Heaven cashed in this week. To say “everyone who knew him - loved him” is not an exaggeration. Whether through his impish (late-night) sense of fun, his down-to-earth manner, or his gentle kindness, once you started a friendship with Bill you felt like you initiated a lifetime connection.
Conversation mattered to him, especially the listening part. Favourite topics were the beauty of music, the heroism of sports and the depth of genuine relationships.
The most loving of those relationships flourished within his family – with his wife Leah, daughters Michele and Alison, and most recently his ever-present granddaughters, Jocelyn and Jayme. He was their rock, and they were his first priority. He spoke often of their latest achievements and goals.
Bill was also close to his 9 siblings. Every one of them had a special relationship with him. His warmth, candour and humour made their lives immeasurably richer. His dozens of nieces and nephews adored him and relished his stories of growing up in Sydney, spending summers on Mahoney’s Beach in Antigonish County, discovering a new song artist, and striking up a conversation with total strangers.
When Bill rode the bus home from St FX his mother assumed she would need to set another plate for whoever was lucky enough to be seated beside him, especially if they were hungry or homeless.
Bill died on the NHL trading deadline day, so his family prefers to think he was “called up”. When the playoffs arrive we will watch to see if his divine assistance will lead his Habs to the Cup.
He was very proud of his Cape Breton roots and we expect him to be walking around heaven asking, “Who can play Tarabish?” For some he was the “Gretzky” of the card game, and with his Black Street Aces friends, he ensured Tarabish thrived on “the mainland”.
So, for sure, straight to heaven our Billy goes - leaving behind his wife of almost 30 years, Leah (McBride), daughters Michele and Alison, and granddaughters Jocelyn and Jayme. Amongst the family of broken-hearted are siblings Patricia, Alasdair (Margaret), Jack (Michelle Awad), David (Nancy Regan), Eileen Barrett (George), Danny (Lauren McCarville), Mary Hanington (Rob), Jeannie Wamboldt (Jeff) and Anne Marie (Paul Goyetche). Other special family members include Harry and Janet Cheverie, Daniel and Marg MacDougall, Jay O’Rourke, Marjorie Martindale, and his four-legged sidekick, Bridie.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Al and Jean Graham, and his sisters-in-law Norma (MacPherson) Graham and Sheelagh Nolan.
Visitations are at Cruikshank’s Funeral home, 2666 Windsor St, Halifax - Friday March 1, 2019 from 2-4pm and 7-9 pm.
Memorial Service at Kenneth Rowe Hall, Pier 21, March 2, 2019 at 2pm.
A “Billy Night” will follow at Jenny’s Pub from 8:30pm – 12:30 am - with Tarabish, conversation and revelry – 6211 Lady Hammond Rd, Halifax (Live music by “Beer Nuts”)
Condolences, memories and stories to rememberingbillyg@gmail.com. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
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