William Francis (Bill) Steele
Ball’s Creek
On Monday, March 1, 2021, William Francis Steele, Ball’s Creek, passed away after a long and courageous battle with heart disease. He was lovingly surrounded by those dearest to him, his whole family. Bill was born on July 12, 1966 to the late Colin and Annie Mae (Handley) Steele in Sydney Mines, where he continued to grow up, attend school, and take part in a number of sports and cadets.
After graduating from Memorial High School, Bill chose a career he loved, behind the wheel, from driving transfer trucks across Canada and the US, to driving tour buses, driving for the Screaming Eagles, and finally with the CBRM as a bus driver, until his illness led to his early retirement. Those that knew Bill, knew he was happiest behind any wheel, telling everyone how to drive, and giving the “best” directions to any destination.
For many years, Bill was an avid biker, and took great pride in having one of the first Spyders on the island. His “pink” bike was often filled with the names of those fighting cancer in honor of those in his family he lost to this terrible disease, while also raising much needed funds for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
Bill will be remembered for his ability to make friends of anyone he met, making each and everyone feel they shared a very special relationship. He loved to tease and create chaos, but all in great humour, making wonderful memories for everyone.
Left to grieve Bill’s passing is his loving wife, soul mate and best friend Sheri (Fortune) his most cherished possession, and pride and joy, his children Courtney (Andrew Wallace), Mark, Jeremy Stanley and Kayla Williams, and stepson Dawson Taylor. His family was his whole world and he loved nothing better than being surrounded by those he loved most.
Also, Bill leaves behind his sisters Carolyn (Ernie) Brown, Kay (Johnny) MacIntyre, Liz (Levi) Nippard, Tanya (Bill) Harris, and Denise (Aaron) Evans, as well as brothers Sandy (Arlene), Colin (Darlene), Eddie (Denise) and Dwayne (Kelly) Evans, brothers in law Art MacIntyre, Martin Evans, Steven Fortune, Jason (Debbie) Fortune and mother-in-law Linda Fortune. As well as many nieces and nephews, especially Stephen MacIntyre, who was like a son to Bill and Nathan MacKinnon, a special godson!
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his sisters Becky MacIntyre, Theresa Basker, Peggy Evans and Mae Forrest and his brother Ronnie.
Services will be under the direction of JM Jobes Funeral Home, with a visitation on Thursday, March 4 from 7:00 to 9:00 and Funeral on Friday, March 5 at 10:00 am in Holy Family Church. Due to Covid restrictions, seating in the church is limited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation or charity of one’s choice.
At this time the family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many in the healthcare field who helped Bill with his battle, from both the Regional Hospital to the QE2 – Dr. Bernie MacIntosh, Dr. Roger Baskett, Sonya Osmond, Dr. Reg Sebastien, and Dr. Ian Doyle, as well as many more nurses and healthcare professionals. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bill Steele 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia
I just heard about Billy’s passing now. I’m so very sorry to hear this. We went to school together and he was always a really nice guy. My condolences to his wife, kids and friends.