Our Father lost a long and hard battle with Covid-19, and passed away peacefully with his family close by on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the age of 91. It was just three years and a week after losing the love of his life, Nell, on their 62nd Wedding Anniversary.
Bill leaves behind his children Linda (David) Aksomitis, Ken (Megan), Mitchell (Donna), Raymond (Wendy), Jeffery (Heather) and Irene; grandchildren Kris, Eric, Gerard; David, Christine, Robin, Lauren; Jesse, Matthew, Benjamin, Amy; Elisha, Laura, Emily; Julia, Jennifer, Jeremy; Nickita, Natasha, Samantha, their father and his son-in-law Michel Bigeau; and 27 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Leona (Alec) and Georgina (Gordie), and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Irma Demyen, brothers Joe (Eunice), Alec, and Gordie, and sister, Irene Ford (Vince).
Bill left home at sixteen to see the world and follow his dreams. He often spoke of his times in Churchill, Manitoba and the bush camps of Northern Ontario, and was proud of the work he did on the pipeline in Regina. But his biggest dream was to farm. He and Nell married on November 18, 1955, and spent some time on his farm in Handsworth, before moving to the Qu'Appelle area. In the early '60s he finally got to touch his dream and started raising horses, and that dream grew into the Qu'Appelle Appaloosa Ranch. Both he and Nell were very proud of their accomplishments in raising world class Appaloosas and being inducted into the Canadian Appaloosa Hall of Fame in 2003. At home Bill loved his chores and caring for his animals, whether that was feeding time in the barn or haybining in the summer.
A memorial service with just his children was held in Wolseley with virtual attendance by all who are able to join them, on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
(Forget Me Not Live Streaming)
Please visit tubmanfh.com and follow the link on our website to view William’s Service.
Private interment in Qu'Appelle Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please spend some special time with your family, especially now as Covid-19 has taken so many from us. Family was important to Bill and he was proud of his.
For those who wish to make cash donations, please make them to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at the Regina General Hospital where Bill received compassionate care the last days of his life.
