Monday, June 6, 2022
I was very sorry to hear of Bills' passing, especially since I am visiting Calgary right now (first time in 45 years), and would have certainly visited him and Shirley. I think I was the first operator Bill and Bruce Racicot hired for their backhoe business - that would have been 1976. It was my first real job after leaving Victoria, BC, the excursion having been spurred on by my father who came into my room shortly after my 19th birthday and said 'Bye.., time to leave the nest and get out on your own.' I have fond memories of working with Bill and Bruce, and spending time with them and their families at the Springbank and Cochrane homes. Though roughly 20 years my senior, Bill always related to me in a respectful and down-to-earth manner. I particularly appreciated his dry sense of humour and wry wit. I worked for him one year before going back to Victoria, and he set a good example for me during that time. Blessings to Shirley and the children at this time as they adjust to life without him. Lawrence (Larry) Forbes.
