GETSON – William Clark “Bill”, 76 – Bill passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on 16 May 2010. Born February 16, 1934 in Greenfield Queens Co. N.S. at his grandparents home Harvey and Lucy Getson. He was the oldest child of the late Wilfred and Muriel (Uhlman) Getson.
Bill was a flight engineer, who joined the Royal Canadian Air force in 1952. He loved to fly and spent over 18 000 hours in the air, traveling to many destinations around the world. Bill had accumulated 4800 on the Boxcar, 2300 on the Hercules, 10 000 on the Argus and 1000 on the Aurora Aircraft. He retired in 1984 as Chief Warrant Officer. He was a member and secretary of the Greenfield and District volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. He was a member of the Greenfield Baptist Church, member and treasurer of the seniors club “Jolly Ponhookers”, belonged to the recreation committee and councilor of the Queens municipality for 10 years.
He so loved his life living at Annis lake that he made his cottage into his dream home. Bill is survived by his loving wife and best friend Della (Cowles). He was the devoted father of Mary-Ann, Debbie (George), Royce (Alice), Brent (Donna), Harvey (Donette). He will be missed by his loving grandchildren Cora-Leanne, Richard, James, Angela (Tyler), Amber, Travis and Keith and his great-grandson William. Sister Fern (Leaman), brothers Royce (Theresa), Edward (Jewell) plus his many other relatives and close friends.
He was predeceased by his former wife, Jacqueline (Smith) in 1963.
Bill’s remains have been donated to Dalhousie University for the advancement of Medical Research and Education, as his final act of generosity and concern for others, “in case the research could benefit someone else.” A celebration of life will be held at the Greenfield Recreation center on Saturday, 22 May, 2010 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Pine Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Greenfield and District Fire Department, Pine Rest Cemetery Fund or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Angela, Matt & Brandon Vooro
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Getson. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with each of you, on your great loss.
Love Angela (MacDonald), Matt & Brandon Vooro
Peggy & Raymond Doiron
To the Getson family:
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Brent has shared some wonderful stories about his dad and this reminds us all that memories are made from all the precious time spent together.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Peggy & Ray (Sister of Donna)
Chris and Roberta Kennedy
Our thoughts are with you at this time, at least the suffering has stopped.
Dorothy Jewers
My thoughts and prayers are with you… Especially Sister Fern,we have been friends for many years and I share her sadness in the loss of Bill. God Bless you all .
Myrna Crouse
Della & family:
Bill was a great friend and a loving and caring person. I can still remember the day he came to my house when he was getting ready to run for Councillor. We shared many laughs but I knew he would take his job seriously.
It is certainly a big empty spot in your family and I want you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Remember the good times you shared with him and that one day you wll be reunited. God bless you all.
Myrna
I am so glad I came across you folks in Wendy’s and I have to admit I shed a few tears when I left.
Jean Strum
Dear Della:
I was sorry to read about Bill. Please accept my sincere sympathy. May God bless you and keep you in his care.
Sincerely, Jean Strum.
Debbie Comeau
Dear Royce, Alice, Angela, Amber & family:
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing but he is now at peace and has probably already met up with Dave and had a great chat.. You have to believe that time does heal and it does! You are all so blessed to have so many wonderful memories of Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love to all –
Debbie
Marion Gaetan
To the Getson Family:
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marion and Charlie Gaetan.
Linda (Mossman) & Robert Trainor
Dear Family,
So sorry of Bill’s passing. I knew Bill from Municipaly Council for Social Services. We always made an effort to speak to each other whenever we met. I will miss Bill. My condolences to Bill’s family.
Linda
Cora, Richard and James (grandchildren)
We have much consolation in the good feelings our memories give us. When we were little, having sleepovers at grandma and grandpa’s house. Swimming for hours on end in the lake. We used to play wedding. Cora-Leanne would be the bride, with James behind her, holding her vale, as the Bride’s maid, Richard, of course, the groom, and Grandpa would be the minister to marry us. Grandpa would always play a role in our childhood adventures. We would never run out of things to do at the lake. Thanks to both Grandma Della, and Grandpa Bill, we were always encouraged to let our imaginations run wild. We were never bored, even when there was a short break in the afternoon for Grandpa to have a “little snooze”, we would often fall asleep on his knee in the chair with him. Grandpa always had this mysterious jar of “candies” he always carried around with him. We would always ask him if we could have one, and he would always give us one. It wasn’t until a bit later in life that we learned these “candies” Grandpa seemed to love so much were actually Tums. Grandpa, whenever I have a Tums, I always think of you.
Grandpa was always playing with us. He used to take us to the park and push us on the swings. No one could do under ducks quite like Grandpa Bill. We thought it was so much fun that he would run under us, stick out his butt, and let us kick him, we all laughed so hard. He was fun to play fantasy with, he would never turn down whatever part we asked him to play. He played board games with us, and he would always want to give us money. He would just laugh and laugh, handing out dollar bills one after the other. We all loved it, it was great! Our mom was never as happy handing out money as Grandpa Bill was.
