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William Spooner passed away peacefully in his home at Hillside Village, Salmon Arm, BC, on February 24, 2009. Billy was born in Ballyteague, Co. Kildare, Ireland on August 9, 1926. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Jeanette, sister, Mary Dalgarno and brothers, Robert, Thomas, Charles(Barney), Robert Henry(Rob) and Jimmy. Billy will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Florence Weintz, Emily (Bill) Ford and numerous nieces and nephews.

Billy immigrated to Canada with his family in1928. The family farmed in Manitoba, but missing the beauty of Ireland they moved to B.C. settling first in Kelowna, then Canoe. Over the years he worked at Simpsons Sawmills in Kelowna, Burke Lumber Co. in Vancouver, the Federated Co-Op Mill in Canoe and lastly as a capable handyman. Billy helped care for his parents until their deaths in 1967 and 1973, then when his brother Tom became ill he tirelessly assisted him until his passing in 1989. They had well maintained lawns, fruit trees, and gardens that created a park like atmosphere. Billy could take a seed or cutting from anything and encourage it to grow. It was especially important to him to keep Grandma’s roses flourishing.

Billy was a gentle, unassuming yet strong willed man who loved children, animals, gardening and more recently painting. He took great pride in creating something functional and attractive from items that had outgrown their usefulness. He enjoyed being with friends at Doc’s Pub and taking Bear, his faithful border collie, on long walks in the hills around Canoe.

Billy wished to remain in Canoe, unfortunately in 2006 the years took their toll and it was time for him to advance to the next stage of his life. He moved to St. Roch’s in Sorrento, where he had a beautiful view of the Shuswap, a garden to tend and two dogs to throw sticks for and go on walks with. From St. Roch’s he moved to Hillside Village in Salmon Arm where he was allowed to maintain the quiet dignity with which he had lived his life. The family will be forever grateful to the kind and caring people who were Billy’s companions during the latter years.

A memorial service will be held in the spring, Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations to Hillside Village, The Good Samaritan Society, 2891-15 Ave. NE, Salmon Arm, B.C., V1E 1G9 (phone 250-833-5877), would be appreciated. In this small way, hopefully others will be able to share the same level of family oriented care that Uncle Billy received. Condolences may be sent to sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com

Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.



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