Dr. William 'Bill' Malcolm Fulton Snow

Please join me as we take a little walk in Bill’s suspenders, from the early days to the best days, to the rest days.

Born to Mary and William Sr. on August 23rd, 1946, Bill came into this world! His life on earth began with that first breath, and his life in heaven has begun after his last.

Bill was close to his family his whole life, and it began with his parents. He loved his father greatly, and to say he was a mama’s boy, would be quite frankly, accurate. They spent countless hours together playing piano and trumpet at different events, playing with their dogs Sparky and Ledi over the years, and just relaxing in her apartment in Bill’s home. When his mother Mary was in her final days on earth, she sat in her hospital bed and called the doctor over to her side. She said “now I have to tell you, when it’s my time to go, you keep this man away from me (pointing to Bill); he’ll pack me on ice to keep me around!” Of course when it was her time that wasn’t the case, dad held his mother in his arms just as she is holding him now.

He formed a family he was proud to call his own. With five children around, there certainly wasn’t ever a dull moment in the Snow household. Five children seems like a lot, but he had even more. He welcomed so many friends of his children into his home and treated them like they were his family. “Hi girls, would anyone like a beverage? No, how about an ice cream bar??” he would always say. He made everyone feel like they had a place to go and a person to talk to. He was a family man through and through, putting his family at the forefront along with his faith.

From his early days through to his last, he leaned on his faith in the good times and bad. He taught his children to follow God- he and Carolyn had the kids to church just about every Sunday as soon as the first Sunday after they were born. He devoted plenty of time to St. Andrews church and the Cape Breton Christian Fellowship church over the years. He housed the men’s group every Monday at his home in Sydney- these men became some of his best friends. Bill had no trouble making friends however, he was so personable and outgoing. He always had an ear to lend, and a hug to offer. He made many friends through his profession as well, from his early days in medical school in the late 60s, through his years as a general practitioner as well as his many years of study and practice in the field he loved so much- ophthalmology.

Bill grew up in Sydney, graduating from Sydney Academy in 1963, he then went on to study at Mount Saint Vincent University, followed by Dalhousie where he completed medical school in 1975. He worked as a general practitioner in Sydney until he went back to the Vancouver General to study ophthalmology. He came back home and built his practice on St. Peter’s Road where he spent 37 wonderful years as an ophthalmologist. Patients would ask him “when are you going to retire Bill?” he would simply reply “Well why would I do that?”. They would often reply “well, so you can enjoy life and retirement!” and he would quickly and confidently say “I’m doing what I enjoy!”. He worked until he no longer could, and that’s the way he wanted it to be.

When I took some time this week to reflect on the life of Dr. Snow I kept coming back to one overwhelming thought and it can best be summed up in one word - “He was a man of unique VISION”.

He dedicated his professional life to helping people maintain, recover and restore their Vision and many of us here today, along with thousands of other Nova Scotians, owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He was modest, and many did not know the amount of countless hours he worked for nothing just to ensure his patients and their families were taken care of.

But what many of us many not have as easily seen, is the other manner in which he helped us SEE better. He helped us to SEE how kindness, generosity, humility, and selfless dedication to the betterment of the lives of others can make a difference in the lives of all of us.

And he did that by example in the manner in which he lived his life. I have personal experience of how he helped my mother in the final years of her life. Dr. Snow, or as many of us referred to him - Billy, made us in my family feel that my mother was the most important person in the world. And I have heard similar stores from many people here today that have come to celebrate his life.

I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know Billy as a doctor, a mentor, a friend and most of all to have the chance to SEE a real life example of how one person can have such a large impact on many people.

Carolyn, you and Billy had a large family but there always seemed to be room for many more of us to join your supper table or a jam session around your piano - you welcomed us all without question or conditions, that was the vision of your family that I will always hold in my heart.

I think it was Gandhi who said that “Your life is your Message” and I can think of no better example of a person living their life at the highest possible level to deliver a message of selflessness, kindness, humility and professionalism than our Dr. Billy Snow, that is a VISION that I will hold in my mind forever.

