Brigadier-General William (Bill) Thomas Wickett CD
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Thomas Wickett, who died peacefully at the age of 87. William was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. He was a man whose kindness, humour, and generosity will be missed by all who knew him.
Born in Vancouver, William was a loving husband to Shirley and a caring father and grandfather to his family. His greatest treasure was his family, and the time he spent with them —at Birch Bay, dining together around the table, vacationing in Palm Springs, or watching his True Crime shows and Jeopardy.
William also dedicated his life to his country, having served in the military for over 30 years. He retired from military service as a Brigadier General, commanding all reserve soldiers in BC. Following his military career, he became an insurance underwriter, broker, and financial consultant. He served as president of both the New Westminster Life Underwriter's Association and CAIFA. William loved golf, gardening, and enjoying a glass of wine in his favourite recliner at his home in Birch Bay.
We are forever grateful for the life we shared with William, and though we will miss him dearly, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends who love him.
A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 PM on February 24th, 2025 at 15th Field Artillery Regiment at the Bessborough Armoury, 2025 W 11th, Vancouver.
Brigadier-General Wickett joined the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA on 16 February 1953 and was promoted Sergeant in 1957. He transferred to the 15th Field Regiment RCA in 1959 as the two units were amalgamated. On 16 November 1960 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant and rose through the commissioned ranks until he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA on 19 October 1973. Promotions continued as he was promoted Colonel and appointed District Commander of the Victoria Militia District, followed by his promotion to Brigadier-General and appointment Area Commander, Pacific Militia Area.
During his career he was appointed aide de camp to Governor-General for a period and also took on the task of being the President of the Royal Canadian Artillery Association. He was recognized for his service with the presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration with two Bars. He was also honoured by his Regiment with his appointment as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel and Honorary Colonel.
End of Mission, Brigadier-General Wickett, Stand Easy.
Born in Vancouver, William was a loving husband to Shirley and a caring father and grandfather to his family. His greatest treasure was his family, and the time he spent with them —at Birch Bay, dining together around the table, vacationing in Palm Springs, or watching his True Crime shows and Jeopardy.
William also dedicated his life to his country, having served in the military for over 30 years. He retired from military service as a Brigadier General, commanding all reserve soldiers in BC. Following his military career, he became an insurance underwriter, broker, and financial consultant. He served as president of both the New Westminster Life Underwriter's Association and CAIFA. William loved golf, gardening, and enjoying a glass of wine in his favourite recliner at his home in Birch Bay.
We are forever grateful for the life we shared with William, and though we will miss him dearly, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends who love him.
A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 PM on February 24th, 2025 at 15th Field Artillery Regiment at the Bessborough Armoury, 2025 W 11th, Vancouver.
Brigadier-General Wickett joined the 43rd Medium Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA on 16 February 1953 and was promoted Sergeant in 1957. He transferred to the 15th Field Regiment RCA in 1959 as the two units were amalgamated. On 16 November 1960 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant and rose through the commissioned ranks until he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA on 19 October 1973. Promotions continued as he was promoted Colonel and appointed District Commander of the Victoria Militia District, followed by his promotion to Brigadier-General and appointment Area Commander, Pacific Militia Area.
During his career he was appointed aide de camp to Governor-General for a period and also took on the task of being the President of the Royal Canadian Artillery Association. He was recognized for his service with the presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration with two Bars. He was also honoured by his Regiment with his appointment as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel and Honorary Colonel.
End of Mission, Brigadier-General Wickett, Stand Easy.
FROM THE DESK OF THE REGIMENTAL SECRETARY (The British Columbia Regiment (DCO) Association)
A SALUTE AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM (BILL) T. WICKETT, CD (RET’D)
15th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, RCA
BESSBOROUGH ARMOURY
VANCOUVER, B.C.
24 FEBRUARY 2025
Many family and friends remembered the passing of our good friend and colleague, Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Bill Wickett, at a Celebration of Life Ceremony held in the early afternoon of Monday, 24 February 2025, on the Parade Square of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver.
The Order of Service featured Opening Remarks and Prayer by Padre, Captain Michael Vuorensivu, the arrival of the Funeral Gun Carriage with Doug Loney and Bob Mugford, the arrival of the Honour Guard, led by Captain Sean Lafferty, The Salute, the Military Eulogy and Story Telling, by Captain Donald Lamb, an Open Microphone segment, the Closing Prayer by the Padre, The Last Post, by Bugler, Sergeant Bianca Toledo, a Moment of Silence and The Lament, the Official Flag Presentation by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve, to Mrs. Shirley Wickett, and the official conclusion of the Salute and Celebration of Life with the Piper, Master Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Colin Norris, leading the Honour Guard to the Officers’ Mess.
A reception followed the ceremony in the Officers’ Mess where the Padre gave a brief Devotional Commentary and Bill’s son, Michael, remembered some Family Reflections.
A strong presence of the Military Community was in attendance along with many family and friends.
We will remember him!
A SALUTE AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE
BRIGADIER-GENERAL WILLIAM (BILL) T. WICKETT, CD (RET’D)
15th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, RCA
BESSBOROUGH ARMOURY
VANCOUVER, B.C.
24 FEBRUARY 2025
Many family and friends remembered the passing of our good friend and colleague, Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Bill Wickett, at a Celebration of Life Ceremony held in the early afternoon of Monday, 24 February 2025, on the Parade Square of 15th Field Artillery Regiment, Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver.
The Order of Service featured Opening Remarks and Prayer by Padre, Captain Michael Vuorensivu, the arrival of the Funeral Gun Carriage with Doug Loney and Bob Mugford, the arrival of the Honour Guard, led by Captain Sean Lafferty, The Salute, the Military Eulogy and Story Telling, by Captain Donald Lamb, an Open Microphone segment, the Closing Prayer by the Padre, The Last Post, by Bugler, Sergeant Bianca Toledo, a Moment of Silence and The Lament, the Official Flag Presentation by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Grieve, to Mrs. Shirley Wickett, and the official conclusion of the Salute and Celebration of Life with the Piper, Master Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Colin Norris, leading the Honour Guard to the Officers’ Mess.
A reception followed the ceremony in the Officers’ Mess where the Padre gave a brief Devotional Commentary and Bill’s son, Michael, remembered some Family Reflections.
A strong presence of the Military Community was in attendance along with many family and friends.
We will remember him!