William Joseph Esaw

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William (“Bill”) Joseph Esaw—devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great grandfather, beloved friend, esteemed colleague, and cherished North Vancouver resident. Bill passed away peacefully at his home on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 99 years young.

Bill was born on January 26, 1927, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to Sapar Esaw and Miriam (Joseph).

Bill married his first wife, Josephine, in 1958, and were blessed with six children before moving to North Vancouver in 1974.

His lifelong career as an Estate Planning Specialist with Canada Life spanned an extraordinary seven decades. Bill was deeply involved in his community, serving as President of the Men’s Club at Holy Trinity Church and as a lifetime member of the Jaycees.

Known affectionately as “BBQ Bill,” he was an avid fisherman, generous host, notably successful Caribbean Stud poker player, enthusiastic gardener, and local celebrity renowned for his prominent Christmas lights display. Bill was married to Josephine for 37 years and stood by her through more than 15 years of illness. He later married his second wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage—enjoying extensive travel in their early years and quiet cups of tea in their later years.

Bill was a man of character, with a strong work ethic, deep sense of integrity, commitment to charity, penchant for positivity, and unwavering love for his family.

William is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Esaw (Johnson); his six children—Samuel, Bonita, Shelley, Deborah, Barbara, and Robert; fourteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren, as well as five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren in his extended family. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Josephine Anne Esaw (Ferrari), as well as his siblings, Sally, Jenny, and Johnny.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Holy Trinity Church 2725 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC

The family wishes to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the medical staff at Lions Gate Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation via https://lghfoundation.com/tributes/william-esaw, or the Saskatchewan Hospital Legacy Trail https://www.saskhospitallegacytrail.ca