It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Arthur « Bill » Braaten. Bill passed away surrounded by close family and friends, on the afternoon of July 23, 2021.
Bill was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The family moved when Bill was still quite young and lived in Toronto where Bill played hockey throughout his youth. Upon the family settling in Burnaby, British Columbia, Bill finished school and began his own family as well as a long lasting and successful career in the lumber industry of which he was well known. Bill was a very kind and caring person who would do anything for his family or friends. He was happy to lend a hand when someone was in trouble or needed advice. While it was true that Bill worked very at all he did, specifically when it came to his career, he always made time for his family especially in caring for his mother and father in their later years.
Bill had a tremendous love for golf and you could find him either out on the course for a round or in front of a TV, whether at home or with the boys down at the pub, watching the latest PGA tournament. Bill was also an avid football fan who had been to the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and Grey Cup on numerous occasions. Having a love for car racing, Bill was particularly fond of going down to the Nascar races in Phoenix each year where he would also spend treasured time with his lifelong friends Bob Leffler and Ronnie Roberts.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved parents Arthur and Margaret Jane, and brother Brian. Bill is survived and will forever lovingly be remembered by his wife of 29 years Diane, children Ron (Lisa), David (Yvonne), Rhonda (Chris), Vince (Monika), his sister Beverly, his 8 grandchildren as well as his extended family.
The family would like to extend its most sincere thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and support staff that assisted throughout his courageous 6 year battle.
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone…
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
As per Bill’s wishes, a small family service has been held and a celebration of life alongside his brother Brian, will take place in the future.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Arthur Braaten September 25th 1946 July 23rd 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique