Sydney
With heavy hearts, the family announces that William ‘Bill’ Hebner passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the age of 90 in Sydney, Cape Breton.
Bill will be missed by his loving wife, Freda; sons, David (Dianne) and Derek (Sara); daughter, Dawn Dugandzic (Donald); grandchildren, Alex (Rebecca), Nik (Kelsey), Viktor (Jessica) and Darren (Kenna); great-grandchildren, Isla and Luka; brothers, Marven Hebner, Midland, Ontario and Ross Hebner, Auckland, New Zealand; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Annie Hebner; baby sister, June; eldest daughter, Deb Mack; son-in-law, Andrew Dugandzic and his beloved dog, Obi.
Bill was born in Midland, Ontario on December 19, 1930. At the age of 20, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and went overseas to fight in the Korean Conflict. He married Freda in 1952 when he returned to Canada.
Bill loved being a soldier, his military life took him to many places. Each of his children were born in different provinces, his oldest daughter was born in Germany, where he was stationed twice during his career.
Bill retired in 1974 as a Warrant Officer, 2RCHA. He received several medals during his career which include a Korean Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration and Clasp and Parachute Badge. He also served in Cyprus as a Peacekeeper receiving the United Nations Medal. In 1995 Bill along with other Korea Vets revisited Korea, a trip that left a lasting impression.
Bill returned to work after retirement and was a liaison working with the German Army at the Ammunitions Compound in Shilo, Manitoba for 10 years.
Bill was an avid athlete, he curled, played hockey and golfed. He and Freda’s love of golf found them wintering in Magic Valley Park, Weslaco, Texas for 18 years. During this time, they travelled extensively in the U.S. enjoying the game and time with family and friends.
Bill’s quick wit is part of his legacy and will be the source of many stories and laughter for years to come.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of 4B and the Palliative Care Unit for making dad comfortable in his final days.
Memorial service to celebrate the life of Bill Hebner will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Covid protocols will be practiced at the service and for those unable to attend Live Streaming is available at the link below.
Click Here: Pier Community Funeral Home | Facebook
Donations in memory of Bill may be made to VETS Canada, a non-profit organization that helps Veterans in need.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Thinking of you all! Enjoyed golfing with you Bill and especially when we won the plaque! Hugs to the family! From: Marilyn & Gordon Pateman
Our deepest condolences from Eddie &Minne Gomez lot 216 Magic Valley Park Thanks For Your Services 🙏🏻 From: Eddie & Minne Gomez
My sincere sympathy to Freda and family. You were our first neighbours when we first went to Magic Valley. Happy memories (and laughs) from Magic Lane. From: Donna Smith
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill and send our heartfelt condolences to all his family. We will be keeping you in our prayers as you mourn the loss of a wonderful man. From: Don and Sandy Walker
So sorry for your loss. He was a great story teller and will be missed. Big hugs
From: Florence & Brent
Dear Freda & Family:
I have wonderful memories of Bill and you on Magic Lane in MVP, Texas. Bill’s sense of humour was a gift to one’s day. Your hospitality warmed one’s heart. Thank you for the memories. From: Shirley Weicker, Lindsay, ON
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We are thinking of you. From: Clay & Lee Wyborn
Dear Freda, We are saddened to learn of Bill’s passing and extend our condolences to You and Your family.
We have many found memories of our numerous get togethers on Magic Lane.
Our thoughts are with You during this difficult time.
From: Jack & Lynda Watson
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. From: Bruce King and Antonia Longo
Bill and Vivian WOLANIUK extend our deepest condolences to Freda and her family at this sad time. From: Vivian Wolaniuk
My deepest condolences to Freda n family.
Bill always wore a smile ,n had a bell on his street at the M.V.Park.
Thank-you Bill for your service to our country. Never to be forgotten. Rest in peace. From: Elma Gerbrandt
Our condolences to the family,, we are thinking of you at this difficult time
I met Bill in Shilo in 85. Always enjoyed his company and sens of humour. My sincere condolences to all the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.
Good shooting, End of mission, Rest
Rest In Peace Bill, End of Mission, Stand Easy
Condolences to the family. Did not know Bill but I was in 4th RCHA Shilo then Petawawa 1962-1965
Our Deepest Sympathy at this time of Great Loss . 🤗💕 Don and Noreen
A wonderful man who had a fabulous wit. Our deepest sympathies.
Alf and Donna Zdebiak
Yes, he did have a great sense of humour! My deepest condolences to all the family🤗
Thank you for being a big part of my childhood. All of the trips to hockey with Derek and your discussions after strived to make us better. I will always fondly remember you and Obi and I take comfort knowing you are reunited again with big hugs. You will always be remembered. ❤️ Todd
Such a great career and life full of experiences and family. Big hugs to all of you xoxo
Sincere condolences to the family
Peter Dugandzic
So sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa Dawn, Alex, Nik and Viktor. It was a beautiful tribute to him.
So very sorry to hear of your loss! We have many wonderful memories of Bill, during our summers in Killarney. Terry delights in telling the story of our building the wee fence in our yard, with Bill coming home from a day of golf, to find a brand new fence, with a garden and all, as though it had been there for years, even though he’d only parked his golf cart trailer there that morning! That golf cart is still in daily use and we think of him often. Joanne doesn’t go to those Saturday morning yard sales without remembering the very many she went to with Bill trying to hide the “treasures” he would pick up and try to sneak in the trailer without Freda seeing them! Rest In Peace, friend! ❤️ The Stovers
My deepest sympathy to all the family. A winter never comes that I don’t think of Bill saying he “was going to throw the snowblower in the back of his truck and drive south until he came to a town that didn’t know what it was and that is where he was staying for the winter. “ So many fond memories of the times Glenn and I watched ball with Bill and Freda and the many laughs we had.
What a wonderful legacy he has left
Liz Roberts