BLADES, William(Bill) Norman
October 15, 1931
~January 14, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Blades at his home in Oak Bay Lodge in Victoria, BC. Bill was in good spirits and happy up to his sudden departure. He is predeceased by his father Norman Blades and his mother Florence Blades(nee Muirhead). Bill was the grandson of Christopher and Jane Blades who immigrated from England from Round Hill, Alberta. Bill grew up in the farming community of Camrose and joined the Canadian Navy wile still in his teens. He described his days serving the RCN as the happiest of his life. During his 23 years of service he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer. Her served on the HMCS Sioux on a mission to police the post war truce in Korea and was twice decorated in 2005 as a participant in what became the foundation for Canada's military peacekeepers.
Bill left the Navy and worked as a Living Unit Officer for Corrections Canada, serving 10 years at the Matsqui Medium Security Facility in Abbotsford. After retirement from service with the Government he moved to a home on Mt Lehman Road, Abbotsford, where he enjoyed nature, his many dogs, various cats and chickens.
In retirement he was an exemplary volunteer, winning an Award of Meritus Service from the Abbotsford Kiwanis Club, Certificate of Outstanding Service from the Big Brothers of Central Fraser Valley and one of the highest awards in scouting, the Medal of Merit, for his service in creating in 1983 Canada's first Venture Scout troop for handicapped boys and girls, the 4th Abbotsford Special Ventures (now Adventurers). In the mid 1990's , Bill's ill health required a move to a care facility and finally to Oak Bay Lodge in Victoria in 2002. There he enjoyed teasing care workers and regular visits from his family. We are especially grateful for the loving care given to Bill by the staff of Oak Bay Lodge these past 8 years.
Bill is survived by his brother John (Steph) Blades, his children David(Edith), Barbara(Gordon), and Jim (Darcy) Blades, his step children Kim, Kevin(Joanne), and Kraig(Sandra); nieces Kristin and Michel and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss his smile, good humour, playful approach to life and love of the outdoors. According to his wishes, Bill will be interned in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers of condolences, donations in remembrance may be made to the Abbotsford Special
Adventurers, care of the Abbotsford Kiwanis Club.