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William Nightingale

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William Henry Nightingale

August 7, 1929 - February 11, 2021

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William Henry Nightingale II passed away, aged 91, on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Kootenay
Street Village in Cranbrook. “Bill” to those who knew him, was born August 7, 1929, in Montreal,
Quebec to William Henry Nightingale II and wife Jessie Kathleen “Kay” Nightingale (née Skinner).
He was raised on the family farm in Lac Beauport, Quebec, a small community near Quebec City
that was also home to a large number of his extended family members. During his youth in Lac
Beauport (now a popular ski resort destination), Bill developed a love of the sport that would
eventually transform his quiet hometown and, later, have a firm hand in shaping his life after
retirement.
In early adulthood, Bill began a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. It was through both their work in the Air Force that Bill met Marian Barbara Mugford, whom he married on September 4, 1953. The couple were eventually blessed with five children – four boys and one girl. The family moved
regularly for Bill’s military career but eventually landed in Ottawa, ON, where they stayed until Bill’s retirement. Bill kept his family active by introducing his children to sports and camping, with many of their weekends spent at campgrounds.
Looking to move closer to Marian’s family in British Columbia following his retirement from the Air
Force, Bill’s life-long passion for skiing was the determining factor when the Nightingales chose the location in which they hoped to settle into retired life and enjoy their later years. Bill discovered several new hobbies in retirement – most notably, he joined the Kootenay Harmony Chorus and enjoyed singing in their local performances. Perhaps more than anything else though, it was he and Marian’s love of travelling that shaped their life in retirement. They put out to sea on many cruises and were known to often take off in their RV for weeks, sometimes even months at a time – bringing their dog(s) right along with them on their journeys all across North America. Though none of his children or grandchildren lived particularly close to Cranbrook – in fact they were spread as far west as Vancouver Island, as far east as Ottawa and Toronto, and as far south as Houston, Texas – it was RVing that enabled Bill to play an active and caring role in each of his eight beloved grandchildren’s lives.
Bill will be missed by all who knew him. He is particularly mourned by his four sons and their wives:
Bill Jr., Geoff & Ester, Brian & Judy, and Larry & Teresa. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren:
Christina, Thomas, Kathleen, Kelly, Michelle, Jennifer, Alex and Maria; and his four great
grandchildren as well: Piper, Danielle, Laila, and Ellie. Additionally, Bill is also survived by his sister
Edythe. He was predeceased by his wife, Marian, in 2018, and his daughter, Noreen, in 1999.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, there will be no funeral service at this time. The family hopes to hold a graveside service and/or memorial celebration this coming summer, legal restrictions and health safety conditions permitting. Bill will be peacefully laid to rest in a family plot at Fort Steele Cemetery, next to his wife of 65 years, Marian and their only daughter, Noreen.

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From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services

Mark Memorial Community Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Terry & Barb Leal
Relation: Friends

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He loved to sing with Bud and Friends and The Kootenay Harmony Chorus which is where I met him. Our condolences to his family at this very sad time

From: Terry and Marguerite Burgess
Relation: friends

We were fortunate to meet Bill and Marion in the early nineteen nineties as we helped with garage sales, teas and church functions. They were a lovely couple. We were sad when Marion passed away and now as Bill has died too.
Terry enjoyed Bill’s company at Friday Morning Coffee Club. It was wonderful to enjoy his singing whether at church or out in the community.
Our sincere condolences to each one of you in Bill’s family. Terry and Marguerite

Service Schedule

Private service arrangements have been made.

Memorial Gifts

The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.

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