It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear husband, beloved father and caring grandfather, Bill Stonier, at home early in the morning on Dec 4th 2012. Bill is survived by Maureen, his loving wife of 56 years, 2 children; Julie Christie (Randy), Jeffrey and 3 grandchildren; Dustin, Daniel and Brianne, sister Carol Peddie (Jock), nephews and nieces.

Early in Bill's life his parents, Minnie and Stanley, fostered a love of music which carried on throughout his life. Bill was a very gifted, creative and bright person, never afraid to take on a new challenge in music or otherwise.

Bill attended Kitsilano High School and graduated in 1952. He was fully involved in the music program and developed many lifelong friends.

Soon after high school, Bill worked his way over to Europe on a Norwegian freighter which fostered his love of travel and adventure. He especially loved to travel by train and periodically worked for CN rail over the next several years. He made a point to travel by train whenever possible throughout his life from then on. He and Maureen criss-crossed North America and Europe over the years culminating with Bill's lifelong dream trip from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway on their 50th Anniversary.

n 1956, Bill had married Maureen and started a family. He worked for General Motors and then Proctor and Gamble. At this time he realised that a university education was necessary to succeed in life. He then returned to UBC to obtain a BA in History and Music followed by a Diploma in Education. He subsequently taught high school for 2 years as a music/geography teacher and while doing so started a small business buying new cars for teachers; Triad Leasing - The first new car buying service in Canada.

n 1969, Bill joined Northwest Music soon after its inception and quickly found his niche. He had a tremendous impact on the Canadian music industry as an innovative and energetic retailer who made his own opportunities. At one point, he bought a retired city bus, filled it with band music and drove from school to school across the country - Canada's first and only mobile music store!

Throughout the next 40 years, Bill's family and businesses flourished. He made a multitude of cherished personal and business friends, had a great deal of fun and many adventures, travel and otherwise. A thirst for knowledge was apparent throughout his life, the results of which he enjoyed sharing with all who knew him.

Bill fought the good fight against a variety of illnesses and his amazing spirit was always present right until the end of his days. He was a remarkable, one of a kind spirit, dedicated family man, a highly creative business man and a passionate advocate for music and music education. His passing is mourned by his family, many friends, colleagues and all who loved and knew him. He will be greatly missed!

The family would like to acknowledge the many friends who helped make his last few years enjoyable. We would especially like to recognise our lifelong friend and Bill's "Chicken Tuesday" cribbage partner, Ted Schultz. Thank you from all of us!

A Celebration of Life Service with reception to follow will be held at 1:00 PM Friday Dec. 14, at Shaughnessy Heights United Church: 1550 West 33rd Ave. Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Operation Eyesight Universal, 4 Parkdale Crescent NW, Calgary, Alta T2N 3T8 or at www.operationeyesight.com