Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings

WILLIAM WEHRLE

Born: Mar 27, 1932

Date of Passing: Jun 04, 2015

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM (BILL) WEHRLE Our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on June 4, 2015 in Sidney, British Columbia, surrounded by the love of his family. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 38 years, Cheryll; children Mark (Christine), Susanna (Rob), Dianne (Ken), Chris, Kurt (Christina), and Sarah (Josh); grandchildren Brian, Jared, CJ, Megan, Nicholas and Willow. He is also survived by his sisters Alice, Gertrude, and Marlene, Cheryll's brother Marty and sister Jennifer and their families, five step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Herman and Maria, sisters Louise and Doris, and brother Herman. Bill was born March 27, 1932 in Winnipeg, to Herman and Maria Wehrle. He grew up on the family farm near Lockport, Manitoba, and in the early 1950s decided to pursue a career in aviation. He learned to fly at the Winnipeg Flying Club, where he became Chief Instructor. In 1959 he established his company, Perimeter Aviation, which grew from a one-person operation to a vibrant organization with more than 500 employees. Along the way, he logged more than 30,000 hours of flying time. His vision, determination, and intelligence enabled his company to grow and prosper over five decades. He was very grateful for and proud of the people who worked with him, many who made life-long careers at Perimeter. For others, Perimeter provided the foundation to launch them into aviation careers across Canada and around the world. He loved flying, and piloted his Duke EUJ until just a few years ago. He loved nature and the outdoors, and so enjoyed the beauty of Vancouver Island after moving here in 1997. His greatest joy was his family, with whom he shared much laughter. He led by example, lived his values of hard work and integrity, and shared his good fortune with many others. His kindness and caring inspire and sustain us. In accordance with Bill's wishes, a private family memorial will be held in the future. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.sequoiagardens.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2015

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Bill and I grew up together in Little Britain (Lockport, Man.) Probably my best buddy when we were small lived only a mile apart and got into all kinds of mischief. We went to St. Pauls College in Winnipeg as boarders in grade 9, loved to play football together at break. Bill was a dare devil on skis, crashed on a rock skiing down river bank at Lockport school sliding party and broke his thigh. He sure was tough. Haven't seen him in years, but sad to see such a buddy gone. Sincerest condolences to the family especially Marlene, Gertrude and Alice. - Posted by: Rudy Hummel (second cousin) on: Jun 18, 2015

  • My sincere condolences to the Wehrle Family both immediate and extended. It's a sad time... A Founding Father in modern Canadian Aviation history and more particularly, in Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario, has passed. I will long remember Bill for his considerable aviation knowledge, his vision and his work ethic and I sincerely appreciate and remember fondly, the (3) years I was employed by Perimeter Aviation/Airlines, (1984-85-86). - Posted by: Paul Risk (Former employee) on: Jun 12, 2015

  • Bill trained many pilots in the art of instrument flying over the course of his years while running Perimeter. It was surely a sense of pride and accomplishment for him to observe them excell from students of instrument flight to becoming career pilots employed around the world. His level of professionalism was always apparent both as an aviator and employer, a skill that I am sure was also observed in his family life. On one occasion, I conducted Bill's IFR renewal in EUJ and as expected, there were no surprises in his airmanship capabilities. I must say it was a humbling experience to have conducted a renewal on Bill and observe first hand his high level of skill as a pilot. At the end of the ride, I wondered what the "debrief" could possibly include. I simply said, "Bill, that was an excellent ride, thanks for taking me along". God Bless you my friend! - Posted by: Art Lashbrook (Commercial & Business aviation) on: Jun 11, 2015

  • I am glad that Bill had the time to enjoy his own legacy of hard work, integrity and love. It has been said that the children are a reflection of the parents and in that I am thankful to have spent the Winnipeg years working and playing with his kids. Thanks for the opportunity, my career was started there. My only regret being turning left instead of right for the arc approach, sorry Bill, but the wry smile on your face confirmed that another lesson had been well-delivered. - Posted by: Neil Jones (Former Employee) on: Jun 11, 2015

  • My dearest condolences to the family. Spending more then half of my life working for the Wehrle family I concider myself a lucky guy to have known him personally and as an employee. Rest in piece my friend - Posted by: Randy Nikkel (friend and employer) on: Jun 10, 2015

  • Sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was a great person and a great boss. He was fair but tough and you always knew he would give you an a fair shake if things were hard. I like to think that we were more than just boss and employee. He was that kind of person. I miss his smile and his Good Mornings. My condolences to the family especially the ones I know, Cheryl, Mark, DeeDee, Chris and C.J. At least now he doesn't need a human co-pilot, he has God. Clear skies and fair winds Bill. - Posted by: Merry-Sue Adair-Gill (former employee) on: Jun 10, 2015

