William (Bill) Lawrence Purser II passed peacefully surrounded by the love of God, family and friends on Friday, November 3, 2017, after a short illness. Bill was predeceased by his son, Billy, his wife, Wilda, and sisters Jean and Phyllis. He is survived by his sister Helen (Bunny), daughter Diana, son-in-law, Orwell; companion, Isobel, and was “Uncle Bill” to a large extended family.
Bill was born November 6, 1932 at his family home on 17th Avenue in Burnaby, the only son to Margaret Bryce and William Lawrence Purser. Growing up in New Westminster, Bill spent his childhood playing with his dogs, fishing in Brunette Creek in Hume Park, racing soapbox cars with the neighbour boys, and playing on the sandbars of the Fraser River. He attended Herbert Spencer Elementary school and in high school, captained the basketball team. His youth was spent racing motorcycles and tinkering with his many cars, which led him to an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic. After completing his apprenticeship, he married Wilda May Svensrud on April 15, 1954. Bill and Wilda met on a flatbed truck in the flood of 1950 and were married for 51 years. They lived most of their married life on Chapman Avenue where son Billy was born in 1966 and daughter Diana in 1968. Wonderful family memories were built in this home and at Hatzic Lake with his best friend Walter (Carol and Sonja) where he enjoyed trick skiing, spending time in the sun, and tending his lawn.
Bill enjoyed a successful and varied career with Cummins Diesel, traveling much of the province of BC and the North as a special accounts manager before starting Reliance Diesel with partner, Brian Thomas and Joyce Wells at the age of 48. Bill loved the challenge of owning his own busi-ness, and after retirement developed several properties on the Sunshine Coast.
In later years, Bill enjoyed a busy life with a wide circle of friends. He met monthly with his school buddies and old friends from Cummins Diesel, and weekly with his Friday coffee group at Tim Hortons. Lunches with dear friend Joyce were a highlight, but it was his special friendship with Isobel Foster that brought him the most joy and they were a blessing to one another. Bill de-veloped close friendships with his much loved neighbours on Chapman Avenue and considered them family. He was the local father, handyman, tool crib and story teller. He loved spending time in his yard and had the best lawn on the street. He was an incredibly loving father to his daughter Diana. Bill had a lifelong thirst for knowledge, driven to accomplish goals each day and spent his last day at the pool with friends he enjoyed.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends and neighbours. We were blessed to have him in our lives - until we meet again. Service at Burquitlam Funeral Home, 625 North Road, at 10am on November 10th 2017. Intermet to follow at Fraser Cemetery in New Westminister.