B.C.'s Last Surviving WWI Vet Passes

By 250 News

November 11th cenotaph ceremony to remember veterans killed in war

BC Premier Gordon Campbell has acknowledged the passing of the province's last surviving veteran of world war I.

William Proctor passed away on Wednesday of this week at the age of 106 in Vernon.

The Premier says, "William Proctor was a proud veteran who will be remembered by British Columbians as a man who served his country honourably and also lived his life fully."

"While too young for active duty when he joined the forces in 1916, he did his part by chopping timbers to support the tunnels at Vimy Ridge," says Gordon Campbell, "It was, in a way, a uniquely British Columbian contribution to the war effort that suited a young man from a community like Mabel Lake."

Family members will gather on Monday in Vernon to celebrate Proctor's life.  Flags at the Legislative Buildings in Victoria and at Government House will fly at half-staff on Monday to mark his passing.

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