It is with great sadness that the Plouffe family announces the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Mr. William Joseph Plouffe, age 85 years, passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's Hospice on Thursday, September 8, 2016, after a long battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Fort William on October 19, 1930 to Herbert and Mary Plouffe. He grew up in the East end, attended local schools and was a member of St. Casimir's Church, where he served as an Alter boy.
Bill left school early to apprentice at his Uncle Jae Nisby's Farmer's Meat Market.
He worked at CNR, as a Telegraph Operator and Ontario Hydro, where he met Helen Martin, whom he married and shared 67 years with.
Bill worked at most Meat Markets in Thunder Bay and soon became Manager at Loblaws, where he worked until retiring at 45. In 1978, Bull purchased Haliday Lodge Fishing Resort in Lac Des Mille Lacs. He rescued many fishermen in trouble on the lake as well as hunters lost around the island in the fog. He kept a beacon light on so hunters followed the light in the dark of the evenings.
After retiring from the Resort in 1989, Bill moved back to the Thunder Bay area. He was an active member of St. Theresa's Church and Rural 60 Plus of Kakabeka Falls. He later became a member of St. Patrick's Cathedral and 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council 1447.
Bill enjoyed family gatherings and always tried to instill some of his best experiences to his grandchildren. Bill loved discussing politics and sports, especially baseball and hockey.
His greatest passion was landscaping and he always left his land park like. He also loved nature, boating, fishing and enjoyed working on the Ice Roads, in the winter up North, at Sandy Lake and Deer Lake. Bill was always willing and ready to volunteer, helping anyone in need – that is the way he lived. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Helen (nee Martin); daughter Debra and daughter-in-law Glenna Plouffe; grandchildren Colleen, Nicole and Steven Plouffe and his great-grandson, Braden.
He is also survived by his brother, Bob (June); niece Cherri and nephew Steven; cousins Barbara (Art) and Leonard (Margaret) as well as other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Mary; son Gregory and son-in-law Brian Thomas as well as other family members. Funeral Services for the late Mr. William Plouffe will be held on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00am in St. Patrick's Cathedral, celebrated by Msgr. P.M. Stilla, V.G. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time.
Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Bill to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.
