October 27th, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we, regretfully, announce the passing of our beloved William “Bill” Ribalkin.

On the morning of October 27, 2021, at age 51, wrapped in the love of his adoring wife, three children, and dear brother, Bill took his final breath and was welcomed home in the presence of God.

This is the most difficult journey we have ever walked and although our hearts are broken, we still rejoice in knowing that Bill is now without pain and flies free.

Willy was born in Swan River, MB, and spent his youthful days working on the family farm with his brothers and playing drums for his Dad’s local band, The Thunderhill Pals. At 19 years of age, Bill caught a Greyhound bus out West, following his dreams where he ended up living and working in the Shuswap with his best friends and eventually meeting the love of his life. Bill and Joyce soon cultivated a beautiful family and life together in Kamloops; celebrating 29 wonderful years of marriage and friendship together.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Joyce, children Chelsey (Daniel), Patrick and Charlotte; his father Jim, parents-in-law Francis and Deanna; brothers David (Amanda), Jody (Ginger) and Kelly (Debbra); Siblings-in-law Judy (Len), Laurie, Mike (Cindy); along with many cherished nieces and nephews; lifelong friends Brad (Vonna), Chuck (Andrea), Brent (Tara). Bill is predeceased by his mother Roberta, Grandmother Helen, and Grandparents Nelly and Peter.

Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his palliative care team, Kamloops Cancer Clinic, his doctors and nurses at RIH, Kamloops Hospice Association, United Steelworkers Union Local 7619, Highland Valley Copper and to Bill’s brother Kelly for all his love and support.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who lived for hunting, fishing, hiking, ATVing, and snowmobiling and took great pride in sharing his knowledge of “gardening” with his “buds”. After spending many years working in logging and up north for oil and gas, Bill committed the past 10 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator with Highland Valley Copper, which was a huge source of pride for Bill and all his family. Bill was always able to build life-long and meaningful friendships with his coworkers that he treasured, even in his final days.

Bill enjoyed spending his summers at our little cabin in the wood, his happy place, with Joyce, his family, and his dogs Banjo and Gibson, and escaping the City for a hunt or a fish, especially with his best buddies, Brent and Chuck.

Bill, you are strength, hard work, dedication, and perseverance. You are rock and roll, country, good times, and laughter. You are the prairies, the mountains; you are the lake and the trees. You are summer cruises with the top down; hair blowing in the breeze. You are the glow of the campfire and the call of the loon. You are wisdom and guidance. You are security and love.

Watch for Bill, as he truly loved you all. He will be here to guide us, he promised.

Due to COVID, a celebration of life will be held at a later date, in 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bill’s Go Fund Me to support Joyce and his family in this trying time.

A small graveside farewell will be held outdoors, Friday, November 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Kamloops Hillside Cemetery.

RIP William “Bill” James Ribalkin, you are forever in our hearts!

You may send a message of condolence at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-10-27
• Location : Kamloops