July 4, 1942 - March 28, 2021
"Death ends a life, not a relationship." - Mitch Albom
Bill was born in Salmon Arm, BC, to Wilfred and Florence and enjoyed his early days in Ashton Creek with his younger brother and sister, Gordon and Sharon. Bill and his family moved to Smithers when he was 7, where he met Dian in high school. They had a chance to share beautiful memories and reminisce about days gone by at Bill's bedside.
Bill and Dian's beloved daughter, Bryony, was born in 1960. They married on Dec 31, 1963, in Smithers, and soon built a home in Driftwood, where they spent the next 50 years. Bill and Dian were blessed with two sons, Jamie and Michael.
The paramount sadness of Bill's life was the death of his son, Michael, in 2005.
Bill's greatest joys rested close to home. He gave his all to jobs at Goodacre's Grocery Store, Super Valu, Gulf Oil, Dairyland, and Smithers Lumber Yard. His favourite moments were spent connecting with and serving all his customers.
Bill's family was his passion. He tended his family as he tended his home - with love. Bill took tremendous pride in the daily lives of Bryony, Jamie, and Michael. He shared many experiences with Jamie and Michael through school and beyond, including enjoyment of countless basketball and volleyball trips and games.
Bill travelled vicariously through Jamie and Michael's many adventures and served faithfully as "the wind beneath their wings." Bill built many happy memories vacationing with his granddaughter Eliya. He was anticipating the blessed arrival of great grandchildren.
Bill loved to garden and became an expert at mowing acres of grass in his home fields. He loved the flowers that grew but quietly cringed when his wife added yet another flower bed for his tending. In winter, Bill kept the home fires burning. Chores kept him busy, but he enjoyed reading when he had the chance.
Bill will be remembered with love by Dian, Bryony (Stelios) Papaxanthos, Jamie Cromer, and Lisa DeMarni Cromer, grandchildren Anna (Kevin) Ho, Nicholas (Veronika) Papaxanthos, Melina Papaxanthos, and Eliya Cromer, sister Sharon Cromer and her daughter, brother Gordon (Patricia) Cromer and their children, and his extended family and friends.
Bill passed away peacefully on Mar 28, 2021. In appreciation of their outstanding care, donations can be made to the Bulkley Valley District Hospital Palliative Care Fund in lieu of flowers.
Condolences may be offered at www.schraderfuneralhome.ca
Schrader Funeral Home & Cremation Services