William Edward Books

The family is saddened to report that Bill passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Monday, August 31st at the North Island Hospital, Comox Valley in Courtenay, British Columbia, following a fall that left him with a fractured hip.

He was the oldest son of the late Jack and Marie Books of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  Bill is survived by his sisters, Donna (Carl) Sachetti, and Leslee (Peter) Rivet of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and by his brothers John (Margaret Ann) Books of Grand Marais, Minnesota, Winston (Meg) Books of Ajax, Ontario, and Tracy (Kathy) Books of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  He is pre-deceased by his brother, the late Joseph (Ghislaine) Books of Hilton Beach and Sudbury, Ontario.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and by his delightful furry bundle, Missy, who was his constant companion in retirement in Qualicum Beach.  Bill lived a quiet life and will be fondly remembered by his family and by his many wonderful friends and neighbours.

Bill served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Pilot Navigator for 25 years, achieving the rank of Captain. He was presented with his wings on June 17, 1960 at RCAF Station Winnipeg and retired in 1985. Bill flew interceptors in Europe at the height of the cold war in the 1960s and ultimately in the 1980s he was flying out of RCAF Comox, British Columbia, with the 409 Nighthawk Squadron which defended the North Pacific approach to North America. He was always the life of the party and a natural leader; you could see in the eyes of his fellow officers that he was the one they would follow.

Bill fell in love with British Columbia and made it his permanent home after retirement. West of the Rockies was his paradise. He loved to fly and continued to do so until the age of 70.  While posted with a maintenance squadron in the 1970s, again in Winnipeg, he studied at the University of Manitoba and received his Bachelor of Arts in Geography in 1979.

His residence for the last fifteen years was in Qualicum Beach where he enjoyed the friendship of many caring neighbours. These past months he could not have survived without them. 

The family would like to thank those at the North Island Hospitals, of Comox Valley and Campbell River, the doctors, especially Dr. Mateus, and all of the many nurses and care givers  for the kindness and compassion they showed to Bill in his final days.

If you wish to make a donation in Bill`s memory, please do so to the local humane society of your choice.  Bill was always fond of his four legged friends and was devoted to caring for them.  His love was many times repaid.

Bill wished to be cremated, and that there be no service.  Arrangements are to be made by Qualicum Beach Memorial Services, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia.

Bill, you are much loved and have left us with many fond memories.

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