We are sad to announce the sudden passing of Bill Babij on May 10, 2019 at the age of 82. Bill resided in Merritt for the past 53 years.

Bill is survived by his two daughters: Leanne (David) Panchuk and Beverly (Dan) Denison, and five grandchildren Haley, Clare, Emma, Peter, and Lucas. Bill is also survived by one brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Stevie and brother Joe.

Bill was the youngest of three siblings, and three half siblings. He was born and raised in Mannville, Alberta on the family farm. As a young man, he travelled and worked across Canada, later telling stories of this time with the saying ‘from coast to coast on tea and toast’. He met and married Evelyn in Enderby, BC, then settled in Merritt where he worked as an equipment operator for Weyerhaeuser until his retirement. They raised their two children spending winters snowmobiling and summers camping and travelling with the truck and camper through Canada and the US. Bill enjoyed camping trips to Disneyland, Yellowstone Park, Grand Coulee Dam, Bella Coola, spring breaks to visit Alberta relatives, and a huge camping trip to Alaska. Bill belonged to ELKS for a few years and was happy to take his two daughters to many Girl Guide camping trips. Bill enjoyed his twice weekly trips to buy lottery tickets (always hoping to win), and visiting the Merritt Post Office daily where he would visit with friends and acquaintances on the streets of Merritt. Bill especially looked forward to his Thursday coffee and cake visit with his good friends Kim and Charlotte.

The family would especially like to thank Kim Jurriet for her wonderful care of Bill over the past several years. He valued her friendship immensely.

Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2019-05-17
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.