Obituary for
Wasyl « Bill » Billey
It is with much love and a deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mr. Wasyl “Bill” Billey of Smoky Lake, AB, formerly of Edwand, AB, at the age of 87 years.
He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Johnston of Edmonton, AB, seven nephews, six nieces, and numerous extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Wasylena “Lena” and Theodore “Fred”, his brothers George and Ernie, and his sisters Nancy Kozak Krysanowski, Anne Bozak, Tillie Billey Polowsky, Mary Scheers, and his nephews Dwayne Bozak, Garry Kozak, and Bob Bozak.
Bill’s grandparents, Mattey and Paraska Billey, landed in Canada on June 26, 1901, and settled in the Kotzman District. His father, Fred, was one of ten children, and Bill was the fourth child of eight and was raised on the homestead 6 miles from Smoky Lake on Range Road 16, Township 59, Section 20. On August 10, 2008, his brother Ernie accepted a centenary pioneer certificate from the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (UCHV) outside Edmonton recognizing 100 years of settlement in honour of their grandparents. Their names are displayed on the centenary board at the UCHV.
Bill went to school until grade 3 and spent his life farming with his parents – and then his brothers – on the family homestead. Bill and his brother George had a very special relationship and were inseparable growing up. Both boys were unable to communicate in the same way as the rest of the family and thus developed a unique language of their own. Bill and George lived on the farm with their brother Ernie until George was placed in the Smoky Lake nursing home because of his health. Shortly after, Bill suffered a stroke, and joined his brother George.
Bill was a very gentle, kind, fun-loving man of simple pleasures. He had a heart of gold and loved to help with anything he possibly could. He lived a life of routine and was always smiling and happy. He enjoyed walking, playing cards, watching animal and game shows on television, and he enjoyed his shots of whiskey. He loved animals and enjoyed caring for livestock and pets throughout his life. He had a child-like manner and adored visiting with his nieces and nephews, their children, and their children’s children.
Bill was a light in this life and was loved by everyone he met. The staff and residents at Bar-V-Nook Manor, his forever home, became Bill’s family. He was loved by all and will always be fondly remembered for his giggle and his special little kick. His family and friends were very fortunate to have Bill in their lives. He will be greatly missed and remembered, always.
Graveside Service Friday, September 24 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Pokrova Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Edwand, AB with Reverend Bennie Ambrosie officiating.
Order Flowers
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Wasyl Bill
Billey 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta