Obituary of William Reay

William (Billy) Bruce Reay was born on April 5, 1948 in Fort St John, BC to William and Margaret Reay (nee Roberston). He was their fourth son and youngest brother to Alfred, John, and David. He became older brother to Doug in 1949 and then the boys moved to Nova Scotia with their father in 1952, returning to Blueberry Mountian then to Silver Valley, Alberta. He loved sharing many stories of the adventures he had with his brothers in the Atlantic ocean and on the homestead in Silver Valley. Eventually work opportunities led Billy to Dawson Creek. From a young age, Billy was a hard worker and took pride in his work as a heavy equipment operator. He loved working in the North and spent many years with Borek and then Pavlis Construction. In his last weeks he was proud to be asked to go back to work and still felt he had some "work" left in him and skill to offer. In 1974 Billy met Patricia Srala and became a father to Nicole (Nikki), Blake, and Rebecca (Bekki). He was a kind, generous, and entertaining father. We have many fond memories of him taking us for drives, teaching us how to fish, and making good (albeit interesting) meals. We learned quickly to ask what kind of meat it was before we ate it! In 2001 Billy discovered the love of grandchildren. He loved to tease his granddaughters Daylia, Karlee, and Reayleigh and always had treats and hugs to give them. They love their grandpa dearly. Fishing, hunting, and gardening were some of his favorite activities. He always offered to help anyone that needed an extra handgetting wood and Christmas trees and planting a garden will never be the same without him. He also loved spending time with his brother David and his family (Bev, Danielle, Daryl, Ashlee, and Haleigh) helping them around their acreages and going on many outdoor excursions. He had so many good times with his brother and shared many entertaining stories of their times together. Our last summer with him was a gift as he spent a lot of time with us in the outdoors, sharing meals, and enjoying a family visit in Kamloops where he and Blake would sit out on the patio for hours enjoying the view. Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 31st, 2012. A Social Celebration was held on Friday, September 7, 2012 in Reynars Tea Room. Billy was laid to rest beside his brothers in the Blueberry Mountain Cemetery. Billy is survived by his children: Nicole (Shawn) Dahlen, Blake Srala and Rebecca Srala. Grandchildren; Daylia, Karlee, and Reayleigh. Brothers: David (Bev), Harry (Giselle), Charles (Debra), Bruce, Alexander (Shirley) and James (Heather). Sisters; Sheena, Doris (Jim), Betty (Jerry), Edith and numerous nieces and nephews. Billy is predeceased by his parents: William and Margaret, his brothers: Alfred, John, Douglas, Malcolm, Norman, Donald, Allan, his nephew John Jr. and numerous friends that I know have been waiting to welcome him up above with open arms. Take care of him up there for us and let him know how much he is missed. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.