William Alfred Hampson
1926 ~ 2014
Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man be willing to lay down his life for his fellow man, a salute to all veterans both past and present.
It is with great sadness we announce that William Alfred Hampson passed away on October 20, 2014 at the age of 88.
William was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1926, spending most of his childhood in Calgary. In 1942 he volunteered for overseas duty with the Royal Canadian Air Force, 408 Squadron, as an Air Gunner. Following war's end he married Rosemary A. Church from St. Albans, Vermont, USA in 1946. Sometime later he sought employment with Burns Foods as a salesman initially serving customers in the Cariboo/Chilcotin region of British Columbia. In the mid 1950's returned to Calgary as a salesman, later in his career promoted to General Sales Manager. While in their employment he re-enlisted in the 7th Column, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (M) where he attained the rank of lieutenant, in 1958 retirement from the Reserve Forces.
In 1986 William retired from Burns Foods and shortly after moved to Crawford Bay, BC. Over the years Bill and Rosemary enjoyed an active life providing charitable acts and service to the community. Such acts include: assisting local veterans attain military pensions through Veterans Affairs, driving more senior members of the community to their medical appointments and picking up their medical prescriptions. He served on the Riondel Senior Home Board during construction of the Blue Bell Manor, the Nelson Hospital Board, Crawford Bay Community Hall and Park Boards. From 1984-1994 Bill and Rosemary sponsored an annual local Cancer Tea, raising monies for Vancouver General Hospital's Leukemia Ward, initially in memory of Michael (son), Fran (daughter-in-law) and other members of the community affixed with this dreadful disease. It later expanded to include a program for disadvantaged youth, sponsored by the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment.
In tribute to those members who defended our way of life during war and peace he created a museum at his residence where he amassed a substantial collection of Canadian military memorabilia, consisting of unit cap badges, shoulder titles and an assortment of uniform items. The museum was often visited by locals who contributed various personal display items pertaining to their personal military service and those of the family. In addition Bill was also a member in good standing with Lions International Clubs and the Royal Canadian Legion (Creston) Branch for some twenty-five years and an advocate of Veterans Rights. William's perseverance, tenacity and sense of humanity will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by both family and friends.
William will be lovingly remembered by his lifelong partner and soul mate, beloved wife Rosemary A. Hampson; he was also survived by William Jr., and daughter (Wanda Michael (passed)); as well as his seven grandchildren Oliver, Sara, Brandy, Michael, William, and John (Jessica (passed)).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to
Riondel Catholic Church.
On November 9, 2014, a Celebration of Life service will he held at Crawford Bay Community Centre between 1:00-4:00 pm.