February 22, 1949-January 19, 2023

Wijbrandus “Bill” Hooites Meursing, passed away peacefully at home in Point Roberts, Washington on January 19, 2023 after a long struggle with chronic illness.

Bill was born in 1949 in Groningen, The Netherlands. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Anne and Gezina Hooites Meursing and his former wife, Marie-Louise.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jeanette Hooites Meursing and children; Dawn (Tim), Laura (Scott), Danica (Nick), Jeffrey (Tessa) and grandchildren; Reese, Lucas, Myu, Harlow, Dennis and Makenna.

Bill immigrated to Canada in 1972; seeking his aspiration to become a pilot he moved to Penticton, British Columbia, where he took flying lessons. He then moved back to the west coast, living in both Vancouver and Richmond. He was a pilot for Pacific Western Airlines and later worked in their Systems Operation Control center. During this period, Bill also had small businesses in importing needlework from the Netherlands, window-washing and bathtub refinishing.

In the early 1980s, Bill moved to White Rock, where he owned and operated Dutch Boy laundromat. It was then that he was able to pursue his interest in sailing, ultimately looking for more speed, he bought a motorboat and began exploring the nearby Gulf Islands. His favorite place to visit was Roche Harbor, San Juan Island (Washington). This is where he met the love of his life, Jeanette. He moved to San Juan Island and they married in 1986. Together they owned the Electric Company restaurant for 13 years. Along with working together, Bill and Jeanette liked to travel; you could find them on a cruise, boating in the Caribbean, taking a road trip to visit friends and family or flying across the globe. They also loved going down to the marina and sitting on their boat, reading and enjoying a quiet moment together. They were soulmates, a strong team and always supportive partners to each other.

In early 2000, they moved to Point Roberts, Washington, where they were able to begin their retirement.

During his retirement, Bill served for 15 years as a Fire Commissioner with the Point Robert’s Fire Department. He had a life-long interest in the fire service, often known to chase a fire truck in his earlier years. He always wanted to know where the action was! His time working with the Point Robert’s Fire Department brought him great joy and personal fulfillment.

Bill was a loving husband and father to his children. He adored his grandchildren, known for the candy drawer in his desk, he always had a large supply of chocolate bars on hand to share with them. He loved to sit at his desk and watch the grandchildren run around the house or play in the yard in front of him. He became more of a quiet observer of life in his later years, an avid listener and giver of pointed information to many in the community around him. Bill had a strong penchant for doing things his own way, usually with a bit of wit, wisdom and kindness all in one.

We were all very fortunate to have him in our lives and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the Point Robert’s Fire Department and Deb Shields for the dedicated care and compassion you always showed to Bill.

In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be arranged with details to follow.