William Arthur (Bill) Beyer

William (Bill) Beyer began his life journey in Vermilion Bay, Ontario. As a young child, he lost his mother to tuberculosis. He was raised with his cousins as part of their family. His cousin Leo became more of a brother than a cousin. At the age of 14, he journeyed to Europe to apprentice as a blacksmith and welder. Bill had many experiences and became very resourceful as he traveled throughout Europe during and after the war. In Austria, he met Anna Zisser and they married on November 30, 1946. In 1950 he, Anna, and their son and daughter returned to Canada and settled in the Vermilion Bay area. In 1952 the family moved to Atikokan and had a second son. Bill put down roots and stopped traveling. He was employed at Steep Rock until it closed, then worked at Great Lakes Paper until his retirement. He enjoyed anything and everything the great outdoors had to offer especially fishing and berry picking. At home his culinary skills were limited to cooking eggs and beans but put him on an island with a few walleye fillets and could serve up a feast fit for a king. Bill spent countless hours pouring over maps to plan his next fishing or hunting expedition. He loved hunting every fall with his son-in-law Ben and friend John Hamrak. We learned as we went on many road trips not to give him a map because with his interest in his surroundings and his desire to see all things new, we were sure to be taking the long scenic route. After retirement Bill expressed his creative side. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Fish Hatchery. Bill was also a member of many organizations such as the Atikokan Fix It Club, the Economic Development and Town Beautification committee. He loved meetings and was never shy about voicing his opinion of issues he felt strongly about. He was a life long member of Faith Lutheran Church. In later years he was proud of his backyard composting project and spent many hours there either tending to it or just sitting and contemplating life.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Anna in 2014.

He leaves behind his much loved children William (Bill) Jr., Christine Beaulieu and son-in-law Ben, Randy and daughter-in-law Giselle. He also leaves behind his much loved grandchildren Sheri Landon, Lauralee Beaulieu (Alfie), Raymon Beaulieu (Monica) and special great grandson Ryan Landon.

His earthly journey ended at the Atikokan General Hospital, June 28, 2015 and his next journey has begun. Destination: Heaven, A place where “death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning or crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4. So remember Bill fondly but do not be sad. He is gone home.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Keith Blom officiating.

Should anyone wish, in memoriam donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Atikokan General Hospital Extended Care.

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com