Tribute

On the evening of Thursday, August 18, 2022, William Nelson Plant passed away at his home in Canyon, BC with his family surrounding him.  William Nelson Plant (Bill) was born September 14th, 1944 in Souris, Manitoba to Hazel and Joseph Plant who was serving there at the time for the Royal Canadian Air Force.  Bill grew up in Cedar (Nanaimo) on an acreage on Holden Lake accompanied by younger brothers Ken and Bob and sister Linda.  It was in these years that Bill developed his love for nature both land and sea, his love of building and adventure.  In his later teens Bill fell in love with the gospel and teachings of Jesus and dedicated his life to following this path of love, grace and forgiveness.  Bill took the train across Canada to attend Bible School in Toronto where in 1965 he met his future love and wife Roswitha Schumacher.  They were married on May 6th, 1967 and he took on his first pastorate at the Baptist Church in Blair, Ontario.  In 1969 they had a son, Bernard William, followed by daughter Jeanette Anna in 1971, and daughter Miriam Roswitha in 1975.  Bill and Roswitha with kids in tow moved to new towns and churches over the years as they felt led by God.  Port McNeill (1975 – 1983), Fernie (1983 – 1989), Hope (1989 – 1998), Jaffray (1998 until retirement 2010).  In 2017 Bill and  Roswitha moved to Canyon (Creston) for their retirement.

Bill was full of life, and joyfully and enthusiastically lived each day.  He loved his family, his churches, his communities, fully immersing himself in each of these.  He loved to create, design and build things that spanned from churches, home and paddle wheelers and was always ready to assist others in their endeavors.   He loved the outdoors, fishing, diving, exploring the beauty and the solitude.  He was active in the community as a member of the Lions, the Chairman of the school board and a member of the Kimberley Pipe Band for many fun and musical years.  He loved the pipes and all things Scottish.

Bill loved and was loved by all he met.  He truly lived out his faith, he was one with it, full of love, grace, acceptance, curiosity and not the least, humour.  He will be missed by many, yet all that knew him know that the ripples of love he made on earth will go on forever.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Roswitha as well as their children Bernie (Shawna) Plant, Nette Plant and Meme Plant.  He also leaves his grandchildren to cherish his memory; Meagan (Scott) Bedell, Isaac (Mariah) Plant, Kaedyn  (Jaiden) Prier, Maddy Prier, Abby Prier and Bree Prier and his great grandchildren; Caleb Bedell, Fraser Bedell and Daniel Plant.  Bill leaves his brothers Ken (Joan) Plant, Bob (Barb) Plant and Linda (Dave) Cook.

To celebrate the life of Bill, the family will hold a private family gathering.  Memorial donations may be made to FEB Canada, 3200 – 8888 Odlin Cres., Richmond, BC  V6X 3Z8 (Radio Broadcasting for the Far East and Ukraine) or though the FEB Canada website.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com