June 1, 1938 - October 30, 2021
William Henry Munro Jr., age 83, peacefully transitioned the morning of October 30, 2021 in Whitehorse. He rests among his parents, William Henry Sr and Effie; his siblings, Mae and Joy; his first wife, Urla VanKimmenaede (née Waddington); and his second wife, Robin Wray.
By his side for his final moments were his children, Nola (Jeff), Alida, Ryan (Chelsea); and grandson Kelvin (Allyn). He will be missed by his family, close friends, and acquaintances he made throughout his daily routines at key locations with hot tubs & saunas, newspapers, and coffee.
Born June 1, 1938, in Trail, BC, Bill was the youngest of 3. He attended grade school at Qualicum College on Vancouver Island, then later followed wherever the work was. Many of his years were spent between North Vancouver, and Whitehorse.
He met Urla when working with his father for H.S. Crombie in Whitehorse; he became, and remained, good friends with her brother, Cal Waddington throughout the years. Over time, he moved back down to the North Shore.
He remarried Robin, and they followed work and education across Canada, situating themselves in Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto. Bill was a very nostalgic being; he often reminisced on the past, always ready to share a story or two of his earlier days, especially his education: Masters in Mathematics (cum laude), York University; Bachelor of Science (cum laude), Concordia University; Multiple trades certificates: Plumbing, Steamfitting, and Gasfitting at BCIT; Heating Technician at George Brown College, and Business Management at UBC.
His later years were focused on family, history, and health. He walked wherever he could, often exploring old infrastructure in Whitehorse and North Vancouver. Bill returned to Whitehorse in 2013, to spend the rest of his days where his heart was happiest, and where the air was freshest.
Never far from Midnight Sun, "Tim Ho's", or Starbucks, he made coffee shops his meeting spots with family or acquaintances, or just to meet new people. Although he yearned for the past, he was vastly interested in younger perspectives; he was a prototype of intergenerational living.
Perhaps that eased the transition to Copper Ridge Place during his last year, where he received abundant care and assistance for challenges with a +30 year essential tremor, and dementia that was increasingly setting in.
Albeit a solitary individual by 3:00 pm each day, he greatly valued connection from every generation, and his family got to witness the incredible comfort that nurses, staff, and fellow residents at CRP provided.
Whether he intentionally repeated his theories, anecdotes, and wishes, or simply forgot he had already mentioned them, we are reminded of a few key points:
"When you have more behind you than you have in front of you, you reevaluate and appreciate more what's gone by...." A historian at heart, Bill sleuthed for archival images and information that unlocked history.
He loved walking along the Capilano and Yukon rivers, recognizing their power and resources; he had endless photographs on his walls, and books on his shelves that emphasized his love for the land he lived on.
"Get the job done." With a type A personality to a fault, his drive and determination to complete tasks would consume him; whether finding replacement parts to repair his vehicles, or general maintenance for the family building he managed, he had to "take care of business first", before he could sit down with a crossword and coke.
"I love you very much." Bill had newspaper cutouts of his kids' accomplishments throughout his condo; he'd take his kids for hikes up Seymour Mountain; he managed Ryan's minor hockey team; he would take initiative to "fix" things at his kids' houses, even when a repair wasn't necessarily in order.
Many family friends often share their own stories they have of unique interactions with Bill. Yukoners who knew him would easily agree he fit in the "colourful 5 percent".
Many thanks to the staff and residents of CRP, and the administration of Yukon Senior Services. Your time, patience, love, and energy are endlessly remembered.
Billy, Dad, we love you very much. In your own words: "Take it easy, and don't overdo it."
A celebration of life will be held for close friends and family at a later time.