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
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Neil Johnson
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J an en Geertje From The Netherlands send we our sincere condolences. Jan + Geertje Klunder.
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Piet Jan Tuinema Dear John, Mary Ann and family,
Our sincere condolence to all of you. Our thoughts are with you.
Keep strong in difficult time.
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Robin I have just heard this very sad news about Billy. He had such an engaging presence and was always so good to Callum, sharing his passion for all things motorized vehicles, playing video games with the boys, and joining them for a Nerf war. Billy had an enthusiasm for life and I think of him as always smiling. Our heart goes out to Danielle, Cohen, Briar and everyone else whose lives were better for having Billy in theirs. Sending condolences and big hugs, Robin, Callum and Shea
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Kimberly LeBourveau (Purcell) Sending my deepest condolences to Billy’s entire family and friends. I have fond memories of Billy, thinking of you all at this incredibly sad time.
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Gautam Arora 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
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Jess Holland 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.
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Victor da Costa Ferreira 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!
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Eric Neilson Very sorry for the family’s loss. Hopefully his memory burns bright.
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Jennifer Winship There are no words to convey how terrible this is. My heartfelt condolences to the Fokkema family .Rest peacefully Billy.
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Brian Flynn 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
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Kimani Ray Smith 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.
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Kathy King Condolences to the family.
So many fond memories of Billy in the burnside bike gang
He will always be remembered.
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Ryan Dawson 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.
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Elaine Baxter Sending thoughts of peace your way. I’m so sorry for your loss.
No parent should endure the loss of a child.
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Arnett Family PEI Sending love across the country, rest well Billy, you will be missed. Thinking of his family in the days ahead, and here to support.
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Bonnie Russell 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
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Alison Boudreau 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.
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Tracy (Perry) Martell 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.
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Jenn Bird 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.
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Brian Homuth 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.
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Shannon Sartori 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
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Erica Fensom My sincere condolences to the Fokkema family and friends. Billy was an inspiration to many. My thoughts are with you.
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Mike Jones I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you all right now.
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Craig Williams Rest easy Billy! You’ll be missed my friend. Condolences to the entire Fokkema family and all of Billy’s friends.
When I saw his picture and smile I remembered his laugh! I hope this verse provides comfort.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18