William Edward Jackson
June 17th, 2014
William Jackson, 66, passed away on June 17th 2014, at his home in Ocean Park, Surrey B.C Bill was born in Vancouver in 1947 to Thomas and Florence Jackson.
He was the first born of 2 children , having a younger sister Barbara. After Graduating from Moody high school in Port Moody, BIll moved on to Simon Fraser University where several years later while there he met his soul mate Janet Richardson
BIll and Janet were married on Dec 27th , 1969 at the Star of the Sea church in White Rock B C In order to finish his education as an optometrist BIll and Jan moved to Waterloo Ontario where Jan worked as a school teacher to put BIll through school.
Upon graduating in 1972 they came back to beautiful BC where BIll started his optometry practise on Scott Road in Delta. At this time they also started their family: having a son Scott in 1973, followed by a daughter Christine in 1975.
BIll stayed within several miles of the original 1973 location on Scott Road moving twice until he and his partners opened Pacific Eye Doctors at 79th and Scott Road in 1988.
During this time BIll and Janet enjoyed a variety of activities together, ranging from curling, skiing, to tennis. However they had a special love of sailing, that led to purchasing a sailboat, which helped shape their adventures together. Bill also enjoyed the camaraderie and activities of the North Delta Rotary Club.
Doctor Jackson loved his chosen profession. He took particular delight in learning about his patients' lives and stories and had a passion for helping others.. He was actively involved in the political aspects of his profession, and was the President of the British Columbia Association of Optometrists and sat on the College of Optometrists. Bill also donated his time and talents participating in Eyecare Projects around the world.
He is survived by his mother Florence, and his partner and wife of 44 years Janet Jackson. He also leaves behind children Scott and Rosanna Jackson, their children Linden and Ashlynn of Smithers B.C., and Christine and Boris Utzler and their children Matteo and Charlotta of Engen Germany. Bill is also survived by his sister Barbara her husband Rick and their family. Bill was preceded in death by his father Thomas Jackson in 1997.
Bill will be sadly missed by his family, many friends, his in-laws, and his colleagues.
Bill's life will be honoured Tuesday, June 24th at 2:00pm at the First United Church at 15385 Semiahmoo Avenue in White Rock, B.C. Chaplin Jim Turner will be officiating. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the North Delta Rotary Club at Box 300 7101C-120th Street, Delta, B.C., V4E-2A9
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Dear Janet: Lessia and I just learned of your loss and Bill's passing. We are so sad and wish you and the family all our love and hope for time to lessen the burden of your loss. Bill was one of the good guys who contributed so much to so many over the years. All our love! John Lessia & Rodney & Jennifer
Oh, Janet. We shed a tear as we read the news of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Scott, Christine, the rest of the family and to Bill. We will forever remember our wonderful days sailing with you two, the optometric political passion we shared and the love all four of us had for the profession and the people it brought together. Whenever our paths crossed I really can't recall Bill without a smile on his face and an encouraging word. His energy was contagious. Certainly the tragedy of his loss is felt most deeply by his close loved ones but his friends and colleagues are grieving as well. As time passes and the wounds heal a bit, as they inevitably will regardless of how you feel now, please know that we want to keep our friendship active. If there is anything we can do to help you through this difficult period please let us know. With deepest and heart felt sympathy, Scott and Calli
Dear Janet and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I was away visiting family when I heard; hope to see you out on the golf course in the near future. Best wishes to you and your family. Rolande
From our time at Sunshine Hills preschool when Christine and Kevin started together, you family has been special. Bill as my optometrist was always caring and a true professional. It was a shock to hear of his passing. Stay strong and cherish the memories of a great partner and father.
Very Sorry for your loss. Bill was instrumental in helping me fix my eyes to peruse my dream of becoming a firefighter. He will be missed. My condolences on behalf of The Rushton Family.
I only recently heard of this. This is very sad to hear. Having lost my father late last year, I have some idea of what you must be feeling. My thoughts are with you.
Janet, Scott, Christine, Mrs Jackson. Was a very sad day when| I heard the news of Bill's passing. All the great memories came flooding back of my time as an employee for Bill and yourself Janet. I am so very thankful for all the years of training and knowledge that was instilled in me. I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn't for Bill hiring me and giving me a chance. As Renee mentioned, Bill sure knew how to pick his staff back in the day. Everyone worked so well together. Janet, after 22 years, you recognized me. Thank you for that special hug. Keep well, I hope our paths will cross again soon.
So, sorry to hear about your husband Janet. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Donna Cranston from Sat. Bus. Ladies Golf-NicoWynd.
