Obituaries

BEST, William (Bill) Ebert

William (Bill) Ebert Best, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 21, 2021, at the Kelowna General Hospital.

Bill was born in New Westminster, BC to Minnie (Ebert) and Al Best on June 19, 1939. He grew up playing in the streets of the Maillardville district of Coquitlam, eating fish and chips on the beach at White Rock, and attending Como Lake High School. During the summer of 1956 he met the love of his life, Shirley Ida Gunter, at the Pacific National Exhibition. Bill and Shirley married on July 29, 1961, in New Westminster and remained faithfully together, in sickness and in health, until his passing.

Bill attended the University of British Columbia until moving, with Shirley, to Edmonton to work for Mohawk Oil in 1962. They moved to Calgary a year later where they had two children, Chris and Melanie, whom they raised with many fishing and camping adventures, including fond extended summers in Fort St. James, BC.

In 1985, Bill and Shirley moved back to the BC coast, Maple Ridge, to be closer to their aging parents. Always looking for more challenges, Bill purchased a rustic property on the ocean in Egmont where he could engage in construction and landscaping, interspersed with his favorite pastime, fishing.

Bill and Shirley moved to Peachland, BC in 2002, where they enjoyed many years of gardening in the summers, and snowbirding in Yuma, Arizona, for the winters.

As a true entrepreneur, Bill started and ran a number of successful businesses over his life, including bulk fuel sales, gas stations, commercial construction and development, vinyl and porcelain repair product distribution, and even an oyster farm.

Bill had a real passion for life, living by his own rules, and never backing down from a challenge. Described as irreverent with a somewhat rebellious stance on issues, he was independent, resilient and “marched to the beat of his own drum”, truly his own man.

Through his many years battling Alzheimer’s, Bill was supported by the incredible efforts, love and patience of Shirley and still maintained his sense of humour, he always loved a good laugh.

Bill is survived by his always attentive and loving wife Shirley, son Chris (wife Beverly and their children Indiana, Samuel, Grace, and Paige) and his daughter Melanie (husband Gregg).

Bill will be joining his granddaughter Madeline (Madi) Best, who passed away on October 19, 2021, on many hikes and bike rides in their next stage.

There will not be a service, but his ashes will be scattered by his family at some of his favorite fishing locations.

Arrangements are in the care of Everden Rust Funeral Services & Crematorium,
West Kelowna Arrangement Centre (250-768-8925).

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com.

Link: www.everdenrust.com

Condolence Messages

Dec 11, 2021
So Sorry to hear of Bill's passing -- may he rest in peace -- we miss seeing you in Yuma and in Peachland. Our sincere condolences Shirley to you and your family.

Trudy & Bill Boos
Nov 30, 2021
I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill and Shirley this year and always enjoyed the time we spent together. While Shirley was out, Bill and I would listen to the “jukebox oldies” and sing or whistle along and, the odd time, do a little dancing, as well. I’m not sure who had more fun. Even when I thought he was snoozing on the couch, his foot was still tapping to the music. Looking at photos, he loved to talk about his boats and all the fish he caught. He even gave me some advice on what to do if I encountered a bear while hiking: “Just don’t do anything stupid.”

Bill was a kind and gracious man and I loved his sense of humour. I really wish I had known him sooner. I’m going to miss hanging out with him.

My sincere condolences to you, Shirley, and the entire family.

Jill Evans
Nov 26, 2021
Sad to read of Bill’s passing. I have fond memories of playing bridge in West Kelowna as well as Yuma. We enjoyed fellowship visits with Bill and Shirley. Now Ray and I are in Yuma for a few months.

Euniceand Ray Wing
Nov 26, 2021
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Ray and I have fold memories of good times in Yuma as well as being his partner at the Bridge tables in West Kelowna and Yuma.

Eunice Wing
Nov 25, 2021
RIP Bill. Over the many years Bill and I became good buddies. I particularly enjoyed our weekly Squash games usually on a Friday afternoon or Sat morning followed by a nice White Spot brunch. He certainly was an independent character and didn't need company to have a good time. Yes, he did enjoy a good laugh and a good ribbing with me as much as he could get away with. We had some good old times Bill and I --he will be missed by all.

Keith Hanson--cousin
Nov 24, 2021
I extend my sympathy to you Shirley and your family. Glenn always enjoyed Bill and the special times they had at Egmont. Special memories will always be with you.

Helen Sparks