WILLIAM (BILL) BRADLEY

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• William Wright Bradley I was just a new bride in the Bewick Clan back in 1971 when I was honoured the following June to attend Bill and Wendy’s (my soon to be niece and nephew) wedding in Winnipeg. It was quite magnificent…she decked out so pretty in her wedding dress with her sisters by her side…he is standing tall in his RCMP uniform…it was a grand ceremony! The next day we all attended the Trouping of the Colours by 2 PPCLI…the whole trip was grand. Bill and Wendy were then posted to Drumheller, which was so close to our Calgary home that we were able to visit quite often. Bill, as did all the grandkids, had a really profound love of their grandparents, Bill (Pops) and Ellen (Mum/Nan) who lived with my Bill and I in Calgary. Special were the dinners that mum would make on her days off working at Cedars Villa Seniors’ home. Bill and Wendy would drive in from Drumheller to share some of those special meals. But sometimes, Bill and Wendy would drive in to share take out dinners…usually A&W when mum was working…old Pops loved their hamburgers. One time I recall, we all gathered at Hemlock Crescent, Mum and Pops home, and hunkered down our burgers and fries and then set off to downtown Calgary to the movies. I believe it was Clint Eastwood…Dirty Harry? Pops loved it on the big screen and enjoyed it immensely. But Pops was still a smoker and exited very quickly at the end of the movie to hit ground level outside for a smoke. He was not used to downtown Calgary anymore, so I grabbed his arm at the end of the movie and rushed with him to the escalator to find an outside place to smoke. Watching the film credits were Bill and Wendy…so they were well behind us…the escalator was totally full…Pops and I were at the bottom when I heard his voice…”Auntie Tes…wait for me!” I turned to look back…’there can’t be another Tes here?’ It was my nephew Bill, 5 years my senior…yelling “Auntie Tes wait for me!” I think the whole escalator passengers smiled…it was just too funny! I was not in the least bit embarrassed…it was a precious moment for me. For you see, my dear nephew had a brilliant sense of humour, for which we will all miss you...'I will meet you at the bottom of the escalator Dearest Bill!’ xoxo auntie Tes Lay well my nephew….may the rivers you find have fish…we will take you up to join your grandparents, your uncle and your aunt, and your mother…” The Bewicks’ have your back if Wendy decides so…rest in peace dearest nephew. Fondest memories, Auntie Tes and Uncle Bill and family - Posted by: Tes Bewick (Aunt) on: Apr 18, 2020

• Growing up, Uncle Bill was a towering figure that I lookup up to, literally and figuratively. He was the only one that could convince a 6 year old me to eat Cauliflower for dinner, otherwise we would not go camping. Going camping or fishing with Uncle Bill was the BEST time, partly because you were guaranteed to catch fish, or learn something very cool. When I take my kids camping, to the dock to cast a line, or to the range for some plinking, I often think of Uncle Bill and how my love of those activities came from knowing him. I know he's had the same effect on my sister and many other fortunate kids. It is my hope to be able to pass this gift to the next generation. I can't thank Uncle Bill enough for all the great memories growing up. We will miss laughing so hard that you could barely breathe. We will miss your unique and very direct view on life, and most of all, your kindness and friendship. Any kid could not ask for a better role model. Durwin - Posted by: Durwin Lau (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2020

• Wendy we are so sorry to know that Bill has passed, we wish we could be with you at this time to share memories of our wonderful times together. May the Lord comfort you now and in the days ahead. Bill is now hunting and fishing, healthy and happy. Love Don, Margery and Kyra - Posted by: The Fletcher family (Best ofmfriends) on: Apr 11, 2020