Bill Blair Wendy Nordick - Kamloops Honoree

2019 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's

“I don’t need to be the best, but I try to be the best I can be – including all my faults.” It’s a philosophy Bill Blair has carried with him for life, from his 26 years as a judge in Kamloops to the challenges he and his wife Wendy Nordick have faced following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

When Bill stepped away from the bench in 2008, he entered an active retirement with Wendy. They spent their time travelling and living abroad, exploring new cultures, architecture, food – and engaged in a host of physical activities: skiing, snowshoeing, running, cycling, hiking and SCUBA diving. Bill was known for his judgment and prided himself on his common sense – and he didn’t fit the stereotype of what someone living with dementia is supposed to look like.

“There was skepticism,” says Bill, adding that the consensus among their seven adult children was that his symptoms were the result of diet rather than dementia.

When dizziness, memory loss, lack of motivation and mood changes eventually led to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Bill and Wendy chose to be open about the new reality of their lives.

“We’re not concerned with stigma. We want to overcome it by speaking out. I go out and tell people, ‘My name’s Bill. I have Alzheimer’s.’ Why not?”

“Bill has a really useful way of dealing with life,” Wendy says. “He’s a realist and he doesn’t dwell in the past.”

Wendy and Bill – who she also describes as empathetic, kind, gentle, practical and an excellent problem-solver – have connected with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. for support groups and education. For Bill, gaining insight into the disease is an important first step on the dementia journey. 

“Life can be very good,” says Bill, who continues to play bridge and SCUBA dive. “Whatever life has given you, you have to experience it as best you can. Go and look at the sunshine today. Go talk or listen to somebody. Be as content as you can with what you have.”

  

Walk with Bill and Wendy at the Kamloops IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's on Sunday, May 5. Together, we make memories matter.