CHALMERS, Bill. May 27, 1943 - May 2, 2014. It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William Thomas (Bill) Chalmers and yet it is a joy to celebrate the wonderful life of an extraordinary man who will be dearly missed. We admire the courage with which he faced his battle with cancer over the past 2.5 years - he truly made the best of his life during this time. Bill always enjoyed hiking, nature, his dogs, exotic plants, his garden, the sweet peas and of course his dear friends, his sisters and their families.
Bill grew up in Point Grey, Vancouver. As a teen he received a scholarship with the air cadets to get his pilots license and won numerous awards at school. Graduating from UBC with a BSc and going on to share his passions, Bill moved out to the Fraser Valley in the 1980s and started his business: Western Biologicals. He was admired and respected in the fields of biochemistry and mushroom propagation and education and was a member of the Vancouver Mycological Society. Bill enjoyed travel and adventure: he drove to Central America in the old family car in the 1960's and traveled again throughout his life to the USA, Vietnam, Taiwan, South America, Peru and China. His most recent trip was to Phoenix, Arizona to explore the botanical diversity of the desert.
He was always available to help others with their problems - he cared deeply about his friends, family and community. Bill also made substantial donations to the BC Cancer Society, Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Air Cadets. A Celebration of Life Memorial Tea will be held this Saturday, May 10, 2014, 1-3pm with a formal time to share tributes and stories - at 2pm. Coghlan Community Hall: 6795-256th Street, Aldergrove All are welcome. Contact Carolyn at 604-856-3339 or elizabethbeeds@gmail.com for more info.