William Berbenuik

It is with sadness the family of William (Billy) Berbenuik announce his passing on Friday, January 15, 2016.

Billy was born February 22, 1951 in Port Arthur and remained in Thunder Bay throughout his life.

At the age of 11, Billy started his working career making deliveries for Janzen Pharmacy, then later worked at Bay Meats. Following that he had a long career in the building supply business, first with Biltrite Lumber, and then Home Hardware.

Billy found great joy in his children Amy and Brendan. He enjoyed watching and cheering them on while they were curling or playing hockey. The birth of his grandson Xander was a special moment for Billy.

Billy loved all music but his favourite band consisted of John, Paul, George and Ringo, a small quartet from Liverpool. In his early years he learned to play the accordion and joined a Ukrainian band and then continued with a rock and roll group playing at the Flamingo club. He shared his love of music with all of his family and will be remembered for the special lip sync performances (in full costume) with family and friends during the holiday season.

Billy loved summers at Sunnyside Beach watching his family, nieces and nephews, in-laws, outlaws, dogs, cats, neighbours and friends sharing great times.

Member of the Black Stump Hunt Club at Kab Lake, good cook and fishing buddy. Past member of the Fort William Curling Club and member of the elite 8-Ender Club. Billy enjoyed driving his ’72 AMX Javelin, winning many awards as part of the AMC Northern Ramblers Car Club. Billy liked golfing, movies and games, especially shuffleboard tournaments played on the table he hand made.
Survived by wife Carol (nee Childs), daughter Amy and grandson Xander Brampton, son Brendan (Alanna and Cooper) Victoria, BC; brother Alex (Geri), Victoria BC, sisters Lily (Arnie Torma) and Selvian (Dave Dalton); brother-in-law Alfie (Susan) Childs, sisters-in-law Cindy (John Didula), Caren (Larry Naismith) and Carrie Childs, numerous nieces, great-nieces and nephews. Billy was blessed with lifelong friends Lloyd, Terry and Allan.

Predeceased by parents Peter and Ann Berbenuik, in-laws Alf and Lillian Childs and sister-in-law Judy Berbenuik.

Cremation has taken place and a gathering for family and friends will be held at the Fort William Curling Club, 218 N. Vickers Street on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, especially 1A for the care and compassion shown to Billy. They would also like to thank Alfie, Susan, Caren, Carrie, Lilly. Arnie, Selvian and Dave for being there for Billy.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.