05/27/2024
It is with great sadness that Joy and I would like to share about the passing of Joy's father Bill Masselink.
He was an amazingly kind and gentle man who loved the Lord, loved people and brought joy to so many people's lives
here is some information about his life
thank you for your love and prayers
William (Bill) Frederick Masselink of Charlottetown (September 14, 1937 – May 20, 2024).
Son of Frederik and Antje (Broekema) Masselink, Bill was born in Bandung, Indonesia (then the Dutch East Indies), where he lived and survived a Japanese concentration camp for 3 ½ years with his mother and brother until just after the Second World War. He lived only briefly in the Netherlands before his family boarded the ship Volendam and sailed to Halifax; they settled in Ontario, Canada in 1951. As an adult living in Toronto, Bill obtained his first of multiple degrees and met and married his wife, Audrey Schouten. Eventually, they moved first to Montreal, then to Moncton before settling in Sherwood, PEI. He faithfully served the Province of Prince Edward Island as a librarian and public servant for many years. He was also in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Naval and Army reservist, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in the Navy. While Bill enjoyed the sea, he had a deep love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He had a surprising wit about him that would pop up at different times. He will be remembered for his quiet, respectful demeanor; though he was quite a private person, he was very empathetic and he had, at heart, the best interest of others. Bill enjoyed gardening, travelling, the outdoors, reading and serving with the Navy League and Sea Cadets.
Bill is survived by wife Audrey Masselink of almost 60 years, sons David (Annette) of Burbank, CA and Jon of Guelph, ON; daughter Joy (Ian) MacFarlane of Halifax, NS; brother Jake Masselink of Victoria BC; sister Ann Vreughdenhil of Brampton, ON; grandchildren Chantal, Brendan, Luci, Lyra, Nerida and Will; and nieces and nephews.
Many thanks to the staff at Geneva Villa and Whisperwood Villa (Remembrance Hall) for their care over the last few years of his life. Thank you also to QEH Unit 3 doctors, nurses and staff in the last few weeks.
Bill’s celebration of life will be held Tuesday, June 4 at 11AM at the Charlottetown Christian Reformed Church, 153 Mt Edward Rd. Visitation will be Monday, June 3rd from 4-7 PM at Cutcliffe Funeral Home, 35 Longworth Ave.
