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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Served in the Navy 05 Nov 1948 - 09 Sep 1974
GABLE, William John (Bill) - was born in Hartney Manitoba to Leonard H. Gabel and Dorothy E. Brady. He took all of his schooling in Hartney, joining the navy in 1949 with a career of some 25 years. Notably he spent 18 months on the HMCS Athabaskan while deployed with UN forces in Korea during the war. Bill served on both the west coast out of Esquimalt and the east coast out of Halifax. He served on many ships over his time in the service retiring in 1974. After the navy Bill worked for the District of Central Saanich and eventually for Dockyard CFB Esquimalt, retiring for good in 1990.
Bill was a member of Masonic United Peninsula Lodge #24 for 60 years. He was also a member of the Royal Arch Masons, Columbia Chapter #1, The Chiefs and PO’s Association, Sidney Legion #37, and Federal Superannuates (Victoria).
It was after Bill returned home from Korea that he married Melba King. They had known each other since they were only 15. It was just last year that they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Bill and Melba traveled for 13 years with the Good Sam Club as well as enjoying the RV lifestyle with family and friends. They also enjoyed holidays to Hawaii and Mexico over the years.
Leaving behind to morn and miss him terribly are his wife Melba, son Richard (Deb), daughter Layne (Paul), 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Andrea (Gabe), Adam (Mandy), Bradley (Cassie), Lindsey (Brandon) and 5 great grandchildren, Jax, Leroy, Mason, Taylor, and Carter.
He also is survived by his two sisters Doreen in California and Judy (Lawrence) in Manitoba, together with many nieces and nephews.
No funeral by request, as a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Many thanks to Dr. Green and to the Staff of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their excellent care during his last weeks.
Donations to the Chiefs’ and Petty Officers’ Veterans Assistance Society gratefully accepted. (First Memorial Funeral Services & Garden of Memories)
Ships served in:
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