Wilhelm Spanberger

Wilhelm (Bill) Spanberger passed away peacefully at home in Comox surrounded by his immediate family on September 18th, 2023, at the age of 85. Bill was born on February 27, 1938, in Pilisvorosvar, Hungary, to parents Martin and Anna Spanberger. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Tracy (Andy Walther) and his son, Martin (Mihoko Nagae) and granddaughter Scotia. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Teresa, and brothers Martin and Stephan.

Bill left Hungary at the age of 17 during the revolution in 1956 with his cousin Joseph. They escaped to Austria and then Bill moved to Germany to live with his aunt. He worked as a mechanic for the US army in Germany and obtained his German citizenship. After 10 years there, he made the journey to Vancouver, BC, where he heard the fishing and hunting were very good. He married in 1970 and had 2 children, whom he raised in Richmond. He worked as a longshoreman until his retirement at 59.

He was an energetic man, loved the outdoors, camping, kayaking, hunting, and fishing, and even cold water swimming in the ocean. You would see him walking or biking to get groceries, right up until this summer. He was always puttering in his garden, growing an amazing variety of vegetables. He loved good food and was a fantastic cook and baker - mostly known for his delicious cakes, pies, and strudels.

Bill was very adventurous, loved to travel, and loved to learn new languages. He spoke English, Hungarian, German, Russian, and a bit of Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin and Korean. He was also an excellent ballroom dancer and was quite happy to show off his moves.

Due to his zest for life and all things outdoors, he was sometimes known to get into a bit of trouble - like eating a poisonous mushroom and ending up in hospital for 3 months, or hunting from his kayak and accidentally capsizing alone in the Fraser River late at night in November and needing to be rescued by the hovercraft (Thank you!).  He was determined at 85, that he was going to get his motorcycle license back, and did! He definitely kept us on our toes and made us laugh! He had a great life and did it his way. We are going to miss his antics.

We are forever grateful for the extraordinary care given by both Dr. Wainberg and the Community Home Care support workers and nurses. Your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bill’s family and friends to share stories and memories on November 12th, from 1-5pm, by invitation.

In remembrance, donations may be made to your local food bank or Habitat for Humanity.