“Bill” Bak Wai Joe

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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