We think it may have been us grandchildren that kept him young at heart. That made us feel good inside. We can see that our Mother got her fun loving spirit from grandpa. He was a great teacher to have, not only for our mom and us, but also for everybody. He was selfless and kind. He loved being a parent and grandparent.
Grandpa, we will miss your hugs, and your laugh. You were a wonderful role model in our lives, and a great friend. When we are up there beside you, be sure to remind us that we owe you quite a few dollar bills. We hope you accept that as gratuity for all the wonderful memories that you have given us over the years. We love you Grandpa. Love, Cora-leanne, Richard and James.
Tammy (Whynot) Nickerson
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My mother and father were Merrill and Janet Whynot. I can remeber them talking about Bill on several occasions, and what a nice and kind hearted man he was. Many blessings and prayers to you all at this difficult time.
Marion and Dougald Bolivar
Dear Della and Family…..We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill was such a kindhearted man that your heart should be filled with wonderful memories.
Marie Woodworth
Sincere Condolences to the Family in the loss of your loved one.
Marie Woodworth
Sylvia&Bill Uhlman
Della.
we are so sorry that you lost Bill before his time. i know how close you two were. you must know that he is in a better place.
God bless you and the rest of the family;
Bonnie Labrador & Jerry Mansfield
To the Getson Family
We are so sorry to hear that Bill passed away. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Bonnie & Jerry
LaBelle Rd.
Sylvia& billy uhlman
Della;
God bless you; you must know that bill is in a better place;
I know how close you were;he will be missed.
my heart is with you all.
Sylvia & Bill Uhlman
Della;
We are so sorry about Bill,B ut we know that he is in a better place.
our hearts are with you.
Love and Billy
JoAnne Clauson (Smith)
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Della, I want you to know that my parents, Leona and Garnet, were always so proud and happy Bill found you to spend his life with, and what a wonderful Mom you have always been to your family.
God bless you all. Bill will always be remembered with so much love.
Angela, Tyler and Little Will
Well Cora Leanne summed up the pure essence of his spirit beautifully. He was a kind and endearing man. I am so thankful that he was able to meet his first great-grandchild. Although Will was a little to young to remember himself, we will definitely remind him of the fun he had with his great grandfather. I was talking to mom recently, and she was recapping our visit and how Will had so much fun playing with his great grandpa. They would sit in his chair and play with the light, Will was too young to reach the switch, so grandpa would bend the light down, so he could play with the switch. He also had so much fun with the foot stool, jumping off and being caught by his great grandpa. It is unfortunate that Tyler was unable to make it down with us, I am sure he would have loved to meet him, and would gotten along well – as Grandpa got along well with anyone he met. And the night that e left, our 70+ year old grandfather stayed up until 330AM to see us off, I have a picture of him and Will sound asleep on the couch – his arm wrapped around him, protecting him as we got ready to depart into blizzard-like conditions.
Our son was named specifically after my grandfather (and father) because of the influence he had in my life. I want that name to be carried on. If my son grows up to be half the person my grandfather was , I will be ecstatic!
He was an amazing person, and taught us much. As Cora Leanne had said, her mother’s qualities are reflected deeply in him, the same goes for my father. My father was raised by an absolutely incredible man,and shares the same endearing qualities, and for that I am ever grateful – I too, was raised by an incredible man.
To say you will be missed, would be a grave understatement, as you have touched an uncountable number of lives. To say you are gone, would be completely wrong, as you will always live on in our hearts, until we are able to meet with you again. I love you Grandpa. Good bye for now!
Kevin McCarthy
My warmest condolences to MaryAnn, Debbie, Royce, Brent, Harvey & Bill’s grandchildren and the entire family. Even though I haven’t heard from Bill for many years, I fondly remember his cheerful nature & how thrilled Garnet Smith was to have him as a son-in-law. Without doubt, he will be greatly missed. Bill would likely be pleased to know, my son Aaron is today a Second Officer with Cathay Pacific. 18,000 hours! Phew! That’s 750 days, or over 2 years in the air. Be well.
Faye Calder
Please pass along to Fern, please accept our sincere sympathies on the loss of your brother, you have had more than your share the past few years. I lost a brother this month also so I know the sadness and loss I felt so I can truly relate to it with you.
Faye & Jack
Jim and Sandra Lambie
To Bill’s Family,
Our sincere condolences! I will always remember Bill as a consumate professional, a true officer and “Gentleman”. Here is a short poem I recently found (Author unknown) which may bring you some comfort:
To My “Dearest” Family
Some things I’d like to say, but first of all, to let you know
that I arrived okay
I’m writing this from heaven, where I dwell with God above
where there’s no more tears or sadness,
there is just eternal love
Please do not be unhappy, just because I’m out of sight
remember, that I’m with you, every morning, noon and night
God gave me a list of things, he wished for me to do
and foremost on that list of mine, is to watch and care for you
And, I will be beside you, every day and week and year
and when you’re sad, I’m standing there
to wipe away the tear
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you’re only human,
they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain
remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain
When you are walking down the street
and you’ve got me on your mind
I’m walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind
And when you feel the gentle island breeze
or the wind upon your face,
that’s me, giving you a great big hug, or just a soft embrace
God Bless!
