In the spirit of one of Bill’s long winded yet wildly amusing stories, let’s get the important facts of out the way first. William Francis Degeer arrived in Lacombe on February 10, 1943. After spending his childhood there he forged a path to Edmonton and then to Slave Lake which was his home for many years. Never one to let grass grow under his feet, Bill once again ventured and decided that Peace River was a good place to hang his Tilley hat for a few years until he decided that St. Albert was the final destination to end his travels. Bill’s wife Mavis, of 48 years, kept him company on his various adventures as well as daughters: Jody and Tracy–semicolon– fun loving sons: Jake and Eric–semicolon– and proud grampa to his grandchildren: Joshua, Kyle and Charlotte. His siblings: Bob, Val, Vern, Joan, Mona and Connie gave him many years of joy and reasons to tease.
Bill loved nothing more than to get a rise out of people and dazzle them with his extended vocabulary and knowledge. His many friends that he considered family would agree that Bill was the original Google. As a pillar of generosity and kindness to everyone, Bill would help anyone out. No request was too big or small and in most cases, a stranger would become a friend. Hunting, fishing, airboats, storytelling or just sitting around and having a drink of schnapps along with a smoke would make him smile. First and foremost, family was his number one love and priority. There was no such thing as distinction between blood or chosen family members as all were equally loved and cherished by Bill.
Billy Blastoff’s life was as varied as one of his stories. His next chapter is amongst the stars that he vastly studied and adored. He will be joining his passed siblings: Del, Ev, Ed and Ken who are most likely waiting to give him a hard time as soon as he arrives. Bill’s faithful dog, Lefty, will also be there looking forward to another duck hunt. There is no such thing as goodbye in his many musings, just an “until we meet again” attitude along with his smile.
May the sun always shine upon your face
May there always be a fish on your hook
May there always be a conversation on hand wherever you are.
We will miss him.
Until then, be good.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Bill’s favourite spot on the lake.
In lieu of flowers, buy some fish hooks!!
Ranjit Gill says
Dear Auntie Mae, so sad but know that Uncle Bill is at peace and in a better place. You, Jody, Tracy and family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!!! Ranjit
Michelle Kolodychuk says
Dear Mavis and family, Sending our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, and father. Life is never the same after we lose someone so special. May happy memories sustain you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Ed and Michelle Kolodychuk
Charles & Frances Prichuk says
Dear Mavis and family….we were so sorry to hear of Bill”s passing. Sending our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Bill will be missed, but he”ll be entertaining all his friends in the heavens with his stories.
Milton Schlosser says
Dear Mavis,
My condolences to you on the loss of your husband, Bill. As you both grieve his death and celebrate his life, I am thinking of you and your family. Milton Schlosser
Carol Patton says
Dear Mavis, Jody, Tracy & families, We”re so sorry to hear about Bill. He will be missed.
Todd McKay says
Dear William
You were a lucky guy to have the most patient, and I mean PATIENT, loving wife, a man could ever hope for. I mean if she had a dollar for every time she heard one of your stories, why she could buy Alberta . And as an added bonus she can give Martha Stewart a run for her money in the kitchen. She also gave you two beautiful daughters, who in turn gave you three beautiful grand kids. I was a lucky guy because I had the privilege of knowing you for 10 years and being your son in law for 7 of them. And during that time I learned more about being a man,
from you, then I ever learned from my own father, there was a reason you guys never met him.
I had more respect for you than you ever knew….hmmmm….finally I know something you didn”t .
Well now you know…thanks for everything !
William Todd
Mavis, you have my deepest sympathy, you are in my thoughts, love ya! Take care.
Jody, Tracy ,grandkids and the rest of the family, my deepest sympathy. After the tears subside
the memories of Bill, will I”m sure provide many smiles and laughter. He was an awesome guy.
Good luck on the BIG LAKE BILLY! (gee, I hope this was long winded enough to honor him)
William Todd
Sandra Brooks Hoefman says
Hi Mavis,
I know it has been many years since I have see you and your family. I remember helping Bill train Lefty, and then Lefty being over protective of the girls when I babysat LOL, and I remember how supportive you both were all those moons ago. Please do keep in touch, our hearts and prayers and with you.
Sharon Darrah says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bill are heart goes out to you Mavis & Family.
Dave and I will purchase a fishing hook in Bill”s memory and take it with us when we fish the lakes in Northern Alberta. Love Always, Dave & Sharon Darrah
Jean & AL Williams & Family says
Mavis & Family,
We are sad hear of Bill”s passing. You and Bill were always so comfortable to be with. Sympathy to you and the girls and families. We”ll be thinking of you.
Dave and Polly Walker says
Mavis and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He certainly will be missed at the lake. Take care and keep the good times close to your heart. See you at the lake
Dave, Polly Walker and family