I have always admired Bill for his energy and ability to communicate with people. I will really miss seeing him. I give my deepest condolences to the family. I know his spirit will live on.
I am sorry heard about the recent passing of Dr. Jackson. I am know it has been a really long time but I just wanted to send my condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janet, I know this is so difficult. I am thankful for all of the years I worked for Dr. Jackson and all of the wonderful friends I met there. He sure knew how to pick his staff way back then. Renee
Dear Janet - my heart and prayers go out to you, Scott, Christine and their families during this very difficult time. Memories of such fun times from 40 years ago have all come back over the past few days -the Christmas Eves when the kids were little...the sailing trips...I just want to hold you and cry with you. we are in the process of moving back to BC; maybe we can spend some time together. With love to you all, Patricia
Janet, Scott, Christine and all the family, The service today was perfect, Scott and Christine did such a great job. Bill would have been so proud. Bill was so positive and full of so much enthusiasm. He loved people and was always interested and so happy to tell stories or just to listen. He helped me on so many ways. And always with a smile! You have so many wonderful memories. Hold them close to your hearts. With love and sympathy..Cathie
Janet and Family, On behalf of all of us here at Alternatives I would like to extend our condolences to the whole Jackson family and thank you for allowing us to help you during this very difficult time. Regards, Jeremy and Staff
Our thoughts are with you Janet, Flo, Barb and the whole Jackson family! We will remember Bill for his big smile and positive attitude. We will send our positive thoughts for you all during this time of healing!
Dear Janet, Scott, Christine and your families... I'm really sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a really good guy. I will miss him. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please know that Colleen and I are thinking of you and your families. Hugs to everyone.
Dear Janet, Scott, Christine, Mrs. Jackson and families, I just heard late today about Bill's passing. I am so saddened by the news and that I didn't find out until after the service. I had many bosses in my 30 year optical career and Bill was the best! He made a difference in my life, his patients lives and the community. He touched our hearts. He lives on in spirit and we will never forget him. God bless you.
Dear Janet and family, It is with the heaviest of hearts that I send my deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. Bill was a warm, kind, compassionate and fun man and it was especially such a pleasure to travel and work with him in Africa. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Our sincerest sympathy to the Jackson family. The Joys Family
Beautiful service. Enjoyed the stories told by Scott regarding Bill's character and Christine's moving words. Janet, I will always remember all the things you and Bill did for me when I was younger. Take care - my thoughts are with you.
Dear Janet and family We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Bill. Our sincere condolences. Bill was truly respected as a friend and colleague to many. His warm and friendly smile will be missed. Our thoughts are with you through this most difficult time.
Janet, Scott, Christine and families, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, and my apologies for not being there today. Bill touched so many lives in such a positive way, he will be sorely missed by all. He was full of fun and adventure and always had a story more exciting than your own! I appreciated all he taught me in the 12 years I worked for him, but most of all I appreciate him taking me on, "sight unseen" as a member of his staff. Janet, as they say in New Zealand, KIA KAHA. OR 'BE STRONG'. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We were very sorry to hear of Bill's passing.We are glad we had a visit with him in May and will miss his smile and friendly style.Our condolences to Janet and family. We will be unable to attend the service due to health reasons but our thoughts and prayers will be there.
Our sincere condolences to Janet and her family on this sad news. Thanks to Bill, we were able to enjoy the varied experiences, both afloat and ashore, of three years of racing, including three Swiftsures, in BC coastal waters. As a cruising skipper and crew, we shall miss Bill's enthusiasm and rich fund of experience that he was always willing to share. We also valued the whole family's zest for life and remember Bill for a life well lived. Our sympathy, and thanks to Janet and her family for the memories. Ann and Martin
My heart is heavy today as I think of you all at Bill's memorial and so I wish I could have made it there to be with you. His ever ready smile, quick wit and positive outlook will be held in my heart today and always. As I walk through my day, I will be walking with you all and sending prayers of strength, love and comfort your way. Janet, Christine, Boris, Matteo and Charlotta, my heart is with you today and in the difficult days to come. Scott, Rosanna, Linden and Ashie, I love you all so much and will be here for you all when you return home - with as many hugs as you will ever need and a shoulder to lean on any time day or night.
We were very sorry and shocked to hear of Bill's passing. We will remember our visit in May and think of him as always the happy and smiling person we knew. Our condolences to you Janet and family. We are sorry we can not attend the celebration of life service for Bill due to health reasons and unable to travel
My heartfelt condolences go out to Janet and all of her family during this time. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss and my thoughts are with you.
