Obituaries

GILES, William (Bill)

On the evening of July 18th, Bill poured himself a glass of his homemade wine, sat back in his favourite lazy-boy chair and drifted off for the last time with Edna by his side as usual.

Ironically, Bill was not usually one to just drift away. Whether you were walking by their home, over for dinner, or at a gathering, Bill was usually the first one to shout a hello and crack a few one liners that would make you smile. It will be a bit quieter when you walk by that driveway next time.

If you needed a drive to the airport, were building a birdhouse or a meal to be prepared, Bill would be the first one there to help. He was also an excellent singer and was sorely missed when he quit the choir a few years ago.

Born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1942, his father was in the Air Force and the family moved to various locations including Washington, DC and small towns in Ontario such as Chesterville and Winchester where owned and managed lumber yards. He finished his career with the Federal Government where he tracked by late GST payers and with his charm probably had their highest collection rate ever.

He retired in 2007 and moved to Kelowna where he and Edna took up residence in Sunrise village until his passing. Most of his family live in Ontario. He is survived by his two sisters, Diane and Virginia, his two sons, Ross and Matthew as well as his step father to Marilyn, Mimi, and Chuck.

And most importantly, he was the loving husband for 36 years to Edna Giles (nee Merkley). As Edna’s mobility decreased, he was the ultimate companion. She could barely mention wanting something for dinner and he would pop out of his chair, run to the store and have it in cooked up for her before she could finish the sentence. One almost wonders if he knew that he was slowing down and wouldn’t be able to care for her the same way as he had and knew that he had to go because no one could do it like he did so he simply left us. But not without a lifetime of memories.

Cheers Billy, we won’t forget you.

Condolence Messages

Jul 23, 2022
Saw Bill most weekday mornings at PRC. He was one of truly good guys in life. Condolences to the family, he will be missed. I'm not sure what Bill would have to say about this. See ya pal.

Mike Agassiz
Jul 23, 2022
Edna and family,

Bill was the first person we met when we came to Sunrise Village...always so friendly and able to make a person laugh. And always so ready to help whenever it was needed. A true neighbor and friend.

We will miss his impromptu coffee visits,, and just knowing he was nearby.

Larry and Shirley
Jul 22, 2022
Bill made our world better, he was that type of man. His 6am smile with a quick one liner will be truly missed. Parkinson won’t be the same without him.

Condolences to the family, I hope the memories will carry you through this time.

Christina
Jul 22, 2022
Dear Edna and Family, June and I are sorry for your loss. May the good times and wonderful memories of your life together help you through the difficult times ahead.

With sincerest condolences,

Doug and June Merkley
Jul 22, 2022
Dear Edna and family;

We will miss Bill.

His smile, his good nature, his fun, his jokes, his voice and his big hugs, were things we looked forward to at Church.

Keep singing, Bill. Love and prayers to you all.

Beryl Baldeo
Jul 22, 2022
Edna and family. We are so sorry for your loss, Bill will be a big loss to our Sunrise community. He was a friend to us all, we will miss him.

Norm & Pat Bell
Jul 22, 2022
we live right across the street from Bill and Edna and not once went out with out having a chat with Bill. where he displayed his wisdom on us.The neighborhood is already so quite and we miss our dear friend. you are and will always be really missed. Love you Bill Dennis and Vivian Destobel
Jul 22, 2022
Met Bill at the rec centre and always loved seeing him. Such an upbeat wonderful guy. He will be missed. Bob and Ruth Young
Jul 22, 2022
We will all miss seeing you each morning.

You were always first in the door to greet us with a big smile and a witty remark. Such a wonderful man!

Sending heartfelt sympathies to Edna and your family

Claire and All Your Friends here at Parkinson Rec Centre
Jul 21, 2022
Dear Edna. I can't even tell you how much we will all miss Bill. He was the greatest friend and helper. I don;t know who is going to set the piano up for me or tell me a joke or two and just be there for all of us. Take care and know that if there's anything you need help with, Gospel Praise will be on your doorstep.

Many condolences.

Sylvia Clerke
Jul 21, 2022
Edna and family, you have my deepest sympathies. Bill was greatly loved and will be missed by so many. Always laughing, cracking one-liners, and offering great bear hugs – you couldn’t miss his presence. And his incredible bass voice was so appreciated by so many choirs including Gospel Praise and the St. Paul’s church choir. We will truly miss old Billie Boy but we will remember him fondly and share some wine, and no doubt more than a few jokes, in his memory. Jayne Brooks
Jul 21, 2022
Our deepest sympathy Edna and family. Bill will be missed.

Pat & Frank Gerlitsch
Jul 21, 2022
We will miss you Bill! We always looked forward to a great conversation with you. The neighbourhood won’t be the same without you.

Wayne and Carol