Creighton William Bildstein Obituary
The family of Creighton William (Bill) Bildstein announces with great sadness Bill's passing on May 12th., 2022 in his beloved house on Galiano Island, BC.
Bill was born December 6/th., 1925 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and learned at a young age the value of work. He suffered the loss of his mother before he was 10 years of age and while his father sought work, Bill earned his keep on a family-friend's farm. This work ethic extended into his studies at the University of Saskatchewan, earning him class valedictorian and a civil engineering degree in 1948.
Bill started his career in Edmonton, Alberta as a surveyor, where he met his future wife Joan Pamela Walmsley, a draftswoman. In September 1951, Bill and Joan married and began their life together in the prairie provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Three children later (Mike, Moya & Pete), Bill and Joan decided to embark upon the far-off shores of Tripoli, Libya taking on work that included Bill doing long weeks at a time oil exploration in the great Sahara Desert. This led to many years of many adventures in many different countries.
Bill and Joan loved their years overseas which included work projects in Texas and Nigeria, before returning home to Canada. In the years away, two more sons were welcomed in the family, Tim while in Tripoli with Karl being born in Dallas.
For the next 20 years, Bill worked for BC Hydro, while building their retirement home on Galiano Island. This ongoing project became the gathering place for friends and family, eventually including grandchildren and great grandchildren. Countless large groups gathered for Bill and Joan's BBQs, beach days, board games and holiday dinners including Thanksgiving and Christmas. The house was filled with stories and laughter.
In 1991, Bill retired (for a brief time), then accepted a 2 to 3 year assignment working with the federal government promoting trade between Canada and Malaysia. While in Malaysia, Bill and Joan opened up their home to family and friends, starting a whole new set of adventures.
Upon completion of this assignment, Bill and Joan were ready for the peace and quiet of their beautiful home on Galiano. There was much to do including building an art studio for Joan, a cabin for family and friends and the planting of a garden.
Bill leaves behind Mike & Joyce and family, Moya and family, Pete & Sherry, Tim and family and Karl and his family.
Wander once again dear father, and join your beloved Joanie who waits with wingéd shoes.
The Bildstein family would like to thank friends, neighbours, and his home-care team, Debbie, Pam, Angela, and Jessica, for their kindness and support.
October 12, 2022
Janet Jacobsen wrote a sympathy message
September 26, 2022
Brian Munday wrote a sympathy message
September 27, 2022
Pete John Bildstein wrote a comment
September 25, 2022
Suzanne Barclay wrote a sympathy message