  • My deepest sympathies and condolences to Cheryl, Marty, DeeDee, Mark, Chris, Kurt and the remainder of the Wehrle family. I have very fond memories of my time at Perimeter and all the people that I met, some are life long friends. Although I only flew with Bill once I had great respect for him and what he achieved. The work environment he created at Perimeter was a good one where we had fun, learned a great deal and worked hard. At times like these we should take inspiration and celebrate a life well lived and full of blessings. My most sincere appreciation for everything you did. Rick Talbot - Posted by: RICK TALBOT ((former employee)) on: Jun 10, 2015

  • I also have many memories while at Perimeter and all revolve around Bill, Cheryl and DeeDee. Enjoyed the flying and the hanger parties especially the Xmas parties. (Tom always won the tickets). Bill will be missed by everyone. - Posted by: Calvin Winter (Former Employee) on: Jun 09, 2015

  • My sincere condolences to Cheryl, Dee Dee, Susan, Mark, Chris, Kurt, Marty, and the rest of the Wehrle family. A true pioneer has flown west. Bill and Marty gave me my first job and the chance to start my career. Over the 7 and a half years I spent at Perimeter the family and Bill especially were more than employers they were my friends. I think fondly of my years at perimeter and the many stories that began there. Bill was truly an original who had a vision and the courage to see it through. His love and compassion for his family was inspirational. I will carry his memory fondly and thank him and the family for the opportunities afforded me during my tenure at perimeter. Thanks Bill and God Bless. - Posted by: Tom O'Toole (Former employee) on: Jun 09, 2015

  • I met Bill long before I ever came to work for him at Perimeter. Over the 24 plus years I knew him he was always up front and honest with me and all those I worked with. He made Perimeter feel like we were all his family. He knew us all by our first names, always tried to make sure he stopped to talk to us all, was interested in our personal lives as well as our work lives. I thought of Bill as more than just my employer as a matter of fact I thought of all the Wehrle family as more than just my employer. We will all miss him. And borrowing from someone else who said this. He is now flying with GOD as his co-pilot. Clear skies from now on Bill. - Posted by: George Adair (Former employee) on: Jun 09, 2015

  • Bill was many things to many people. He was my my boss, my mentor, my colleague, my friend. He was someone you looked up to, respected, confided in and listened to. He was respected by every one he met. He listened and was genuinely concerned for the people around him. He helped many people in a variety of ways because he believed in people. He wanted to see others be successful and did what he could to move them on their way. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. I am grateful for the privilege of having Bill as my mentor. Our condolences to Cheryl and the Wehrle Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill, may your family find peace in the knowledge that you played such a valuable role in so many people’s lives. Rest in peace! Forever in our hearts! - Posted by: Bill Zoochkan (friend) on: Jun 08, 2015

  • I worked for Bill and his sons in the early 90's and found him to be the best employer that I had the pleasure of working for in my entire career. He always had a word of encouragement and was always interested in what I was working on and how things were going in my personal life. Thanks again Bill, I'll always remember you. - Posted by: Raymond Trachsel (Former Employee) on: Jun 08, 2015

  • I have know Bill since 1979, and throughout the years he was always very generous with his knowledge and sincerity. I really enjoyed working along side Bill as although he was tough he was very fair. He taught many of us the best work ethics. I will sadly miss him, but remember Bill fondly. My family and I send our condolences to Cheryll, Mark and Christine, Susanna and Rob, Dianne and Ken, Chris, Kurt and Christina, and Sarah and Josh. Love to you all Jan Holden - Posted by: Janice Holden (friend and former employee) on: Jun 08, 2015

  • A small tribute to Bill Many of us are deeply saddened about the passing of Bill, and the memories we have of him, Perimeter, and all that he has done for so many of us over the years. I am privileged to have had the opprotunity to work for him and get to know him. I will be forever grateful for all he did for me, his wisdom and knowledge that he passed on regarding the piloting profession, and most importantly his decision to stick with me and quide me, at an early point in my career when I got into some trouble with one of his aircraft. Most of us that knew Bill have a log book full of stories that never tire of being told, whenever we meet up with members of the Perimeter Family. My sincere condolences go out to Cheryl, Mark, DeeDee, Susan, and Marty, the family members I got to know; as well as the rest of Bill's Family and close friends. I am proud to have known Bill, and salute his contribution to Aviation. A tough, but fair boss, a superb Pilot, and most importantly a great man. I will miss him. Sincerely, Kim Sharpe - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Former Employee) on: Jun 08, 2015

❮ Go Back to Listings