W.D.(Bill) Cracklen left us on his own terms on August 21, 2025.  He leaves behind to remember him his devoted wife of 44 years, Claudette, his children Cindy Jewel (Leonard), Grant, and Todd,   his cherished grandchildren Jesse (Jef) and Daniel, as well as friends and many, many former employees and business associates.

Bill Cracklen was a major force to be reckoned with - a natural leader and visionary with a memorable, bigger-than-life personality, and a pretty good golfer too!  He propelled himself far beyond his humble beginnings as a teenage clerk at Air Canada. Later, while working with his dad at Cracklen Carpets in Winnipeg and Western Canada, Bill gained invaluable business acumen and an appreciation for the power of advertising and promotion, as well as a snappy suit.  Upon his move to Vancouver in 1976, Bill entered the world of office equipment, starting as a salesman at Benndorf-Verster Ltd.. It was there that his drive and talent for leadership were recognized.  Bill accepted the colossal challenge of reversing the trajectory of the foundering company.  The company implemented winning business and service strategies, adopted new product lines, and employed extensive advertising campaigns to earn its reputation for innovation and reliability.  Bill developed a corporate culture that attracted and retained talented people, never accepting mediocrity. Always transparent and clear, everyone knew where they stood with Bill.  His CAN DO attitude inspired others to maximize their potential, reach further, and enjoy the rewards and satisfaction of a job very well done.   Under Bill Cracklen’s leadership, the company flourished.  Within a decade, Benndorf Verster dominated the greater Vancouver market, supported by hundreds of employees, and became a spectacular multimillion-dollar industry success story.  Subsequently, the company joined the Alco/Ikon organization, where Bill contributed his expertise on a corporate level until his retirement in 1995.

A private service will take place at a later date.

arrangement entrusted to the:

complexe funéraire

Haut-Richelieu

86 ch Des Patriotes E.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Québec

450.390.1111 comlexefuneraire.ca