie Ratcliffe's career as a military musician, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces School of Music at CFB Esquimalt. He then joined the Royal Canadian Navy's Naden Band, and soon became lead trumpet player. In 1969, he was posted to the Royal Canadian Regiment Band in London, Ontario, and moved with the band in 1970 to CFB Gagetown, in Oromocto, New Brunswick. In 1981, he was transferred back to the Naden Band in Victoria for the last 4 years of his service. In 2004, Bill and Marcia decided to move to Tsawwassen, BC, where they resided at Windsor Woods, and then The Waterford. During his 30-year career in the Armed Forces, Bill performed at many concerts and ceremonies, throughout Canada and around the world, and was considered by his peers to be one of the best trumpet players of his generation in Canada. After retirement, he continued to perform, first as a member of Victoria's Chief & Petty Officers' Association Band, and then with the Richmond Community Concert Band. In later years, Bill and Marcia continued to travel and visit family abroad and fell in love with cruising. But what truly brought Bill happiness was sharing a good meal with his family and friends. His presence will forever be missed, but never forgotten. A Celebration of Life followed by a reception will be held at the Valley View Funeral Home, 14644 72 Ave, Surrey, BC on April 25, 2023, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Richmond Community Concert Band or The Salvation Army. (The Victoria Times Colonist 15 Apr 2023)
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