William Francis Rapanos

William (Bill) Francis Rapanos

(The Grand Master, Siegfried)

Feb 9th, 1924 – Feb 22nd, 2020

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Francis Rapanos on February 22nd, 2020. Bill was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on February 9th, 1924, and passed away peacefully at 96 with his wife Phyllis and his family by his side.

Dad spent his formative years in Moosejaw, SK. A member of the greatest generation, he grew up through the Depression and during WW II he trained as a pilot in Prince Albert and Comox with the war ending prior to his deployment. He worked several jobs from bicycle delivery boy to high school football and hockey coach, to radio announcer with CHAB, CFAX and CKNW, to co-owning a business with his 2 brothers, to insurance salesman, and then many years as a manager with the Federal Government where in the latter years, until his retirement in 1989, his focus was mainly on employment equity about which he was very passionate.

Bill and his first wife Sheila ultimately settled in New Westminster and raised 6 children in a busy household that was always very noisy and active, hence the “loud family”. The Grandmaster was a voracious reader right up until his passing and often had three or more books on the go at once. He also tried his hand at writing and even took a leave-of-absence from work, which horrified his 'old school' Greek father (Thomas). His favorite times were spent with his kids, grandkids and friends playing all manner of games with Oh Hell and Hearts among his favorites. He was a founding member of the Caribou Classic Weekend with his brothers which included hunting/target shooting and games, and has now evolved to strictly a games weekend with his sons, grandsons, sons-in-law, etc. This annual Fall tradition continues to this day after more than 60 years.

Bill loved road trips and each year after retiring visited family in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He and Phyllis also made numerous trips to Arizona, California, and Nevada as well as other mid and western states. They also enjoyed some wonderful cruises with family and friends, the most memorable being the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean/Greece (heaven for such a history buff).

He was an avid golfer and loved to gamble, spending many years handicapping the horses at Hastings Track and was always up for a trip to any Casino! Up until a couple of years before his passing every Monday he drove to the Silver Reef Casino in Bellingham, WA, and when he stopped driving, he took the casino bus once a week. He also loved all sports but particularly hockey and basketball. He participated in many hockey pools and for years was first in line to get his ticket for the BC Girl's High School Basketball Finals and from that became one of the number one fans of the SFU women’s basketball team.

He was a true free spirit! He was a card-carrying member of the Wreck Beach Preservation Society and would often head out book in hand for an afternoon in nature. At Christina Lake he was known as "Pyro Bill" for his propensity to build large campfires and tend to them late into the evening with his co-conspirator Isabel, Phyllis' mum.

He got great joy in being a frequent guest visitor and reader in his granddaughter Jen’s elementary school classes and was keen to answer such questions as “Why is your nose so red? It’s like… violet…you should look in the mirror” and other important facts! The children were always so excited when Grandpa Bill was coming to school. He loved spending time with them!

Dad was a kind, funny, generous, and brilliant soul and we were privileged to spend many treasured years with him. He is forever loved and deeply missed. He is predeceased by his first wife Sheila Williams, sister Evelyn and his brothers Hugh and Jim.

Dad is survived by his wife of 46 years, Phyllis Moore, his six children: Sharon Harker (Randy), Harry Rapanos, Cathy McKenzie (Ed), Bill Rapanos (Lynn), Steve Rapanos (Heidi) and Mark Rapanos; twelve Grandchildren -- Jennifer King (Jeff), David Harker (Tammy), Brad Harker, Ryan McKenzie (Louise), Allison McKenzie (Ryan Lee), Brian Rapanos (Kelly), Kevin Rapanos (Jessie), Nicole Ogle (Bryan), Joshua Rapanos, Alexandra Rapanos, Brianna Rapanos and Amy Rapanos; fourteen Great-Grandchildren -- Brydon Harker (Selena), Tyson Harker (Jenna), Griffyn Harker, D.J. King, Lauryn Harker, Leo Harker, Alyssa Rapanos, Cassia Rapanos, Tyler Rapanos, Dylan McKenzie, Mia McKenzie, Ayden Lee, Logan Ogle and Grace Ogle; and one Great-Great-Granddaughter -- Emersyn Harker. Bill is also survived by sisters-in-law Linda Moore, Carole Matthijsse (Piet) and their children Hanna (Jan Ghoos) Jenna, and Anders, as well as his brothers' wives and their families and dear, long-time friends Joan & Steve Surinak and Chris & John Arfwedson

Special thanks to Dr. Rockford (Rocky) Samborski, Dad’s longtime family Physician, and Dr. Anis Lahka for her care and compassion during his final days as well as the staff at North Shore Hospice & Palliative Care.

With the COVID-19 restrictions we have not been able to gather. A celebration of his life will hopefully be held at the Langley Golf Centre, 2PM on May 21 ,2022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Rapanos family.