Sydney, NS
‘The time is here for me to leave this life. I have done the best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith’ 2 Timothy 4:7
On Friday, May 24th, 2019, at the age of 72, Bill went home to the Lord, his Saviour. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, Doctor and friend passed peacefully with his loving family by his side.
He was born on August 23rd, 1946 to William Ernest and Mary (Fulton) Snow. He grew into a passion for music and education, always at the top of his class entering university years at the young age of 16. His passion for music came through on the trumpet and piano, at any event he brought his keyboard to, and with his beloved mother on any stage they could find. Bill’s true passion for education and learning really came through during his years of medical school at Dalhousie University, where he graduated in 1971. He came back to Cape Breton and worked hard as a general practitioner, doing it all from working long hours at a Whitney Pier clinic, to covering house calls, two emergency rooms, and even infant deliveries into the night and wee hours of the morning. In his time as a GP, he noted the great need for ophthalmological care in Sydney and decided to pursue his studies in ophthalmology in Vancouver in 1975 where he graduated from the Vancouver General in 1981.
Returning to Cape Breton in 1982, he set up his second home- his ophthalmology practice on St. Peter’s Road. After 37 years of service to a career he loved, he at last put down the ophthalmoscope and only because his health gave him no further choice. “I feel like someone cut off my right arm”- words Bill spoke upon announcing his retirement. They say medicine is for those who cannot imagine doing anything else, in the case of Dr. Snow this could not be more true. It was not just a job, it was who he was. His son MacKenzie stated it simply: “there is an expression- love at first sight” because of my father (Dr. Snow), mothers were able to see their children and watch them grow. When he restored the sight of a child, what they saw for the rest of their lives, was a gift from him”. If you reassure the length of someone’s life by those he affected, he will live forever!
Bill was a kind, compassionate, and humble man. He was a strong Christian and took pride in his faith. He involved himself in the church as much as he could in the little time he had away from his devotion to his work and family. From teaching Sunday School and being a music director for the students at St. Andrews Church, to his heavy involvement in the Cape Breton Christian Fellowship church, their mens group, and assistance with the CB University exchange student members of the congregation.
His greatest love next to his Lord Jesus, was his family. There was never a dull moment in the Snow household thanks to Dad (Bill Bear). He treated his wife of 27 years like the Queen he considered her to be, and never hesitated to share his love with his family every day of his life. He loved ferociously and lived life exactly the way he wanted to- with God in his heart, ice cream in his hand, and family and friends around him every step of the way.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, William and Mary (Fulton) Snow; mother-in-law, Rita (Edwin) MacDonald; father-in-law, Hugh MacKinnon, and nephew, James Dale Greer.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Rebekah (Billy) Dixon, MacKenzie, Angela (Jonathan) MacKay, Mary Alyssa and Rita; grandchildren, Cooper and Isla Dixon, and Nina Kirby (mother of Rebekah and MacKenzie). Also survived by sister-in-law, Diana (Gerry) Furlong; brothers-in-law, Jimmy, Billy (Bev) MacKinnon, Sandy (Jerry) MacDonald- Kavanagh; nephew, James MacKinnon, and nieces, Joanne (Adam) Guthrie and Sarah MacKinnon. As well as many more beloved relatives and friends.
A special and warm thank you to Dr. Paul Murphy for his many years of exceptional care to Bill, without whom, we would be lost. A thank you as well to the staff of the CB Regional Hospital for all your devotion and care.
Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel 755 George St. on Tuesday, May 28th from 3-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Heritage United Church 500 Charlotte St. on Wednesday, May 29th at 2 p.m.
“To live in the hearts of those we leave behind, is not to die”. Rest in peace good and faithful servant, who is now absent from the body but present with the lord. You fought the fight, you won the race.
Words of comfort may be sent to Bill’s family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