Jim & Sandra
Vicky Mercuri
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jim Thomas and girls.
Ron and Brenda Hoglin
Mary-Ann, our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your father and share together in the celebration of his life. I know from your sharing y our many memories with me how you cherished your relationship with your dad. Take care of each otheer.
Love from Brenda and Ron and family
Mona Marshall
Dear MaryAnn,
Today my heart is heavy for you. Your sense of family is stronger than anyone else I know, and it extends far beyond to those of us lucky enough to be your friends. Your constant light and warmth bathes those around you.
Today you are celebrating the life of your father, whom, I am certain, was your teacher and role model. I know he will rest in quiet comfort knowing that so much of his heart lives on through his family. There is a quote I like that goes “He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” (Clarence Bedington Kelland)
Please know that you are in my heart, not only today but everyday, and that I am sending you and your family much love across the miles.
As always, xoxo
Love Mona
PS Please give Cora-Leanne, James and Richard a hug for me!
Helen (Thomas) & Gordon Hansford
We were so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He will be missed and remember all the good times in Greenfield. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Helen & Gordon
Ray Tsui
To Della:
It was with great sadness when I heard of Bill’s death from Mary-Ann and please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband. May the love of your children help you through your grief.
Sincerely
Ray Tsui
Ken Clarke
To the Getson Family
Like to pass on our sincere condolences, and heart felt sympathy in the passing of Bill. Know we are all thinking of you all at this time, as you remember the man he was.
Ken, Jean, Brian Clarke & Shirley Parker
Anna @ Bob O!Halloran
Della
We are so sorry to hear about Bill,Our thoughts and prayers ar with you at this most difficult time
Anna @ Bob
Gary and Fran Smith
Our thoughts are with all of the family on this day of sadness. Although we had not seen Bill for a number of years since he moved back to Nova Scotia, we remember him as a happy, outgoing and fun loving person.
I recall many years ago, when I was in the Reserve Air Force, we were flown from Namao to Saskatoon for a competition with the Squadron there. We were marched out to the C119 Boxcar (the plane of choice with the RCAF at the time), and were given parachutes to put on for the flight. I had mine on, and a voice behind me said ” thats not tight enough” and with that the straps on the chute harness tightened almost too much. I turned around and there was Bill with a big smile on his face. I had the priviledge of riding all the way to Saskatoon in the Navigators seat with Him and felt very important.
Our condolances on his passing.
Gary and Fran
richard woodman
I send my hugs and my love to my whole family. Grandpa Bill will always be remembered as a great man, who will never be forgotten. Know matter where we are he will always be with us. Love Richard
Mitch WIle
Dear Della,
I am so sorry to hear that Bill has passed away. He was a very nice man. Life sure is a journey….
Sincerely,
Mitch Wile
Kevin Smith
Hi maryanne.. please extend my condolences to your family. I dont have a lot of memories of him, but i will always remember driving to nova scotia when we were 6 years old and Bill let me drive. I was sitting on his knee and he was waving at everyone that passed and honking the horn. Mom always kept us updated on everyone and she always seemed to paint that same enthusiastic picture of Bill throughout the years. Say hello to debbie royce and della for me.
with regards
Kevin Smith
Mark & Rose Wright
God has called home another angel… Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Keeping all the dear memories close to your hearts will help with the difficult days ahead.
Charles & Peggy
Dear Della, Royce, Harvey, Mary Ann, Debbie and family
We are so sorry for your loss. Bill will be missed greatly and remembered fondly.
George
May we all remember the good times that Bill gave us and the way he taught us to enjoy life. He was like a father to me for along time and I will never forget the way Della and Bill took me into their family.I will miss the freindship that we shared .To all the family I am so sorry for your loss. George
cora woodman
I’m here again in Nova Scotia and I just have to say………Grandpa, things just aren’t the same without you around. Richard, James and I were all down together at the same time. It’s been a while since we’ve all been down here together at the same time. We sure do miss you Grandpa. Until we meet again……….Love, Cora-Leanne
cora woodman
I’m here again in Nova Scotia and I just have to say………Grandpa, things just aren’t the same without you around. Richard, James and I were all down together at the same time. It’s been a while since we’ve all been down here together at the same time. We sure do miss you Grandpa. Until we meet again……….Love, Cora-Leanne
cora woodman
Every once in a while I come and look at this site. Grandpa, as you know, Richard got married this past August and grandma , Debbie, and my favorite uncle George came for the wedding! Grandma still looks beautiful. She misses you so much. We all do. Especially when these memorable family get togethers happen. That’s when we miss you the most. I just read your obituary …again, it always brings a tear to my eye….dare I watch the slide show with all of our pics together??? I had better not! Just wanted to let you know, my mom misses you dearly (I think she was a bit of a daddy’s girl ) we all miss you a lot. Til we meet again……….xoxo -Cora-leanne