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William “Bill” Stanley Shay
January 7, 1933 – November 28, 2023
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90 years of Bedford, NS passed away in the presence of his family on November 28, 2023 after suffering a major stroke. Bill was born in Caledonia, Queens Co., NS to Frederick Palmer Shay and Marjorie Varian (Brooks) Shay . Bill is survived by his daughter Lisa (Salvatore) Shay Avolese, sister Freda (John) Lawrence, and his grandchildren Danielle (Jordan), Kristen, Vittoria, and Joseph. He was predeceased by his wife Betty Lou (MacGillivray/Mair) Shay, brothers Earle (Margaret), Vernon (Judy), Theadore, Wilford, and George who died in infancy; and sisters Marion, Audrey, Marjorie, and Kathleen.
Bill grew up in Queens County, NS and lived in numerous communities, and worked in the woods logging before moving to Halifax as a young man. He soon met the love of his life, Betty Lou, who he eventually married in 1960. They had a daughter Lisa, in 1962 however tragically Betty Lou died in a car accident in 1969 and this left Bill a single Dad. He took this new role as his most important and dedicated his life to ensuring that she was taken care of. They had a special bond and eventually the support that Bill gave to Lisa was returned to him by her in his later years. He worked as a mechanic for many years and then at a music store. He enjoyed rubbing shoulders with local musicians, talking about music, and enjoyed being surrounded by beautiful guitars which was a passion of his. He also loved motorcycles and once brought one home in a box and spent the winter contentedly putting it together. At 50 he started his own painting and handyman business and reluctantly retired at the age of 87. Bill was a gentleman; kind, caring, patient, and would do anything to help anyone in need. He loved to play guitar, fix cars, and ride his motorcycle. Bill took many family members out in the infamous blue canoe and paddled the local lakes, rivers and even the Halifax Harbour. He was a simple man who loved the quiet and solitude of the woods. He enjoyed listening to Chet Atkins and Marty Robbins gunslinger songs. He identified with the cowboy life and loved beans and weiners – cowboy food. Bill never re-married but met Barb Snyder in his mid-50s and she convinced Bill to take up social dancing. They had many fun years together and enjoyed a beautiful friendship up until this time. Bill also enjoyed a very close relationship with his 2 granddaughters Danielle and Kristen. They saw him as a superhero who could fix absolutely anything. He always had wise advice, and taught them practical things in life like how to change a car tire. He embraced his step-grandchildren Vittoria and Joseph just as warmly. Bill will be missed by many…Bill will be remembered by many.
Visitation will be at Life Song Christian Church, 300 Stokil Drive, Lower Sackville on Sunday December 3, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Celebration of Life/Memorial Service also to be held at Life Song Christian Church on Monday December 4, at 2:00 pm; officiated by Pastor Tim Slaunwhite. Reception to follow at the church. Interment will be at Pine Rest Cemetery, Green Field, Queens Co. on Tuesday December 5, at 3:30 pm. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers The memory of the righteous is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7rs donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to the QEII Foundation.
The memory of the righteous is a blessing. Proverbs 10:7
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SERVICES
Visitation
Sunday, December 3, 2023
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Life Song Christian Church
300 Stokil Drive,
Lower Sackville, NS
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Funeral Service
Monday, December 4, 2023
2:00 PM
Life Song Church
300 Stokil Drive,
Lower Sackville, NS
Get Directions on Google Maps
Graveside Service
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
3:30 PM
Pine Rest Cemetery,
Green Field,
Queens Co.,
Get Directions on Google Maps
January 7 1933 November 28 2023
Death notice for the town of: Halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice William Bill Stanley Shay January 7 1933 November 28 2023
obituaries notice William Bill Stanley Shay January 7 1933 November 28 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of William Bill Stanley Shay January 7 1933 November 28 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
