DFC Squadron Leaders Ernie Savard, Hal Gooding, and Harry Hardy of #RCAF 440 Squadron

Royal Canadian Airforce - 440 Squadron

ZILKIE, Charles William (Bill) 
April 29, 1923-May 18, 2012 

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Matilda and sister Caroline. Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years Eileen, his children Larry (Rose), Elaine (John), Ron (Rhonda), Doug (Linda), eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, sisters Ann, Rosie, Emily, and brother Fred (Doreen). 

Bill was born in Woodland Washington and moved to Prince George B.C. with his family at the age of five. The family homesteaded there and when World War II started Bill enlisted in the Canadian Army at the age of 18. While serving overseas for Canada he was asked to join the “First Special Service Force” amalgamating Canadian and U.S. soldiers. As a member of this force he received the “Bronze Star,” one of the highest awards in the U.S. Military and given out to very few Canadians. 

After coming home from the war he married Eileen and moved to Courtenay where he started his logging career. After falling for ten years he switched jobs and co-owned a barber shop on 4th street for another ten years. The lure of logging brought Bill back falling again where he worked 22 years at Woss Lake until his retirement at the age of 63. He loved his job and took a lot of pride in it. 

Bill was a founding and lifetime member of the Courtenay Fish and Game Club and a long time member of the Courtenay Elks. His hobbies included making burl tables and clocks, fishing, hunting, camping, and his all important vegetable garden. Many good times were experienced at Kitty Coleman campground where Bill and Eileen were a fixture every summer, and he especially enjoyed the hunting trips he had every year with his three sons throughout B.C. 

Taking time out to go on trips throughout North America to his army reunions with his fellow buddies were also rewarding and exciting for him. Bill lived a full life and was much loved by his family and friends. His gentle, friendly kindness and compassion was something we will always remember and will strive to be like. He was truly one-of-a-kind and we were so fortunate to have him in our lives. 

We would like to thank Dr.Helmer and the staff at Cumberland Lodge where he spent the last four and a half years of his life. He thought of them as his extended family and they treated him the same way with love and kindness. 

At Bill’s request there will be no service. If friends so wish in lieu of flowers a donation to the Cumberland Lodge would be appreciated. 

Forever in our hearts and we will never forget. 
We love you Dad (Papa) 

A Member of The Devil's Brigade dies.

RCAF Flight Lieutenant Harry J Hardy DFC, returning from combat operations over Belgium. (Dec. 1944) #ww2