Dear Janet and family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We cannot imagine the loss you are feeling. Brian enjoyed his years on the ice with Bill and has fond memories. We loved the get togethers with the hockey crowd and will always remember Bill as a terrific character, lots of fun and laughs.
My heart is heavy today as I think of you all at Bill's memorial and so I wish I could have made it there to be with you. His ever ready smile, quick wit and positive outlook will be held in my heart today and always. As I walk through my day, I will be walking with you all and sending prayers of strength, love and comfort your way. Janet, Christine, Boris, Matteo and Charlotta, my heart is with you today and in the difficult days to come. Scott, Rosanna, Linden and Ashie, I love you all so much and will be here for you all when you return home - with as many hugs as you will ever need and a shoulder to lean on any time day or night.
So sorry to hear of Dr.Jackson's passing, our deepest condolences to Janet and family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Lynn and Robert Pratt
Our condolences to you Janet and your entire family. You shared many years together and lived your dreams from which you can take some comfort. Bill was a fun loving person and will be sadly missed in the sailing community.
Dear Janet and family. Words cannot begin to tell you how saddened Gord and I were to hear about Bill. We had such a nice visit with both of you when you came to Salt Spring on your sailboat. I think lunch ran into dinner!! We had a lot of laughs. Our heartfelt condolences to you and all the family. Gord and Shirley Plato
To Janet, My sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Also my love & sympathy to Bill's mother, Flo, my dear neighbour and friend.
Janet and family. We're so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and a very hard working and dedicated optometrist who will be sadly missed. Bill helped so many individuals in his practice and personally.
I was so very sorry Janet to hear of the loss of your husband and friend. Although I never met Bill I know how much he meant to you as you often talked of your adventures with Bill and your amazing trips. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Janet - I am so very sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I am unable to attend tomorrow but will be with you in spirit. Take very good care. Heather Cunningham
We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing and our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. Please know we have thought of you every day since we heard the news. I am unable to attend the funeral tomorrow but Dennis will be there. We will always remember Bill's smile and love of life!
Jan and Family: It is with great sadness to say 'goodbye' to a caring man, a colleague and a good friend for whom I had great respect. I will miss him. Our sincerest condolences on your loss. Neil and Lorraine Bowden
My condolences to the Jackson on their Loss so sorry to hear
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's death. He was a interesting and fun man to work for. My deepest sympathies. Sorry I will be unable to attend the service.
Jan, we are so sorry for your loss. We still reminder, fondly, your visit along with the kitty that you rescued in Mexico.
Our condolences go out to the entire Jackson family on your families tremendous loss of a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend to many. I will always remember Bill and his friendly demeanour and ever present smile. Bill was a great guy! He will be missed by all that knew him. As with everyone, we're still in total shock. Gord & Sandra
Our dear friend/sailor cruiser Bill was deeply loved & will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt wishes are with Janet and her family.
To Janet, Scott, Christine, and family and friends; Deb, Janet and I are truly saddened to hear of Bill's passing and we will miss Bill tremendously. Bill always brought positivity and happiness into the office any time we had the pleasure of seeing him. Perhaps most of all I will miss that unique handshake! We wish there could be more time and more handshakes but it was a pleasure to have known Bill for the years we have! Our love and condolences go to Bill's children, grandchildren and most of all you, Janet. Nick Milau.
Our sincere condolence to Janet and family.
Dear Janet, Scott, Christine, and families, I was so saddened to hear about Bill. I will always remember him as a dedicated family man -- warm, generous, fun-loving, and kind. I can only imagine how much he will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time. Please know I will keep you close in thought and prayer. Sincerely, Shelly O'Hara
Bill was a great optometrist. He understood my condition and made it clear that if I had any concerns to contact him immediately. I was referred to Bill by another optometrist who respected Bill's abilities. Rest in peace and my sympathies to Janet and his children.
To the Jackson family, I am so sorry and shocked to hear of Bill's passing. Such a tragic loss. Dr. Jackson was not only a great boss but also a friend and it was a pleasure working with him for 12 years. He will be sadly missed by everyone. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
I consider Bill a mentor, a colleague, and a friend - one that I respected immensely. Know that I will be thinking of you Janet, and all of your family, as you deal with this new reality. May you find peace for yourselves. I will be out of town on the day of the service, but my thoughts will be there.
Just heard the very sad news, my deepest sympathy to the Jackson family in the loss of such a wonderful man. He was our family's eye doctor since 1973, my parents, brothers and myself. When I had chldren they also became his patients. His love of his profession and people made it such a pleasure to see him. He always remembered us and always asked after the rest of the family, he was amazing. Again, deepest sympathy to all of you and I hope wonderful memories will bring you some comfort in your very sad loss.