William David "Bill" Koberstein
January 1st, 2020
It is with great sadness we announce that Bill passed away peacefully on January 1, 2020 at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family. He is survived by his loving wife Jane, his daughters, Eva (Cory), Laura (Cam), and his much loved grandchildren, Sailor Mae, Ethan, and Nora. He is survived by his brother, Alan, and was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Muriel, and his brother, Dennis.
Bill was born in New Westminster and schooled at BCIT and upon graduation joined the Provincial Government in 1973 as a Public Health Inspector. He retired in 2010 from Fraser Health as a Manager in Environmental Health Services. He always enjoyed the challenges of his work and the pleasure of working with the great crew of people in Fraser Health. Upon retirement he focused his energies on his family, world travel with the best of friends, his home and garden, the little cabin in the Interior, and his favourite sport, fly fishing.
Bill fought a valiant fight against the lethal diagnosis of Mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos. His passing was swift and painful once diagnosed.
Bill was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather and his favourite words to hear were, “let’s go play with Papa” from his grandchildren.
He left us reeling in grief and will be missed by us forever.
The family wishes to thank Dr Milne for his long-term support and the ARH Oncology nurses for their exceptional care during Bill’s last two weeks.
Flowers gratefully declined. Should you wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
A private celebration will be held at a later date. Information will be at: billsgonefishing2020@gmail.com
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Hello Jane, though it has been a good many years since I've seen Bill, it was with much sadness I read of his passing. I was lucky to get to know Bill when we worked together at the Mission Health Unit. I remember Bill as a true gentleman who had a wonderful sense of humour. You may not even remember me, I left 35 1/2 years ago when we were blessed with the arrival of our son, and you and Bill were kind enough to loan many baby items to us which was so appreciated. We were lucky enough to be invited to attend a couple of the spectacular Koberstein Christmas Open Houses, when the gourmet culinary skills of the home were savored by all those in attendance. I was so impressed by your Open Houses, we copied your tradition for several years, I believe it was the first year we had one, when you travelled to our home in Whonnock, your daughter was in absolute awe at watching the first snowfall she had ever seen. My thoughts have been with you and your family. May treasured, happy memories help you through this very difficult time. Wendy Hyslop
Dear Jane and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man, caring, thoughtful, dedicated. Gone too soon! I am sure he has found a river full of fish! RIP Bill.
Dear Koberstein family, Our heartfelt condolences at the passing of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. We are so sorry to hear this news. My mom (Janet) will miss seeing Mr. Koberstein walk by her house when he went for his walks. I ( Tricia) will always remember the fun times I had babysitting Eva and Laura (big hug to you both), there was always popcorn and yummy baking to enjoy. When Mr. and Mrs. Koberstein came home, I was always walked home by Mr. Koberstein which was very nice and reassuring for my parents that I didn't have to walk home alone. We will be praying for you all. With fondest memories of times together on Woodland street, The Dewolde family
Oh, Jane, this news of Bill's death is very sad. We will miss our fellow park lover. We will miss his care for the Willband Creek Park environment (i.e. cutting down thistles & advocacy at City Hall). He educated us on the ecosystems, the names of the birds and the fish. Thank you for sharing your joy with the birth of your grandchildren with us and the broad variety of topics we'd cover as we'd met on the path. You both encouraged me with my education -- it made a difference! You were fun to be around. Grace to you as you head down a new path without your dear Bill, dad and grandpa. Condolences+++ from Jocelyn and Rudy.
Jane, I was terribly sadened when I read of Bill's passing. Your loss must be unfathomable. As you know most of my time with Bill was spent when we lived on Alberta St. when we were going to Vincent Massey and Lester Pearson High School. And, of course our big adventure to Expo 67 in our 1957 Meteor station wagon, that we bought and fitted it out with a mattress, tent, Coleman stove, etc. OMG, what a fun time we had, laughter, fighting giant mosquitos, meeting new friends, (including the East Orange Police Dept.). We travelled so well together, across Canada to Montreal, Quebec City, then down to NYC and Washington DC. Bill is the best travelling companion I ever had. I think we were on the road for over a month, just barely making back home to New West., before the car packed it in. What a lucky couple of friends we were, such fond memories of his huge smile and amazing patience. So pleased to read that you and he went on to live such a full, rewarding and loving life together. Doug
Jane, Alan and family It is with great sadness to hear of Bill's passing. Our thought and prayers are with your entire family. Sue, Brad Munger, Sharon and Matthew and family
Hi Jane So sorry to hear about Bill's death. I only knew him when I was working in the public health unit many years ago, but I loved his sense of humour, optimism and energy! It always seems so unfair that when a great couple like you is looking forward to many adventures, they are cut short. But countless good memories are safe in your heart. Thinking of you -and wishing you and the girls strength and healing. Call me anytime Sheilagh
Jane, Doug and I are saddened to hear the news of Bill's passing. We have many happy memories of our time in Abbotsford with with you , Bill and good friends. Sending our condolences. Doug and Linda.