Tribute

The family of William (Bill) O’Reilly regretfully announce his passing at the age of 88, after many years battling Parkinson’s Disease.

Bill is survived by his ever-patient wife, his “dream-girl” Anne, five children: Christine (John) Surprise AZ, Roger (Erika) Kelowna BC, Lauralyn (Tony) Chilliwack BC, Douglas (Linda) Vernon BC, Susan (Lionel) Legal AB. Twelve grandchildren: Lorne, Sharlene, Ryan, Rebecca, David, Joseph, Michael, Colton, Nolan, Chase, Owen and Micah; and two Great-grandchildren: Jack and Scarlett.

Bill is also survived by one brother Norman (Delores) Sorrento BC, sisters-in-law Greta and Linda, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his four brothers and one sister: John (Ethel), Ruth (Roy), Jim (Laura), Don (Barb), and Dennis.

Bill was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on December 31, 1929 and his family homesteaded and farmed in Capasin SK. In 1944, the family moved to Vancouver where Bill entered trade school and became a journeyman carpenter. His skills were unsurpassed, and admired by many.

As a young man, Bill decided that he wanted to be in the Christian Ministry and create a business of a motel or resort.

In 1950, while on a winter youth group outing to Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, Bill met the young lady that would become the love of his life. Anne (nee Golhof) and Bill were married February 1, 1952, and began a family shortly thereafter.

While working and raising a family with Anne, Bill also pursued his goal of ministry work. He completed his biblical studies part time at LIFE Bible School in Burnaby, and faithfully served at the Kingsway Foursquare Church as youth pastor.

In 1962, Bill and Anne packed up the family and moved to Okanagan Falls BC, where they began to develop a campground and gradually built motel units on a beautiful acreage across from Skaha beach. While in Okanagan Falls, Bill worked on building many houses in the Okanagan and three churches (Oliver Alliance, Penticton Alliance, and Okanagan Falls Community Church). He also served his community for many years on the Regional District Water Board as well as the Chamber of Commerce, for many years as Chamber President.

The motel he dreamed of grew and prospered with his vision, construction skills and amazing people skills… combined with Anne’s business acumen. Much hard work developed an 18 unit motel, a campground, a second motel (and also for a time a restaurant), into a popular family resort. He welcomed guests in his Hawaiian shirts and white pants and shoes.

In the 1970’s, Bill and Anne started to travel, and became involved with Youth With a Mission  (YWAM), and Wycliffe Bible Translators.  They volunteered their time and skills around the world, building and repairing many structures and making lifelong friends along the way. Their volunteer work included adventures to England, Ireland (North and the Republic), Holland, Germany, Mexico, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Bill’s final volunteer job was at Trinty Western University in the Fraser Valley.

A “retirement project” became a seven bedroom Bed and Breakfast in Sorrento BC (one of Bill’s favourite places in the world). There they welcomed many guests and friends from around the world.

Bill taught his family and so many others many life skills.  He was a humble man, full of wisdom, amazing generosity, an incredibly sharp wit, an unfailing faith and an immense love and dedication to his Anne.

Over the past years Bill struggled with decreasing mobility and increasing pain, yet he continued to enjoy entertaining, and kept everyone laughing with his infectious laugh and one-liners and hilarious demands for desserts (apple pie a la mode and chocolates!). He never lost his sense of humour.

Bill told everyone that he would eventually be “graduating” from this world to a better place with his Father in Heaven.

Our dearest Dad, Grandpa, Great-grandpa and Mom’s best friend has graduated… the at the top of his class “Summa Cum Laude”. Congratulations Bill!

A memorial for Bill O’Reilly is being held on St Patrick’s Day March 17th at 1 pm at the Harrison West Chapel at Elim Village, 9025-159 St, Surrey, BC (Beside Rexal Drugs).

In lieu of flowers, Anne would appreciate your support of of Wycliffe Bible Translators, or Far East Broadcasting in Bill’s name.

“…Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand”

An Irish Blessing