God Bless our Doctor Bill Snow !

Rita:

I know what many here today are probably thinking, that’s Bills youngest daughter up there. How is she going to get through this without breaking down? The truth is I may not, but Dad was known to deliver a speech or two and many prayers at the dinner table, and he shed a few tears just about every time. He was a sensitive man, I loved that about him. But hey, he did get through each one, so I can do this for him.

Grammie Snow often said: “always remember to forget the things that make you sad. But, never forget to remember the things that make you glad.” Well the things that made my dad glad could go on for miles, but I would like to name some of the important few. He was a humble man who really appreciated the little things in life. He loved ice cream more than anyone I know, particularly banana splits, Wendy’s frosties, and chocolate almond bars (which he always stocked in our freezers to share with anyone who came by). Food in general was a real love of his from Keg steaks, to boiled hot dogs, Bonnie Prince corn beef and cabbage, Swiss Chalet, Caesars and chinese food at the Great Wall in Halifax, oh and I can’t forget, just plain milk. It was only fitting his last meal was a Wendy’s hamburger, fries, and frosty.

He loved music- especially the piano, which he spent countless hours on playing satisfaction and yellow submarine in particular. Among his favorite past-times were sitting at the table casually reading an ophthalmology book that was hundreds of pages long, and his infamous lunchtime breaks from the office spent on the couch napping while occasionally staying awake to watch the price is right; somehow he always woke up without an alarm just in time to go back to work for the afternoon. He loved his tie collection, and suspenders of course, and his sweaters he wore over and over again. His career as Kirk discussed, was a great passion of his. It was not a job it was who he was. His ophthalmoscope was a part of him, and his patients each held a special piece in his heart.

But more than anything, the things that made my dad- Bill Snow the happiest, were his family and friends. For every event, he bought mom a minimum of 2 cards but usually 3. One romantic, one funny, and one based primarily on our faith. He put mom up on a pedestal so high if she fell off she would have broken both legs! They were married 27 years, and they loved each other without hesitation. She woke up one morning recently to him looking right at her. Mom- startled- said what are you doing Bill? He replied ‘just gazing upon the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen’. Oh yes, he was a real smooth talker and romantic. He sent flowers to her door before their first date, and sitting right next to them was a teddy bear and a mini vase of flowers addressed to her daughter Angela. He continued to get her flowers for every event after that. He would always call mom my ‘darling wife’. Just recently, one of dad’s fellow physicians and friends told me Dad used to bring in photos of mom to work to show off his beautiful wife and that didn’t surprise me one bit. He treated her like a queen every day and never hesitated to express his love to not only her, but all who were a major part of his life.

As for his 5 children, he never fell short of the best dad we could have asked for. He gave Rebekah the push to pursue her dreams, MacKenzie the dad that chose him every day, Angela the father she deserved, Alyssa the cuddles when she needed them most, and me the laughs, smiles, and inspiration that always got me through the rainy days. The first night after I had gone away to university, mom found dad snuggled up in my bed with my teddy bear, she asked him about it later and he just said how much he missed his little Rita. He was always so proud of everyone in his life. He bought a megaphone about a quarter of his size to bring to my hockey games. Shouting go Rita go! when the play was at the other end… and I was the goalie! He was there for every one of our accomplishments, from our first ever music and dance recitals, to Rebekah’s many skating events, to all of our graduations, just cheering each of us on with no fear of what people thought of his loud shouts and tears of pride and joy. Now we are the ones who are proud; we are proud to have had such a wonderful father and friend, who has been there for us and will continue to be there for us every day of our lives.

Now I would like to share with everyone here a few what myself and my family like to call “Billisms”.

