William Shordee

William Shordee, known by many as Bill, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5th, 2025, at the age of 86. A long-time resident of New Westminster, Bill was known for his independence, quiet strength, and enduring friendships.

Born on October 1, 1939, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Bill moved to New Westminster in 1966, where he built a meaningful career as a psychiatric nurse.

Skiing was Bill’s greatest passion — he was a devoted skier and snowboarder who often logged more than a hundred days a year on the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb, sharing the experience with close friends from the Fireside Lodge. Even if you were a novice, Bill would challenge you to some of the black diamond runs. In the summers, he could often be found on the golf course, enjoying the beautiful scenery of BC and beyond. He was also a dedicated bridge player, capable of playing for hours on end.

Bill had a deep thirst for knowledge and curiosity about the world. He devoured books on a wide array of subjects and spent countless hours exploring ideas and topics on the internet. In his later years, it became a ritual to visit Wendy’s for a junior burger and coffee, followed by a stop at the library — a simple routine that brought him much joy.

We would like to thank the incredible doctors, nurses, and care staff at Royal Columbian Hospital who treated Bill with such care, attention, and respect during the final weeks of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bill’s final words of wisdom: Be good, be kind, be likeable. Hope for the best and take it as it comes. Hang loose!

Donations can be made to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation in honour of Bill’s memory.