William McKenzie "Bill" Pineo
March 24, 1920 – December 2, 2019
Bill was born in Port Alberni and joined the Army in 1939 as a Dispatch Rider; married Pamela Diana Harrison on Dec 25/43; had a son, Alan, born Nov 8/44 and after returning from the war in 1945 his daughter Linda, born Jun 17/47 in Port Alberni where they lived while Bill was employed as a Crane operator for the Harbour Commission.
The family moved to Nanaimo in 1956 to open Pineo's BA Service Station on Comox and Terminal with cousin Bob Pineo; moved to Hawaii 1964 and worked as an 'honest car salesman' (which is true to his style); returned to Nanaimo 1973 to Lantzville for 33 years; was a school bus driver for School District 68 until he retired in 1985.After retiring he did a bit of travelling in Canada and the States.
He settled down to enjoy his retirement and started the BEAMS and BEARS programs in School District 68 elementary schools (which is still going strong under Literacy Nanaimo). He and Pam moved to Long Lake Chateau 2006. Shortly, after Pam died Bill moved; to Dufferin Place in 2017 where he remained until his death.
Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 70 years, Pam Pineo (2013), dear son, Alan Pineo (2019), sisters, Marjorie and Betty. Dad lived an interesting life for sure. Always available to help those in need, especially people who broke down on the Island Highway/Superior Rd, Lantzville – all those who he helped, you are welcome! The school kids were his pride and joy of driving the bus. He kindly gave every child a silver dollar the last day prior to retirement. He had over 150 volunteers he placed in elementary schools under the program he designed and started, BEAMS & BEARS. He volunteered along with Pam for several years working other programs. He was Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year 2001. He was a very kind and always a gentleman to all. Never forgot to say "Thank you" for anything anyone did for him.
Bill is survived by his daughter Linda (Paul Lawry), Dorothy Pineo (daughter-in-law); Grandchildren – Todd (Carolyn Earl Pineo), Deanna (Steve Hadada), Paul Lawry Jr; Great Grandchildren – Darcie Pineo O'Donovan (Tim), Scott Pineo, Allison Pineo, Miranda Gudbranson (Richard McIntyre), Brett Gudbranson, Paul Lawry III, Ryan Lawry; Great Great Grandchildren – Mari O'Donovn and Finlee McIntyre.
Thank you to all those who visited Dad while he was in Dufferin's care and to all the staff at Dufferin for taking such good care of him.
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