William George Lacey

Bill was born in Prince Albert, SK and spent his younger years in Spiritwood and later move to Regina as the family moved with his mother and fathers (Bill Sr. & Lorna) career. In his high school years the family returned to Prince Albert and Bill graduated from P.A.C.I and went on to his post-secondary schooling at the University of Saskatchewan. Bill completed his B.A. in Biology and following an interesting year of employment in the oil patch was accepted to the optometry program at the University of Waterloo. Bill enjoyed some wonderful years in Kitchener-Waterloo making lifelong friendships and graduated in 1975. Upon graduation he began his practice of optometry in Nipawin as well has a branch office in Hudson Bay, SK. He loved his work and his patients and completed a dedicated 35 years of practice in Nipawin. He was also dedicated to improving vision care to many local communities including Cumberland House, Shoal Lake and Red Earth where he provided care to school children. Bill was a proud serving member of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists serving in many board and leadership roles. The fellowship he shared with his colleagues was a source of great joy. He always enjoyed the conferences, learning opportunities and socialization with his peers and was honored to receive the S.A.O. Optometrist of the Year award in 2004.

Bill's greatest love was his family, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Nipawin Hawks. He is survived by his wife 49 ½ years, Germaine, his children Douglas (Jennifer), Nicole (Jaret) and James (Jill). Bill took great pride and joy in his grandchildren and was actively involved in all of their lives and pursuits. His pride and joy are Brooke (Rodrigo), Luke, Nolan, Alex, Hillary, Quinn, Beau, Charlie and George. His brothers Ron and Brent and sister Cathy carry him in their hearts. All of his family have immense memories of everything he meant to each of us. Germaine was the love of his life and they were truly a partnership sharing everything from raising children, running the business and the joys of travel in retirement. Bill was loved by his extended family and in-law siblings. Bill always had time to support all members of the family and was always the dad, uncle, and sibling you could count on in good times and bad to be our support. Bill was a caring loving man who enjoyed telling stories and always had time for a visit or a trip to watch someone in their pursuits. Bill deeply enjoyed his time at the cabin in Greenwater, camping trips to the Prince Albert National Park or in the stands of a hockey arena. In retirement they moved to Saskatoon where they were able to spend lots of time with extended family and travel to numerous dream destinations.

The family extends our gratitude to the amazing medical support for cancer patients in Saskatchewan. Our recognition to Dr. Shahid Ahmed, Dr. Duc Le, Tracy Frank and the dedicated staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic. Thanks to the 6100 Oncology Unit and Oncology Day Centre nurses at the RUH. We also extend our hearts to the St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care unit for providing comfort in Bill's last stretch of his battle with cancer. Cancer is always a difficult road to travel but there is a special place in heaven for the health care professionals who help through these difficult times. Donations can be made in Bill's name to the Saskatoon Cancer Center.