William Arthur "Bill" Cheney

William Arthur Cheney, lovingly known as Bill, was born on March 5, 1927, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. At age 98, he lived nearly a century before going peacefully to his heavenly home on December 23, 2025.

Bill was the third of four children born to Cora Bell and Ralph Cheney. With a Canadian mother and an American father, Bill was blessed with dual citizenship—an early gift that perfectly suited his adventurous spirit.

Bill met Joyce MacPherson, the love of his life, and they married on April 6, 1949. Together, they shared more than 76 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Bill enjoyed a long and accomplished career with electric companies in both Canada and the United States. His work took him through several provinces in Canada before he and his family moved to America in 1957, where he began working for Southern California Edison (SCE). Over the years, Bill served in many roles, including lineman, engineer, foreman, planner, and ultimately Planning Construction Coordinator. He worked across the Montebello, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Big Creek districts with SCE, receiving numerous promotions before retiring in July 1988.

While living in Big Creek, Bill purchased a recreational trailer park, which he owned and cared for with great pride for more than 25 years. During this time, he became deeply involved in the Masonic community, joining Clovis Lodge #417 in September 1964. As his career later brought him to Southern California, he expanded his Masonic service as a member of the Covina and West Covina lodges, the Pasadena Scottish Rite, and Al Malaikah Shriners of Los Angeles. Bill and Joyce were also active members of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). In 1986, Bill served as Worthy Patron of OES West Covina Lodge #202, and from 1987 to 1989, he was honored to serve as Worthy Grand Patron. Bill and Joyce remained devoted to the OES until their move to Westmont of Fresno Retirement Community in 2023.

Bill was the proud patriarch of a large and growing family that spans generations, including great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by his precious wife, Joyce Cheney; his brother-in-law Don MacPherson and his wife Jan; his loving children, Brenda Lane and her husband John, Debra Zaremba and her husband Dennis, William Cheney II and his wife Charyl-Lynn, and Michele Bonafede and her husband Robert; many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family; his grandchildren, Bandie Avila, Jennifer Nguyen and her husband Canh, Danny MacPherson and his wife Faith, Jeremy Lane and his wife Becky, Jacob Zaremba and his wife Jeanette, Mikel Zaremba and his wife Rachel, Christian Bridge, and Brett Gonta; his great-grandchildren, Breanna Avila and her fiancé Jonathan, Annabel, Mason, Brickston, Paxton, Greyson, and Addison Zaremba, Eric and Paige MacPherson, Ashley Gibson and her husband Josh, Robynn Brown and her husband Levi, Michael and Christopher Navicky, Damion and Jaxon Lane, and Savannah Nguyen; and his great-great-grandchildren, Brayden and Grayson Gibson, Trenton Ferguson, and Avery and Kane Sanchez.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Maurice, Gloria and Kenneth Cheney; his step-son Robert “Wayne” MacPherson (survived by his wife Wanda); his grandson Eric Cheney; and his great-grandson Trevor Micarelli. What a special reunion for Bill and his loved ones!

Bill’s life was rich with adventure, including trips to China, the Bahamas, and Alaska. He especially cherished more than 100 days at sea with his lovely wife, enjoying the food and beautiful destinations on various cruise ships and cruise lines through the years. An outdoorsman at heart, Bill also found joy tending to trees, plants, and outdoor spaces wherever he lived. He was known for his strong work ethic and outgoing nature, ready to lend a hand or join in on the adventures. He was also really good at keeping things orderly and clean!

Above all, Bill was a family man—full of quiet strength, tender compassion, deep love, loyalty, faith and resilience. He showed love and blessed the family through action: by being present, always offering a bite to eat or drink, sharing wisdom, and ready to give the play-by-play directions anytime you were departing. His greetings came with a warm smile, open arms and a kiss! He was quick to offer kind words and compliments, and his calm presence brought much comfort. He took great pride in those he loved and found joy in shared traditions, whether going to or watching a hockey game, playing cards, sharing a meal, taking a joy ride in the car, or simply spending time together.

Bill lived his life faithfully and fully, leaving a legacy of love that spans generations. While his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, his spirit lives on in the memories shared, the stories told, and the love that continues to weave his family together.

God must have beamed with love as He welcomed Bill at the heavenly gates, saying,

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno, California 93720

Graveside Service to follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 N. Cornelia Avenue, Fresno, California 93706.

The family will host a reception at Westmont of Fresno, 7442 N. Millbrook Avenue, immediately after the Graveside Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Silver Tree Ministries.