JOE, Bill (Bak Wai) born December 13, 1924 in Victoria, B.C., passed away on November 10, 2009 after a short but courageous battle with leukemia.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Soon Wing and Annie Chow, sisters Virginia, Rose and Daisy, and pre-term granddaughter Faith. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Fillis, daughter Salina (Sal Ruffolo), grandchildren Talia and Lorenzo, sons Gregg, Wesley (Amy) and Tony (Susan). Born into a large family of 8 children, he is also survived by brothers Jon (Verna), Ed (May) and Tom (Betty), sister Pearl, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill attended school at North Ward, Central and Vic High. As a teen Bill worked at the Empress Hotel, and as a young adult at Don Mee Restaurant. Bill took a long vacation in Hong Kong in 1957 and found the love of his life, Fillis, married and brought her home to Victoria. Bill, his brothers and other family members established the B & E Food Market on Fort at Cook in 1957. The family sold the business in 1988. Bill took an early retirement to enjoy more gardening, dancing, and travelling. Most of all, he cherished precious time with his grandchildren as “Goong Goong.”
Bill was a dignified gentleman, seasoned outdoorsman and self-taught handyman. Although he was a very honourable and private man, he often accompanied Fillis to enjoy an active social life. Bill and Fillis were well-known as accomplished ballroom dancers. Bill was known as a mischievous kid at heart who enjoyed the simple things in life. Passionately devoted to his family, Bill’s life was a lesson in constant love for Fillis, their children and grandchildren. In his own quiet and unassuming way, he was the firm and steady hand on the wheel that guided us through the storms of life. Together, Bill and Fillis created a firm foundation on which they built their family. His love for Fillis and their family was truly a blessing we enjoyed everyday.
Prayers and viewing will be held on November 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm, McCall Brother’s, 1400 Vancouver St. A Mass to celebrate Bill’s life will be presided by Rev. Father Peter Ho on November 25, 2009 at 12:10 pm, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2060 Haultain St. Internment at Royal Oak Burial Park followed by a reception at St. Patrick’s Church hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill’s memory to Vancouver Island Society for Children with Autism (VSCA) PO Box 44106, 2947 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, V9A 7K1 or the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children 2400 Arbutus Rd, Victoria, V8N 1V7. The family wishes to thank Dr. Benjamin How, Oncology nurses, doctors and Interdisciplinary Therapy Team at the Royal Jubilee, Palliative Response Team, Beacon Community Services and everyone involved in Bill’s care and attention in his last weeks. Bill will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by a multitude of family and friends.
Charity #1
VANCOUVER ISLAND SOCIETY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM (VSCA)
Info:http://www.victoriaautismsociety.com/about
Direct donations by mail:
PO Box 44106, 2947 Tillicum Rd, Victoria BC V9A 7K1
Phone: (250) 818-4662 (Laurel)
Charity #2
QUEEN ALEXANDRA FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN
Donations on-line:
https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true
Direct donations by mail:
2400 Arbutus Rd, VIctoria BC V8N 1V7
Phone: 519-6977 (Sharon or Jennifer)
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David Ho
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Heather and Mike Siska Fillis and Tony,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and all your family.
We were so sorry to be unable to attend Bill’s service today, and Jason and Jonathan join with us in sending you our deepest sympathy.
Our hearts will continue to be with you in the weeks to come.
Heather and Mike Siska
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Don & Berny Hendryanto Bill was an example for Don on how to live a healthy and good life.
He will be remembered in our midst always, as a gift of God to this world.
God bless the family and give you comfort,Don and Berny
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George and Peggy Colegrave Dear Fillis and Family,
My friendship with Bill goes back to the early 70’s where as a young
man I spent some great hours hunting deer together with Bill.
Bill was a great parther in the outdoors, dependable and always on time and excited about the adventure. I never brought a lunch, Bill would raid the B and E Food Mart and bring a box of food to last a week, not a day.
Bill was one of the happiest man I knew, he had a great love for family and friends and that was easy to see everytime I was invited to his home after a hunting trip.
He will always be fondly remembered by Peggy and myself.George and Peggy
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Angela Dear Auntie Fillis & the Joe’s family,
I feel so sad of hearing Uncle Bill’s departure. My thoughts are always with you and the family. May Uncle Bill rest in peace and comfort. I will always remember his laughters though from afar.
Love/Angela
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Terrie and Dan Conway Tony, we send you our deepest sympathies in the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Love and Prayers
Dan and Terrie
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Chantal Boily Gregg,
Toutes mes condoléances, à toi et à ta famille,
Chantal
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Frances & Joseph Leung Fillis and family: May your precious memories lighten the loss of your beloved one. You are always being thought about with sympathy, caring, warm friendship, and love.
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Charles & Theresa Low Our thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time.
Charlie and Theresa
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Charles & Theresa Low Our thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time.
Charles & Theresa
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Sheila Norton Please accept my sympathy Fillis. I remember Bill fondly. He danced with me when I was brand new to ballroom dancing and made me feel comfortable immediately. I’m glad to think you’ll have the support of your family and friends at this difficult time.
Love, Sheila
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Vilma Sequeira Dear Fillis and family, my brother Jackie has today phoned from England extending his deepest sympathy. He remembers all the good times we have had.
My prayers are with you ever since Bill’s death and I will continue to pray that God grants you strength in time of sorrows.
Love Vilma
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betty crowther Dear Verna and Jon and family,
Too much of this lately and it is such a sad thing. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I will always remember that dinner where we met . The warmth of Bill’s smile in the photo is as I remember him. Warm and welcoming and smiling. My heart is with you all.
Betty Crowther and family
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David and Marie Wardell We were so very sorry to hear about your father ..
Our deepest sympathy to you Tony and your family.
David and Marie Wardell
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Marge Lester Bill has left a big empty space in many of our lives. I will never forget his wonderful smile and his sense of fun. I can only imagine the loss you are experiencing at this sad time, and am thankful that you are surrounded by your wonderful family and host of friends. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Marge
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Ann and Gordon Reilly We are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a lovely gentleman, always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will be greatly missed in his church community. We have only our love and prayers to offer at this sad and difficult time. Affectionately, Ann and Gordon
Fillis.
We remember & appreciate the good time you & Bill gave us in many of your house parties & barbecues during our lonely weekends in Victoria over forty years ago. Bill used to introduce me to hunting which I have never picked up. But the good taste & flavour of deer meat & deep fried pheasants from Bill’s hunting still linger in our mouths.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this most difficutl time.
David & Theresa