Michael Cedric Billy

Chief Michael Cedric Billy

Sx̱ayilḵen-Siyam -t

Sunrise: June 15, 1937– Sunset: October 23, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chief Michael Cedric Billy Sr. He was most commonly known as Cedric or coach. Cedric was born to his late parents Michael Billy and Adeline Billy(nee: Daniels). His family home was located where Lionsgate Bridge is currently. He never held any resentment about being relocated. He was honoured to help the people of Vancouver. This was the foundation of the teachings he emulated throughout his life. He was a residential school survivor having attended St. Paul’s Indian Residential School until Grade 8. Cedric was a bit of a rebel and spent a lot of time with the gardener who took him under his wing and taught him so much. He continued his schooling by correspondence getting his GED with some help from his loving late wife Sophia ‘Penny’ Billy. They were married for 58 glorious years. They raised their family on Eslha7an (Mission IR no. 1). Cedric was a woodworks man by trade. He built over 200 homes for the Squamish Nation. Cedric was a master canoe builder and made beautiful carvings throughout his lifetime. He had a special love for art. He especially enjoyed boxing, having been a Golden Gloves Champion himself. He built the ḵ'xwu7lh canoe for Squamish Nation. He was a great skipper and number one fan after his retirement from the North Vancouver Canoe Club. Each of his family members remember his stash of goodies for his grandchildren who called his babies and adored. Each member has many very fond memories of our Chief from Canoe Races, boxing days, sneaking the kids chocolate and pop, and noting that he is the original Penny trained.

He is survived by his children Michelle ‘Mitzi’ Penelope Bob (Jeff), Cheryl Heather Martin (Alvin Sr.), Michael Trevor Billy Sr. (Denise), Craig Ian Cedric Billy, Reno Patrick Natrall (Emma), grandchildren Melanie Amie Bob (Bart), Mallory Celina Bernard (Wallace), Cory Joseph Bob, Brooklyn Jeanette Sophia Martin, Alvin Cedric Eric Martin Jr. (Char), Barrett Michael Wallace Joseph Martin, Cathrine Lee Billy (Devin), Reeva Niona Billy (Paulsong), Michael Ian Billy Jr.(Nivana), Trevor Craig Billy, Wesley Ian Brayden Thomas Baker-Billy, Kayla Nadine Natrall (Johnny), Kimberlee Jamie Marie Natrall; great grandchildren Sophia Sydney Coleman, Michael Trevor Bernard, Adeline Marie Paull, Evelyn Kiki Paull, Aleckzander Cameron Dale McFadyen, Jack Yath; special daughter Edie Baker (Mike), Tracy Mitchell (Kono), Heather Damien (Donald); siblings-in-law; Delores Paul (Tom), Karen Anderson; special grandchildren Jose ’Joey’ Baker, Andrea Robinson (Wally), Akelah, Walter Jr.́ special great grandchildren Aniah, Silas, Nesyah Campbell and many special children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Online condolences can be found at www.dignitymemorial.ca

Funeral livestream can be found at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/81220

CATHOLIC/SHAKER PRAYER SERVICE: Chief Joe Mathias Centre

100 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC

DATE: Thursday, October 26, 2023

VIEWING: 6:00 pm

SERVICE TIME: 7:00 pm

DAY BREAK SERVICE: In keeping with our traditions.

CATHOLIC/SHAKER FUNERAL SERVICE: Chief Joe Mathias Centre

DATE: Friday, October 27, 2023

VIEWING: 9:00 am

SERVICE TIME: 10:00 am

INTERMENT: MISSION CEMETERY

Immediately following service

LUNCHEON: Chief Joe Mathias Centre

Immediately following Interment