William (Bill) Norman, C.D. LIGGETT
LIGGETT, William (Bill) Norman, C.D. Born August 1, 1923 High River, Alta; died June 19, 2017, Hamilton, Ontario, just short of his 94th birthday. Survived by his lifelong love, Viola (nee Braden). Beloved father of Marilyn (the late Jerry), Janice (Les), Beverly and Maureen. Dear grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His greatest legacy besides his family was his story telling, sense of humour and genuine warmth for others. Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law Florence, and his many nieces and nephews who he loved and always had time to listen to. Predeceased by his parents, his brother Winston and grandson Joshua. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren surrounded him with love and comfort every moment of his final days, a testament to the kind gentle man he was. Bill enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy immediately following high school and served on the first Canadian manned anti-submarine warfare carrier, the HMS Nabob. On August 22, 1944, while returning from a strike against a German battleship (Operation Goodwood), she was torpedoed by U-354 in the Barents Sea and sustained heavy damage. Bill survived, but 21 men were lost. Following the war, Bill enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Stationed at Camp Borden he met and married Viola (nee Braden) of Cookstown and was welcomed into her large farming family. Always calling her “my sweetheart”, their marriage was to last 69 years. He served his country in war and peacetime; in Europe as a member of the NATO forces. Bill’s career took them to Trenton (Ont), Hamilton (Ont), Whitehorse (Yukon), St. Hubert (Que), 4 Fighter Wing, Baden Baden, Germany, and finally to Vancouver (B.C.). A member of the Halton Naval Veterans Association, a retired Stelco employee, Bill was also a committed member of Delta United Church where he had served as an elder. Service and cremation has taken place.