Obituary of William John Bradshaw

William John (Bill) Bradshaw April 14, 1930 - May 3, 2019 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and "Grampa B" in Cranbrook, BC at the age of 89. An avid outdoorsman and devoted family man, Bill was a lifelong resident of the Kootenays. Born in Trail, he spent most of his life in Rossland. He knew every mountain, valley, road and stream in the area "like the backof his hand" and made a lifetime of memories hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, hunting,fishing and camping. He had a keen interest in photography and for a time developed his pictures in his own darkroom. In 1953 he married Ann Smith, and over the years they raised four children and joyfully welcomed many new members of a growing extended family. He coached Minor Hockey, was a long-time member of the West Kootenay Marksmen and West Kootenay Archers, and he travelled regularly to feed the bighorn sheep on the Salmo-Creston. Bill worked for nearly 40 years for Cominco, retiring from the Purchasing department at the Tadanac office. In his later years Bill could often be found with his special feline friend BP, puttering in his garden, growing tomatoes in his greenhouse and befriending the jays and squirrels. In 2014 he moved to Joseph Creek Village in Cranbrook where he enjoyed many new friendships and perfected his skills at the pool table. One of Bill's greatest joys was making people laugh. Always ready with a joke, although not necessarily the punch line, Bill made friends everywhere he went. We will miss his sense of humour and his cheerful whistle. He will always be remembered for the steadfast support he showed for his children and grandchildren; he was truly one of our best friends. Predeceased by his parents Cliff and Dollie Bradshaw and infant son Stephen, he is survived by his wife Ann, children Jim, John (Janice), Susan (Dave), and Doug (Trina), 9 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren. Our special thanks go out to Dr. Amstutz and to the Kidney Care Team in Cranbrook for their care and guidance, as well as to the Palliative Care nurses and staff at East Kootenay Regional Hospital for their compassion and support during Dad's final days. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date. The family graciously asks no flowers please. If you would like to make donations in Bill's memory they may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, or a charity of one's choice.