02/27/2026
In Loving Memory
Wallace William “Bill” Jemson
May 10, 1937 — February 16, 2026
Wallace William BILL Jemson left us peacefully to walk in the garden with the Lord on February 16, 2026 at the age of 88 surrounded by his family in Cranbrook, BC.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom 8: 38-39
Bill was born in Nakusp, BC to Isabel and Francis Jackson on May 10th, (11th or 12th), 1937. At 5 weeks old, his mother died and Bill had to leave his father and 7 siblings. He was adopted by Stanley and Mary Jemson, and raised as their only child. At 21 he was reunited to his siblings through his brother, Cliff. He lived in Nelson, BC his entire life, until he required assistance due to age and health issues. Since 2020, Bill and Shirley lived part time in both Cranbrook and Victoria, BC with their 2 daughters’ Deborah and Barbara’s families. His son, Daniel honours Bill through his woodwork and carpentry created while living in the family home in Nelson.
Bill learned his father’s plumbing business and worked at a local tire store as a teenager. He worked for about a decade at first CPR and later at Kootenay Lake Ferries. Bill’s love of dogs led him to build Wildwood Dog Kennel on his own property, he was sole proprietor. He held jobs at a garden nursery, a water well drilling company and volunteered with the Red Cross. He often spoke of the “touch person ministry” he created for his local church group, when he scheduled regular calls to fellow Christians in need of prayer. He retired from his last job in maintenance at Jubilee Manor in Nelson.
His greatest joy was the outdoors, especially on the mountain where he lived, or fishing on Kootenay Lake. He could always be found gathering firewood using his chainsaw, tractor, come-alongs, ropes, wedges and sledge hammers. He kept his yard raked and neat, his fruit trees pruned and the garden rototilled. Home was “4205” Highway 3A and where his heart was! He always kept a season’s supply of firewood, hand-split and impeccably stacked. He loved the attention of his wife, his family, a warm wood stove, a dog at his side and always had time for a stray whether animal or human. He loved a thick slice of liver n’ onions, a large bowl of seafood chowder, a cold beer and a hot Baileys. He would take every opportunity to preach God’s word to anyone who would listen. In his final years, Bill enjoyed checking off bucket list items like a beer for breakfast at Molly’s Reach (the Beachcombers), a final cruise on the lake in his boat with Shirley, a 50-50 jackpot win at Wycliffe rodeo and many “ride-alongs” to work with his son-in-laws and grandsons.
Bill is survived by his wife Shirley (of 63 years), his daughters Debbie (Rick) France, and Barb (Gary) Haupthoff, son Dan Jemson and grandchildren, Richard (Amanda), Dwight (Danae), Victor (Peyton) and Shalynn; and great grandchildren, Aria, Hunter, Quinn, Hope, Lowen, Layla, Caylee and Taylor and his sister, Penny and brother Pat. He is predeceased by sisters Hazel, Ruth, Rachel, and Gertie, brothers George, Dennis and Cliff.
Bill was genuine, “the real McCoy” and is dearly missed by his family and friends who will forever remember him as the charismatic, handsome, witty, charming, honourable, hard-working, tenacious beautiful soul that he was. Never will we forget his big heart, his infectious laughter and as someone you could depend on to crack a joke and to give good advice when asked. He was the great storyteller, always ready with a tale to tell about his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA or charity of choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr Van Rensberg for his expert healthcare and the staff at 3rd floor of East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook for their care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life service will be announced later this year.
