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Rev. William Harold David Hedges

December 30, 2010

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HEDGES, Reverend William Harold David,

OMM, CD, Colonel, Ret'd

Jan 27, 1928-Dec 30, 2010


The family of 'Bill' Hedges wish to announce that their beloved patriarch went home to be with the Lord early on Thursday morning, December 30th.


Bill was predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers in South Africa. Left to celebrate his life is his wife, 'Jo', nee Rosemary Bradley, his daughters: Kathryn Wood (John) of Campbell River and Blythe Brookshire (Donald) of Central, South Carolina; His sister, Mercia Goodchild (Michael) of Courtenay, B.C. and 8 grandchildren: Anya (Darin), Bradley(Kate), Robyn (Brandon), Joshua (Sara), Bryan, Rachel (Tony), William (Becca) and Mary Jo; as well as 11 great grandchildren.


Bill was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 1928 and educated in the Orange Free State. At age 17 he joined the South African Naval forces serving aboard HMS London in S.E. Asia and the Pacific until the end of the war. Bill emigrated to Canada in 1948, joined the RCAF in 1951 and trained as an air navigator which began a long association with air and surface anti-submarine warfare forces over nearly 30 years of his service for Her Majesty. He enjoyed such duties as an instructional tour at the US Navy Atlantic Fleet ASW Tactical School at Norfolk, Virginia, Base Administrative Officer in Summerside in 1970, Commanding Officer of 407 Squadron, Comox in 1973 followed shortly after by promotion to Colonel and Command of Base Summerside until 1977.


Bill finished his service as Deputy Commander of Air Reserves in Air Command Head Quarters, Winnipeg, until 1979 when he elected to retire. He was inducted as an officer of the Order of Military Merit in 1980.


Bill settled in Comox becoming involved in various community matters, eventually becoming ordained in the Reformed Episcopal church in 2002 at the age of 74 to serve the Living Word church community in Comox Valley. For much of his retirement he also continued to be active with the Air Force Indoctrination Course conducted at CFB Comox where he addressed such topics as ethics, morals and their role in leadership. This he did until the course was relocated to Winnipeg.


Bill retired as the Pastor of Living Word at the age of 80 although he continued to serve the Lord until he was called home.


We acknowledge the wonderful care and support received from friend and Doctor, David Bowler, as well as the VIHA hospice nurses, Monica, Sandy, Barb and the home support which made it possible for us to have him cared for at home. We also appreciate all the support of extended family and friends through this time of loss.


In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted to the Gideons International whose work echos the passion Bill had to share the Good News with everyone with whom he came into contact.


A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 10th at 1:00pm at St John the Divine Anglican Church 5th Street, Courtenay.



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