Tribute

Lloyd Harry Wilson, in his 96th year, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2012 at Menno Home in Abbotsford. He was born in Ladner B.C. on Nov. 16, 1916 to Roland and Lillian (nee Burr) Wilson and brother Merle. Lloyd was born and raised in Ladner. He was an avid athlete who played tennis, badminton, basketball, baseball and lacrosse for the New Westminster Salmonbellies. After an undergraduate degree in economics at UBC, Lloyd entered articles and began his formal legal studies. However, after first year, Lloyd and his best friend Bob Wilson answered the call to arms for WW II and joined the RCAF training as bomber command pilots. Sadly, Bob was killed on his first mission, but Lloyd returned from the war and entered UBC law school in the fall of 1945. He married his longtime sweetheart Shirley Blackburn on May 31, 1946. His first venture was a solo solicitor’s practice in the offices of Moscrop Realty at Burrard and Robson. Lloyd always had sports as a number two interest to law and, at that time, the sport was rowing. Frank Wilson, lawyer and rowing coach, invited him to come to Chilliwack in his office where he practiced for a year from April 1948 through March 1949. He then set out his shingle on Essendene Street at the Hansen Barbershop on April 1, 1949. After 12 years he and his wife Shirley purchased two lots at the corner of Montrose Avenue and what is now George Ferguson Way, in Abbotsford. They constructed his law office building in 1961 where he has practiced until 2006. Lloyd and Shirley raised their only daughter Cindy (Romanowski) in Abbotsford among many good friends. Lloyd was well known as a Lawyer and Notary in the Fraser Valley and life time member of the Abbotsford Lions Club. He received an honorary LL.B. in 1995 from the UBC law school. Lloyd competed for Canada for the senior’s tournaments in Japan in 1997 and 1998. Shirley predeceased him in 1994, but Lloyd still enjoyed his family time with daughter Cindy (Romanowski), her husband Robert, his two grandchildren, Adam Robert Wilson Romanowski and Sarah Ashley Romanowski (Schroeder) and his grandson-in-law, Michael Martin Schroeder. He retired from his law practice in his 90th year as the oldest practicing lawyer, to enjoy more trips to Hawaii and time with family. Lloyd stayed active and always cheerful even with health issues this past year. A special thank you to the wonderful staff of 2 East at Menno Home for their care and support of Dad. Donations to the Abbotsford Community Foundation http://www.abbotsfordcf.org/index.html?action=cform_output_form_new&formid=889 for a School Athletic award, instead of flowers gratefully accepted. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, July 3 at 11:30 in the Musslewhite cemetery with a Celebration of Life following at the Ramada Inn, Baker Room, 36035 N Parallel Rd, from 12:30 – 2:30 pm for friends and family.