We regret to advise that Major William A. "Bill" Jones (Ret'd) of Chilliwack, passed away suddenly on 2 December 2007 at his home at the age of 79 years.
Born in Harris, SK, he lived in La Rivere and Winnipeg, MB, and Indian Head, SK. He worked at the Manitoba Telephone System, Canadian Wheat Board, Winnipeg Grain Exchange, the Coca-Cola Co., farming in Indian Head, and a sawmill in Galloway, BC. He couldn't find the right niche in life until he joined the Army in March 1948.
Bill spent 32 years serving his country at home and abroad, having postings in Camp Borden, ON; Werl, Germany; Chilliwack, BC; Moose Jaw, SK; Shilo, MB; and serving with the United Nations Emergency Force in Cairo, Egypt. He served his country and the Royal Canadian Engineers in many different facets and places throughout his career and his achievements could be summed up when he was awarded the Canadian Order of Military Merit in June 1978 - for outstanding merit, achievement and service to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Bill retired from the military in 1979 at the rank of Major. After the military, he began his civilian career in Prince Rupert, BC at the Prince Rupert Fisherman's Co-Op where he worked for seven years in labour relations and founding one of the first commercial salmon farms on the west coast. He returned to Chilliwack in 1987 and began a business venture in commercial rainbow trout farming at a location in Bridal Falls, BC, near Chilliwack.
At his request, there will be no funeral or formal service. The family requests no flowers or donations to any organisation on his behalf. There was a celebration of his life on 10 December at the Royal Canadian Legion #280 in Vedder Crossing.