Samuel "Sam" Robert Billard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel “Sam” Robert Billard, 94, on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Rose Blanche, Newfoundland, he was a son of the late George and Winnifred (Clark) Billard. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and lived most of his life in Glace Bay before retiring in Sydney River. In his younger years he had St. John Ambulance training and worked as an ambulance attendant and in his summers he always helped out his brother “Charl”, through lobster season. He worked at Seaboard Power Plant as a turbine operator, and was also owner/operator of Billard’s Garage. He also had his own construction business having been a mechanic and electrician. For a time he worked at the steel plant. He always had a backhoe, bulldozer and a boat and loved “tinkering “ with something. He loved animals and always fed his crows. A private, humble, caring man, he loved his family above all else. Although quiet, his fun side showed with his quick wit and funny sense of humor. Samuel’s skating ability was “poetry in motion”. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survived by daughter, Marian (Bud) Walke of Coxheath; 7 grandchildren, Bob (Lisa), Father Keith, Karen (Arthur), John (Denise), Janice (Jason), Angie and Andre; several Great Grandchildren; son in law, Bob Gratton, several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife, the former Angela Currie; daughters, Dolores and Marie (son-in-law, John A. MacGillvary); son, Bobby(daughter-in- law, Betty); brothers, Matt, Charles, George, Gabe and his twin brother in childhood; sisters, Eva, Ida, and Mary. Visitation will be Monday in T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, from 2 -4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass on Tuesday June 29, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Rev. Will MacPherson officiating . Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to TWCurry.com.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed