Dr. William Rosebush

William John Rosebush was a loving husband to Helen, a caring and compassionate father to Lindsey (Devin) , Riley (James) and Bergen (Taylor), and an adoring grandfather to Nora, Otis, and Leo. He was a devoted father and called his daughters his “peppernellies”. His family meant the world to him and he lived his life surrounded by their love.

He was known by his friends, colleagues, and patients as the warmest and kindest man you’ve ever met. He was a compassionate and gentle father, brother, uncle, and grandfather and was adored by his family. He was beyond generous to everyone he knew and loved.

He was born in Hearst, Ontario where he lived until his family moved to Victoria. He was always ready to share stories of the snow and his childhood in Northern Ontario. His mother was from Norway and Will was always very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He traveled to Norway to visit his mother’s homeland and reconnect with family there.

Will worked as a Science Teacher in Port Alberni until he entered dental school at the University of British Columbia in the class of 1983. Will and Helen moved to Vancouver when Will started dental school and they decided to stay, start Will’s dental practice, and raise their family here.

Will became a pillar in the Vancouver dental community and cared deeply for his patients. He loved being a part time clinical instructor at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry and was a kind teacher and mentor to his students. He was awarded the College of Dental Surgeons of BC Award of Merit in 2015 for his outstanding service to the dental community. He was a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.

Will joined the UBC Dentistry Faculty band where he reconnected with his love of drumming and playing classic rock with close friends. Performing at the Dentistry School Battle of the Bands nights and at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver were highlights of the past few years.

Will had varied passions and found everyday joy in many things throughout his life. Some of his hobbies included researching his Norwegian heritage, collecting Jaguars and driving his sky-blue collectible 1967 Jaguar E-Type, rocking out to classic rock, enjoying coffee and crosswords, watching the night sky with friends, and cheering on the Canucks.

When Will became a grandfather his already giant heart grew even bigger. He showered Nora, Otis, and Leo with love and enjoyed every minute he got to spend with them. He never missed a chance to play with and nurture his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his dear father Jack, his mother Palma, and his sister Lana, who he always kept close to his heart. He will be forever missed and remembered by his wife, daughters, sons in law and grandchildren, and also by his sister Gay (Raymond), his brother Jim (Cindy), and his best pal John. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his nephew Mark for his love and assistance during this difficult time.

Words can’t describe how much he will be missed.

If desired, donations can be made to the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation.

A Celebration of Will's Life will be held at a later date.