William (Bill) Oram 1942 — 2018

William (Bill) Oram

It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Oram announces his passing on December 3, 2018 at the age of 76.

He is survived by the love of his life Jan, his wife and children Shane (Kelly) and Sheri (Ben). Also left to mourn his passing are his loving grandchildren, Amber, Nicholas, and Kenzie Oram, and Carter, Sophie and Izabelle Yarish. Bill also leaves behind his 6 siblings, Pat Larson, Arnie (Margaret) Oram, Arlene Ellison, Mary Laurilla (Ed), Joanne Chapman (John) and Larry (Robyn) Oram, his sister-in-law Maureen McCully (Don) and brother-in-law Gerry (Rhonda) McCully.

Born on October 8, 1942 in Kamloops, Bill was the first son for Margaret and Ron Oram.  After 5 years in Kamloops, the family moved to Chase BC where Bill graduated high school and made lifelong friends. He then attended BCIT and did some travelling before settling in Kamloops where he worked for Woodwards, Ford and Saturn. Bill was known for being honest and caring with his clients and coworkers.

You could not find a more avid sportsman than Bill. One of his favorites was skiing at Tod Mountain where he was on ski patrol and later became a ski instructor. He was also an enthusiastic golfer and excelled at this sport. His family enjoyed many happy summers at the cabin at Shuswap Lake. Boating and waterskiing were two of his passions and with his help the entire family became proficient water skiers. Bill also enjoyed the outdoors including fishing, camping, and hunting. In more recent years he met many new friends playing pickleball.

 

He was a competitive person, and this was clear when he played in the annual crib tournament with his brothers. Bill was pretty sure that he held the overall title, however this could be disputed by his brothers.

Bill will be remembered for his chatty and charming nature, his love for his family and friends and the commitment he had towards those he cared for.  He enjoyed an active social life with his lifelong friends and family and enthusiastically planned many social events. With a twinkle in his eye he greeted everyone with a warm, friendly smile. There is no better tribute to a life well spent than having his children and grandchildren say, “we want to be just like you when we grow up”.

We will miss Bill dearly and he will be thought of often.

 His memory will remain in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of life for Bill will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 12th in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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23 Tributes

  1. Kim Bentley
    Posted December 5, 2018 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    We were lucky enough to meet Bill when my son married his niece. A very kind man who Instantly made us feel like family . Thank you for that . My condolences to everyone in his family . Rest In Peace

  2. Cynthia Rabbitt
    Posted December 5, 2018 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    Deepest Sympathy to the Oram family in the loss of their dear Brother…

  3. Betty Ann Beatty
    Posted December 5, 2018 at 8:22 pm | Permalink

    We will be forever remember Bill for his kind heart, his love of his family and how he made everyone feel special. Heaven’s gain is a big loss here on earth. Rest in Peace Bill.

    We are sending sincere condolences to all the family.

    Ross & Betty Ann Beatty & family

  4. Ron & Val (Penttila)
    Posted December 6, 2018 at 8:47 am | Permalink

    Thinking of all of the Oram Families. We are so sorry for your loss. RIP Bill. You will be missed

  5. Posted December 6, 2018 at 10:51 am | Permalink

    Jan and Family,

    My thoughts are with you during this difficult time of loss.

    Bill’s warm smile, the twinkle in his eyes when he spoke to you and this generosity, especially in doing or giving more than is usual or expected, will never be forgotten.

    I know that nothing anyone can say, will take away the pain of your loss.

    With sympathy, much love and heartfelt prayers
    Hugs Mary-Dale

  6. Lisa Laviolette
    Posted December 6, 2018 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    Jan,
    Sincere condolences to you and your family at this very sad time. My thoughts are with you.
    Lisa Laviolette

  7. Hazel Hanson
    Posted December 6, 2018 at 3:25 pm | Permalink

    Jan and family ,just heard the sad news about Bill .We can not tell you how sorry we are to hear this .A warm hug from Halifax .Take care and we will be in touch later .Love Hazel and Kirk Hanson .

  8. Joanne Lifford
    Posted December 6, 2018 at 4:31 pm | Permalink

    Our deepest sympathies are extended to Jan and family. May your wonderful memories of Bill and happy family times help you through this most difficult and sad time. Know we are both thinking of you.
    Love from Joanne and Kerry

  9. Renae Young
    Posted December 6, 2018 at 5:09 pm | Permalink

    So sorry for all the Oram Family’s loss Bill will be missed by everyone. May your memories stay in your hearts forever.

    James & Renae Young

  10. Jennifer Yarish
    Posted December 6, 2018 at 10:48 pm | Permalink

    Sending much love and light to Sheri, Ben, the kids and all of the family. So sorry to hear this news. He truly sounds like an amazing man who led a full and honourable life.