- With arms crossed behind his back “would anyone terribly mind if I retired for the evening” before going to bed

- When mom needed anything, dad would say “it would be my honour, to get that for my darling wife”

- Pointing to his next great treat “now this here, is the Cadillac of desserts”

- Another ‘Billism’ on travel : “My favorite part of travel is seeing the Canso Causeway on my way home”

- “Light em again!” words he spoke after the candles went out at every single birthday party

- To the frequently asked question: ‘Dad why do you eat so slow?’ his response would often be “I don’t eat, I dine, and you can put that on my headstone!”

- The testing Christmas morning ritual with his new video camera- “wait there girls, now is this thing working? Got it! Now who’s birthday is it today?”. We would quickly respond “Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour”

- His signature closing in every card he gave us X-O-X-O times ten to the power of one hundred thousand. That scientific notation meant a WHOLE lot of kisses and hugs

- The way he always called servers by their first name he noted on their name tag

- “MacKenzie you’re my number one son” Mac would reply: “Dad I’m your only son”. “Yes but if I had a million you would still be my number one”

- Answering our house phone pretending it was a restaurant “Hello this is Swiss Chalet, may I take your order?”. (Sorry for all those who that may have thrown off over the years)

- And of course, one of the best ‘Billisms’ of all “hello gorgeous”, words he spoke to my mother every day.

His best days were spent exactly the way he wanted them to be. He was and will always be a wonderful son, father, husband, uncle, cousin and friend to so many. I’m forever grateful and so blessed to have gotten the pleasure to be your ‘Little Rita’.

Stephen:

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this celebration of Bill’s life and for the chance to begin with words that are not mine but were Bill’s own. “My faith has allowed me to understand that death is not the termination of one’s life, but rather a new chapter where one will live with the Lord, to meet Him face to face, and to live with Him forever; and we will meet them again, in paradise”. This speaks volumes to his confidence in his faith in life after death. Bill often said to Carolyn, “I’m not ready to leave this world just yet but how beautiful must it be to finally stand in front of God, face to face and see his beauty?”

With Bill, there was always an invitation. Whenever Norma and I talked with Bill or Carolyn on the street or in the grocery store or on social media, there was always the invitation to get together. In fact, the words were “we must get together” as if spending time with us and with our daughter Alice and grandson Isaac was the highest priority for the Snows. And when time was found in Bill’s heavy schedule and their busy household, it was joy to get to their home where snacks were waiting and Bill would not only ask if I wanted a beer but add “Stella, isn’t it?” It was, by the pool or at the kitchen table or in the living room or downstairs in the toy room that was always tidy when Isaac’s eyes lit up on entering it but not so tidy when he left.

Our conversations could be trivial, catching up on family news or local happenings but as often as not we would drift into topics that were more serious, whether reflections on the joys and frustrations of being a doctor and a specialist these days in Nova Scotia or matters of Christian faith.

How did one know Bill was serious about the path he walked daily as a disciple of Jesus Christ? He asked questions and he wanted answers from someone whom he respected as a minister and as someone he knew would be honest with him. I was glad to offer what information I could about scripture, or Christian belief, or church practices in the United Church and in general. I was happy to share opinions even though I knew from time to time my point of view was not one that Bill shared. I appreciated that grace with which he responded when I said “I don’t know.” Sometimes he would just laugh and say “I don’t know either but we can explore it together.”

Bill loved to learn but it was clear that he had discovered very early in his life the truth St Paul cited in the 13th chapter of the first letter to the Christians at Corinth. All our knowledge will fade away but faith and hope and love abide, with the greatest being love.

And so Bill made his promise to Jesus very early on to love as best he could to the end of his days – to love his father and mother, to love his wife, children and grandchildren, to love his friends and those not so friendly, to love his patients. I know he loved me and loves me still. We will be together again my friend in God’s good time. Yes, I will have a beer.

Carolyn recently found these words in one of Bill’s mother Mary’s journals, written in 1995 titled “Billy”. The words she wrote, applicable to us now. “When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears, and hug your sorrow through the years. But start out bravely with a gallant smile, and for my sake and in my name, live on and do all things the same. Feed not your loneliness on empty days but fill each waking hour in useful ways. Reach out in cheer, and I in turn, will comfort you and hold you near. And never never be afraid to die. For I am waiting for you in the sky.”

