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
Condolences to the family. The one thing that I will never forget about Billy is his smile. He was always smiling. Rest in peace Billy
I would like to pass along my heartfelt condolences to the Fokkema Family and loved ones. Billy was a remarkable man and an inspiration. I will miss our chats and I will miss his smiling hello, as you know, when Billy smiled, his whole face smiled. I will take that memory with me forever. Peace and Love.
Billy, I can’t believe this has happened to you, it saddens me to know that you were taken away from the ones who love you so soon!
I spent many years working with you at Shaw and you were a Top Man! Always professional and took extreme pride in your work, this is why I loved working with you so much at the time! Although we lost touch when I moved on to a new career path, I will always remember you and the years we spent working together!
My sincere condolences to John and all of Billy’s family!
Very sorry for the family’s loss. Hopefully his memory burns bright.
There are no words to convey how terrible this is. My heartfelt condolences to the Fokkema family .Rest peacefully Billy.
The Flynn Family are so sad at the loss suffered by the Fokkema Family, Billy was always part of our trip to Victoria over the years and he will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with Danielle, Cohen, Briar and all Billy’s Family & Friends during this most difficult of times, much love from Dublin……Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Sending Love and Light to you Billy, my friend. I will never forget your bright smile, sparkling blue eyes and loving demeanour. I am honoured to have spent the time we had growing up in Victoria and cherish our friendship. Rest in power, Billy. My condolences to the Fokkema family, we all were blessed to have Billy in our lives.
Condolences to the family.
So many fond memories of Billy in the burnside bike gang
He will always be remembered.
You where my First Ride along at Shaw , you set the standard of professionalism while still managing to be fun and likeable. I always enjoyed our back and forth banter and how you always made me laugh , everyone loves the Fokkema brothers , You will be greatly missed.
Sending thoughts of peace your way. I’m so sorry for your loss.
No parent should endure the loss of a child.