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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SYMONS, William George (Bill) - It is with much sadness we announce the passing of William George Symons on August 12th, 2018 at the age of 96. Bill as he was affectionately known was born in Edmonton, Alberta February 8th, 1922 and passed away in hospital after complications from a fall.
Bill spent his early years attending schools in Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Carlton School in Vancouver. Bill worked on tug boats and in logging camps before he joined the navy in 1942 and was part of The Fishermen’s Reserve formed to patrol the B.C coastline. When the Fishermen’s Reserve was disbanded Bill accepted a sea draft and was shipped to Halifax where he served on the Minesweeper HMCS Wasaga part of the all Canadian 31st Minesweeping Flotilla operating extensively in the waters of the United Kingdom.
After his discharge Bill returned to B.C and found work on several different construction projects including the Hell’s Gate fishway and later at Industrial Services, Riverview Hospital until his retirement. During his retirement Bill was always busy working on projects around the family home. He was an avid golfer and was fortunate enough to golf many courses throughout the world. Bill was also a member of Mission Golf Club where he made several cherished friends.Always with a cheery disposition and a positive attitude Bill only saw the goodness in people and was never one to criticize.
Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy (Potts), daughter Corinne Padula, son George, grandchildren Kelsey, Dayna (Adrian), Jason and great grandchild Eva.
There will be no service at Bill’s request. A gathering of family and friends to be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers a donation in Bill’s memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
“Toodaloo, just be careful”
Ships served in: HMCS WASAGA - Listed on WASAGA'S 15 Apr 1945 Nominal List as an AB, RCNR
(WS01) Portrait of Seaman Symons (WS02) William Symons (front row, right) other sailors unknown (WS03) William Symons
(WS04-WS05) Damage to HMCS WASAGA'S port side after she was hit by the danlayer HMS SURSAY on 11 Apr 1945. The SURSAY hit WASAGA in the seaman's mess. The crew shored up the damage with heavy timbers and used tables to help increase her freeboard. // Click here to view a photo of HMS SURSAY (WS06-WS07) Sailors on HMCS WASAGA J162 circa Sep-Oct 1945 // Front Row (L-R): AB William Symons, New Westminster; AB H. Langham, Vancouver; AB C.F. Dekuysscher, Rossland; Back Row (L-R): AB A.W. Trimble, Vancouver; Stoker PO R.E. Travis, Victoria // News Release RCN Photo // Photographer CPO R. Keegan
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