* * * * * * * * * *

SNOW, Dr. William ‘Bill’ Fulton

Sydney, NS

‘The time is here for me to leave this life. I have done the best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith’ 2 Timothy 4:7

On Friday, May 24th, 2019, at the age of 72, Bill went home to the Lord, his Saviour. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, Doctor and friend passed peacefully with his loving family by his side.

He was born on August 23rd, 1946 to William Ernest and Mary (Fulton) Snow. He grew into a passion for music and education, always at the top of his class entering university years at the young age of 16. His passion for music came through on the trumpet and piano, at any event he brought his keyboard to, and with his beloved mother on any stage they could find. Bill’s true passion for education and learning really came through during his years of medical school at Dalhousie University, where he graduated in 1971. He came back to Cape Breton and worked hard as a general practitioner, doing it all from working long hours at a Whitney Pier clinic, to covering house calls, two emergency rooms, and even infant deliveries into the night and wee hours of the morning. In his time as a GP, he noted the great need for ophthalmological care in Sydney and decided to pursue his studies in ophthalmology in Vancouver in 1975 where he graduated from the Vancouver General in 1981.

Returning to Cape Breton in 1982, he set up his second home- his ophthalmology practice on St. Peter’s Road. After 37 years of service to a career he loved, he at last put down the ophthalmoscope and only because his health gave him no further choice. “I feel like someone cut off my right arm”- words Bill spoke upon announcing his retirement. They say medicine is for those who cannot imagine doing anything else, in the case of Dr. Snow this could not be more true. It was not just a job, it was who he was. His son MacKenzie stated it simply: “there is an expression- love at first sight” because of my father (Dr. Snow), mothers were able to see their children and watch them grow. When he restored the sight of a child, what they saw for the rest of their lives, was a gift from him”. If you reassure the length of someone’s life by those he affected, he will live forever!

Bill was a kind, compassionate, and humble man. He was a strong Christian and took pride in his faith. He involved himself in the church as much as he could in the little time he had away from his devotion to his work and family. From teaching Sunday School and being a music director for the students at St. Andrews Church, to his heavy involvement in the Cape Breton Christian Fellowship church, their mens group, and assistance with the CB University exchange student members of the congregation.

His greatest love next to his Lord Jesus, was his family. There was never a dull moment in the Snow household thanks to Dad (Bill Bear). He treated his wife of 27 years like the Queen he considered her to be, and never hesitated to share his love with his family every day of his life. He loved ferociously and lived life exactly the way he wanted to- with God in his heart, ice cream in his hand, and family and friends around him every step of the way.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, William and Mary (Fulton) Snow; mother-in-law, Rita (Edwin) MacDonald; father-in-law, Hugh MacKinnon, and nephew, James Dale Greer.

Bill is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Rebekah (Billy) Dixon, MacKenzie, Angela (Jonathan) MacKay, Mary Alyssa and Rita; grandchildren, Cooper and Isla Dixon, and Nina Kirby (mother of Rebekah and MacKenzie). Also survived by sister-in-law, Diana (Gerry) Furlong; brothers-in-law, Jimmy, Billy (Bev) MacKinnon, Sandy (Jerry) MacDonald- Kavanagh; nephew, James MacKinnon, and nieces, Joanne (Adam) Guthrie and Sarah MacKinnon. As well as many more beloved relatives and friends.

A special and warm thank you to Dr. Paul Murphy for his many years of exceptional care to Bill, without whom, we would be lost. A thank you as well to the staff of the CB Regional Hospital for all your devotion and care.

Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel 755 George St. on Tuesday, May 28th from 3-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Heritage United Church 500 Charlotte St. on Wednesday, May 29th at 2 p.m.

“To live in the hearts of those we leave behind, is not to die”. Rest in peace good and faithful servant, who is now absent from the body but present with the lord. You fought the fight, you won the race.

Words of comfort may be sent to Bill’s family by visiting www.twcurry.com.