William Robert Kaye

William Robert Kaye passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on June 30, 2015. He was 87 years old. Bill is survived by his vivacious wife of 60 years, Shirley. In serendipitous fashion, he was drawn to her immediately and she to him. He was also father to Bill (Cindy), Sherry, Rob (Lynn), Heather and Kathy (Arnie). A proud grandfather to seven (Susan, Dustin, Shayne, Sean, Chris, Duncan and Erin) and great-grandfather to three girls (Seraphina, Cali, Emily). While going through decades of photos, family remembered some things other than people that he held close to his heart … animals being number one. He was never without a pet of some kind whether they were rescued from a shelter or being fed on his porch. He was also an accomplished bowler, fisherman (we think) and woodworker. He loved Westerns, War Movies, Country Music, the Blue Jays, beer, the Canucks and Salisbury Steak (not in that order). He lived a full life which is probably helped by the fact that every major holiday that rolled around he self-declared as his last. These are some of the things we could learn from his life.

* Friends new or old should always have a seat at the dinner table.

* Make homemade banana splits complete with the bowls and spoons from Dairy Queen.

* Get on the good side of kids by making silly faces, dangling keys and showing a musical stuffed animal collection.

* Always have a pub where a cold one will be waiting by the time you take your seat.

* Read the paper while eating breakfast each morning.

* When you mash your spuds keep a lump or two (or twenty) for good measure.

* Race around the block with a relative just because.

* Rescue a duckling being bullied by seagulls … then pawn it off on a family member.

* Always give a tip to kids after they bring you beer.

* If asked to take in a gibbon ape, say yes. The stories will light up your face for the rest of your years.

* If a bear has been spotted near your home, tag along with animal control to check it out.

* Buy Christmas gifts for your wife and daughters just from you.

Family and friends are too numerous to mention but extra thanks go to Areline and Joe as well as Shirley and Bob. Loved ones are encouraged to attend a casual drop-in reception celebrating Bill’s life on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary (3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria). 2pm-4pm.
“We will all miss the sound of you jingling coins in your pockets.”

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