On July 21st, as the sun reached the highest point of the day, Billy Halls slid behind the wheel of his ‘56 Chevy Bel Air. The smile on his face was huge as he gripped the steering wheel hard and fired up the engine. His stereo is blaring his favorite music, Johnny Cash, The Eagles, and The Beach Boys and finally, he places his shades on, revs the engine a bit more and then he peels out of this physical world, burning out on Life’s Highway. With the wind blowing in his face, he is now pain-free for the first time in a long time. The further he gets from his home the more the tears begin to stream down his face. As he looks into the rearview mirror, he sees the life that he leaves behind, a life of LIVING, LOVING and LAUGHTER, a true legacy.
He sees his beautiful wife, true love, and forever friend, Faye Halls. Married for 51 years and dating since they were 16 years old, these two had many years of camping, RVing, boating, and travelling, always demonstrating the true meaning of love. He chuckles to himself as he sees his three daughters; Candice, Rudy, and Brandi and the traits of him that live within each of them. Candice, the oldest, inherited Dad’s party traits, love of people, darts, and hot rods. His second-born Rudy, the tomboy, inherited his competitive nature and athleticism. He loved to coach and cheer Rudy from the sidelines, whether it was soccer, baseball, or waterskiing on the back of the boat. Finally, his baby Brandi, who inherited Dad’s mind and amazing work ethic. These two always too much alike to ever admit it, like two peas in a pod. Beside each of his girls stands the men who are holding them up; for Candice, it’s Ed, for Rudy, it’s Tristan and for Brandi, it’s Adam. He knows his girls are in good hands.
It is his grandchildren who are the hardest for him to leave. Cheyanne (Casey), his first grandchild, introduced him to the Papa role. She brought him so much laughter and as she got older, she was always the caretaker. Montana gave Papa the opportunity to be a “Cheer Papa” and made him proud with her education. Preston, his first grandson, had a tight bond, listening to everything Papa had to share or teach. Markus, his new step-grandson, quickly became a friend and helper to Papa. Amelia, who brought so much joy to Papa, oh how he loved to ruffle her feathers. And finally, his Little Pumpkin, Austyn, who truly was his shining light and his purpose for holding on, bringing so much innocence and purity to his final months with us.
His brothers Bobby (Karen) and Hallsy are waving as they watch him go. There is peace amongst the three of them and a strong love as they reflect on their childhood years and laugh at the shenanigans the Halls boys had together.
Standing beside the family, holding them up, is his niece Angela and her twinnie Kayla (Jake). There is so much gratitude for all the love and support that you brought to your Uncle Billy.
Billy was born and raised in North Vancouver, where he made many lifelong friends and valuable relationships. One of his favorite memories that he carried with him to the very end was his time on the North Vancouver All-Stars Baseball team that earned their way to the World Series in Anderson, Indiana. He is remembered by his teammates as being the spirit that brought the fun and energy to the team.
He started working as an Insulator for Heat and Frost Local 118 at the age of 16 and spent his entire career working to ensure that he could provide for his family and acquire the “toys” needed to enjoy life. Billy’s work ethic was above par. He never missed a day of work, and his ability to bring humor and energy to his coworkers resulted in many lifelong friends while working.
By far the best days of Billy’s life were his retirement days spent with his friends and family in his Happy Place, the cabin at Shuswap Lake. The cabin was his place of rest, refuge, laughter, and love. With all the toys required for a good time, there was never a dull day at the lake. Ripping around the lake in Ruby Red with the tunes blasting was where he was happiest.
While his illness slowed Billy down in recent years, his spirit continued to be larger than life right to the very end. He was one of kind, a soul like no other, he lived hard and loved hard. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy, a family who loves each other above all else because that’s what he did for us.
As he cruises away with a tear in his eye, he waves one last time and says goodbye.
There will be no public service as Billy’s life was celebrated with him before his passing. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North Shore Palliative and Supportive Care Program.
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