Bill passed away on October 16, 2023 in Victoria, BC after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of ‘double hit’ Lymphoma. Bill came into this world a few weeks late – arriving on September 21, 1972 and weighing in at 9lbs. 10oz. He is the youngest of three children and is survived by his parents, John and Mary Ann, his siblings Diane (Ed) Nelms and Johnny (Lisa).
Bill met his sweetheart and “babe” Danielle in 2002, they were married in August 2005, and have two beautiful children; Cohen (CoCo) and Briar (Bubba). Bill loved his family very much and fought so hard to spend more time with them. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He will be dearly missed by his nieces; Mariah (Derek) Welch and Natasha Nelms; his in-laws; Mike and Shirley Arnett, Jamie Mueller and nephews; Kian and Matteo.
Bill loved the outdoors, his motorcycle, and pony tail – he thought he was such a cool dude! He was happiest when he was hiking, spending time and making memories with friends and family. He loved travelling and seeing new places.
Bill joined the Shaw Cable family in 1998. He gained lifelong friends and was a successful and respected member of his team. Bills life was cut far too short, but he definitely left his presence on earth! His spirit, strength, and goodness will be in our hearts eternally. The family was blessed to witness how loved Bill was by many.
A heartfelt enormous thank you is being sent to everyone who has supported Bill and his family through his cancer journey. Bill was fortunate to have a village of many loving friends, an excellent medical care team, and advocates supporting him for the past two years.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens Sequoia on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Tributes (if desired) can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation to support ongoing research for Lymphoma.
To view the service, please click the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
25 Responses
Sending love across the country, rest well Billy, you will be missed. Thinking of his family in the days ahead, and here to support.
Mary Ann and John I was so sorry to hear the sad news however I was aware of the long ordeal you all had to go through. I can only hope that he is now at peace. My thoughts are with you. Bonnie
My condolences to Billy’s family.
It was always a great pleasure to to chat with Billy when I worked with him at Shaw. He was always such a wonderful person and will be missed by anyone who met him.
I am so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. He clearly loomed large in the lives and hearts of many and this loss will be felt deeply by friends and family. My sincerest condolences to Danielle, Cohen, and Briar and the rest of the family.
My sincere condolences to all of Billy’s family and friends. I can only imagine the enormous weight of this loss for you all right now. I am just so very sorry. I have such found memories of Billy. He was an incredible guy. I am sending you all prayers of love, strength and peace at this time.
Was an honor to have meet and worked with you, you always made work fun and I will miss hearing “hey Boss how’s it going” when I saw you.
Condolences to the family. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. May all the fond memories you have guide you through these days. Biggest of hugs xox
My sincere condolences to the Fokkema family and friends. Billy was an inspiration to many. My thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you all right now.
Rest easy Billy! You’ll be missed my friend. Condolences to the entire Fokkema family and all of Billy’s friends.