  11. Bill Hungerford
    Posted December 7, 2018 at 9:08 am | Permalink

    So very sorry to read of Bill’s passing. I had the pleasure of working along side him as the other “Bill” in Woodward’s furniture department. I will always remember his great smile and sense of humor. Godspeed Mr. Oram!!

  12. Kirk & Tracy Fraser
    Posted December 7, 2018 at 6:39 pm | Permalink

    Bill will always be remembered by us for his welcoming friendly approach. So sorry for your loss and especially at this time of year. Hold onto those special moments shared with Bill. Love, Kirk, Tracy and Nina

  13. Barry and Joan Hache
    Posted December 8, 2018 at 6:36 pm | Permalink

    We are so very very sorry to hear of. Bill’s passing. Our earth needs many more people just like him. Our sincere condolences to the whole Oram family and to the many many friends. God bless you all.
    Barry and Joan

  14. Judy and Walter Trkl
    Posted December 8, 2018 at 10:58 pm | Permalink

    Dear Jan and family we are so sorry to hear this sad news. The first time I met Bill was when we worked at Woodwards and we were fortunate to reconnect with him and, you Jan and the family when we worked together in dentistry.

    Walter and I always saw Bill as a warm and sincere man who dispelled any unease when we spoke with him. Always, Walter and I were beneficiaries of Bill’s kindness.

    We will remember Bill as embodying the best qualities of his generation: fortitude, common sense, decency, kindness, and dignity. By his example, Bill set a very high standard for all of us who had the good fortune to know him. How fortunate for the family to have had Bill in their life.

    With deepest sympathies,
    Judy and Walter Trkla

  15. Jean Toker (nee Gord
    Posted December 8, 2018 at 11:15 pm | Permalink

    Deepest sympathy to all the Oram Family.

  16. Carol and Bruce McNa
    Posted December 9, 2018 at 8:05 am | Permalink

    We are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He was one of the kindest and positive person we have ever known. We have many happy memories of our time together in the campground. This joyful man will be missed greatly. Our deepest sympathy to Jan and his family.

  17. Patti & Wayne Tourand
    Posted December 10, 2018 at 10:29 am | Permalink

    Our sincerest sympathy to Jan and her family. We can only imagine the pain you are going through at this time. Your husband/dad was a kind man with a friendly smile and conversation for everyone. So sorry we are unable to make the celebration of life for Bill, but you will be in our thoughts.

  18. Carol Doiron
    Posted December 11, 2018 at 9:04 am | Permalink

    Sincere condolences To the Oram family in the loss Bill Oram.I did not have the pleasure of knowing Bill but know many of his family and I’m sure you will all miss him dearly.

    Carol
    Doiron

  19. Ann Eggleton
    Posted December 11, 2018 at 6:02 pm | Permalink

    Dear Jan and family,
    I was so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
    My heart goes out to yours and Bill’s families
    at this time. Bill was such and nice man,friendly in a quiet sort of way. One memory I have of Bill was when he and I were playing PB together. I had hit the ball, it was returned and I waited for Bill to hit it. Nothing happened and when I turned to see why he didn’t return the shot, he was on the floor with a bleeding lip. I’m sure you remember that time as well. I think you had to take him to the hospital for stitches. We all have memories of Bill, he was so well liked.

  20. Michael Holbrook
    Posted December 11, 2018 at 7:41 pm | Permalink

    Condolences to Jan & the entire Oram family on the passing of Bill. I worked for many years with Bill @ Woodwards and echo the comments made on how he treated customers and people in general. I remember his easy going nature and love of many sports.

  21. bill
    Posted December 12, 2018 at 7:02 am | Permalink

    Our condolences on Bill’s passing. He was a gentle soul and never had bad word to say about anybody. We spent many happy hours with Bill and Jan playing cards and drinking margaritas. Bill delighted in the boys beating the girls at cards. He was a wonderful friend and neighbour and will be very missed.

    Bill and Lucille Lovitt

  22. Brenda Waslenchuk
    Posted December 18, 2018 at 10:00 am | Permalink

    Dear Jan & family,
    I was very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and want to let you know that I’m thinking of you at this very difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace, may you cherish your memories of your beloved husband, father, grandfather & friend. I feel honoured to have known him. My deepest condolences.

  23. funeral2
    Posted February 22, 2019 at 7:23 pm | Permalink

    I am so sorry to hear of Bill passing. Just heard about it last week up at the ski hill.

    I am sure you were well supported by all your family and friends.

    This message joins all those voices of support and sends my thoughts of sympathy & my prayers of Concern.
    May you find comfort in your Memories,Cherish the years you had together and let Love carry you through your grief.
    With Love & Caring
    Ilene Logan.

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