William Emmerson Meeks
January 28th, 2018
Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for, and loved on January 28, 2018 at the age of 77.
He will be greatly missed by Maureen, his best friend and wife of 55 years, daughters and sons-in-law: Joy and Jeff Soutar and Carole and Robert Sorley, grandchildren: Derek, Chad and Evan Soutar and Ariel and Olivia Sorley, brother Tom (Paula) Meeks, and nephews, Matthew and Nick Meeks as well as a large circle of family, friends and colleagues around the world.
He was born and raised in South Shields, England by loving parents Margaret and William. After leaving South Shields Boys Grammar School, he began his career in mechanical engineering, married Maureen and had two daughters in quick succession. In 1966, adventure called and the family immigrated to Canada.
Bill had a successful career working on a variety of mining projects around the world. His job enabled him to provide for his family but also gave him opportunities to travel and to meet new people. Bill always did what was right and what was good, he was calm, patient, kind and had a mischievous sense of humour. He cared for everyone around him and loved children and dogs as much as they loved him.
He was happiest when he was with people doing things – get-togethers with the “gang”, traveling, playing mini-golf, watching his grandchildren in their numerous activities, walking the dog (any dog), helping out a friend or neighbour in need of assistance, volunteering or just hanging out with his wife.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Michael’s Centre Hospice Unit, 7451 Sussex Ave., Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5C2 or Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society c/o PO Box 45618- Sunnyside Mall, Surrey, B.C. V4A 9N3. Celebration of Bill’s Life on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Alan Emmott Centre, 6650 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
-David Harkins
Messages:
Dear Maureen and family please accept our sincere condolences in this time of deep sadness. Bill showed the way as to how a life should be lived. Such a caring, thoughtful, humble, wonderful man, mentor, and role model. Bill made all him around feel special and will always be remembered so fondly. When we think of him – and we often do – it brings both quiet reflection and of course a bit of a smile at the wonderful times we recall; there were so many. We hope those magical times with Bill and guiding light he was will help sustain you and all those fortunate to have known him.
I didn't meet up with Bill (or Billy as he was known at Laygate Scool in South Shields) after the age of 11, until just before our 60th birthday year when the contact was through Friends Re-United. I was very happy to arrange a get-together at the Marsden Grotto of all those in our year at school and we had a very pleasant afternoon reminscing and trying to work out if we recognised everyone after such a long time! Thereafter Eddie and I met up with Bill and Maureen on their frequent trips back "home" and it was a great pleasure to have a good natter. Sending love and prayers to Maureen and the family
Dear Maureen. We were very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and both of your families. He was a gentle and thoughtful person. We so enjoyed our time spent with the two of you. I hope you will continue to join us for our "Tiffany Shores" luncheons. May you cherish the wonderful times you had together. In sympathy, Ted and Linda
Dear Maureen and family, I was really saddened to hear about Bill. Fond and happy memories of living in Robinson Street and Bill always looking out for us younger kids when we were playing out. Heaven has gained an angel. Thinking of you all. Liz Smith.
Very saddened by Bills passing, he is my wife’s cousin(Ann Liddle Kenrick). We saw Bill earlier this year at his cousins Jeans funeral, he was the extremely pleasant guy we had got to know and care for and looked forward to his UK visits. May he rest in peace and we will always have very fond memories of him. Love and condolences to Maureen from Dave & Ann K
Dear Maureen - so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Bill was a great guy to work with at the Society. Frank
My condolences to Bill's family. Bill was a co-worker with whom we shared many experiences in the mining industry. I first met Bill over 20 years ago when I was a junior engineer. He was an excellent teacher who led by example. He was a considerate person with a great knowledge of many topics and was a trusted colleague.
Bill was a very special man who touched so many lives, including ours. Bill was always so happy and it was a pleasure knowing him and spending time with him. Maureen, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Maureen and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Although only having known Bill for a short time, it was a privilege to make his acquaintance and he will be deeply missed. We wish you much comfort, strength and courage during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. In sympathy, Eileen and Meinhard (Mike)
Bill - or Billy as he was then - and I were at school together until the age of 11 when we went our different ways. Many years later i found a posting in Friends Reunited and wondered if this could be the same Billy Meeks from 1951. It was, and I went on to arrange a re-union of the then 60- year- olds from the same school at the Marsden Inn in South Shields. Contact was maintained with Bill and Maureen on their visits "home" to UK and Eddie and I very much appreciated their company when there were lots of "do you remembers?" Eddie and I sent our heartfelt sympathy to you, Maureen, and the family, together with our love and prayers. See you in the autumn.