William Joseph 'Billy' Power
Born In: New Waterford
Born: March 7th, 1939
Passed on: January 1st, 2015
It is with many tears and deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Billy Power at his sister’s home on Jan. 1, 2015, surrounded by members of his family.
Billy was born on March 7, 1939, in New Waterford, N.S. He was the eldest son of William Joseph Power and Amanda (Carew) Power and stepson of Honora (Stapleton) Power.
Billy was a retired coal miner who worked for Dominion Coal Co. and Devco for 31 years. Throughout his career when there was no work available in Cape Breton he travelled to Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario to make a living but always returned home at the earliest opportunity.
Billy was a very humble and generous man who was known to have given the shirt off his back to a person in need or helped in any way that he could for whatever the situation. In someone’s time of illness or grief or for no special reason he would show up at their door with a pan of his homemade cabbage rolls or a pot of corn beef and cabbage.
Billy loved the outdoors and over the years spent a great deal of time in Newfoundland and at the family cabin on Lake Uist fishing and hunting, chasing girls, playing cards and enjoying a few sips with his family and friends. He absolutely cherished the time he spent there. One of his greatest delights was to make an evening bonfire on the beach where he, Brian and Da would lead many a sing song. He often spoke of the big catch that he and Onafray made in the deep spot on graduation day. He will be sorely missed by his many hunting and fishing buddies — especially John and Collie Donovan.
As a pastime, Billy loved to do carpentry work and completed many projects over the years for family and friends alike. Music was also a big part of Billy’s life. He enjoyed playing the guitar and at an early age was trained on the steel guitar.
Billy enjoyed all the sports common to a young man growing up in New Waterford — he even played a few games as a goalie in the old New Waterford and District Senior Hockey League. In later years he enjoyed playing darts with his brothers and many friends in the N.W. Legion Men’s Dart League. His favourite card game was tarabish, where he was known as Ace-Face McGee for his propensity to have aces in his hand. One of his nephews, who was his partner in Bish, noted that Billy had made a misplay. Billy’s comment was, “I’d never rob a bank with that fellow.” He had a sharp and dry wit (a master of one-liners) along with a tremendous sense of humour. Many of his “Billyisms” will be long remembered, especially his infamous, celebratory “F.T.P. People.” Billy commented on one of his buddies who lost a tremendous amount of weight as being “so skinny you could see the sins on his soul.”
Billy’s many nieces and nephews were absolutely delighted when he came to visit. A lifelong bachelor, they were like his own children or grandchildren. They had many sobriquets for him such as Right Big or Uncle Wol; Pere, Willyo; and Uncle Junk; the latter for all the times he brought bags of candy to them. He loved them all and they thought he was “the bestest uncle ever.” Over the past few years his talent for creative Christmas card writing caused quite a stir among his nieces and nephews and they all waited with high anticipation to see the latest greeting.
While he struggled with his own medical difficulties, Billy’s final year was deeply saddened by the passing of his beloved brothers, Kenny and Wayne. Despite the ever diligent care of his youngest sister Ann and her husband Brian Williams, his obvious sorrow and great sense of loss contributed significantly to his sudden passing.
Billy had the kind of endearing qualities which put many a person at ease in his presence. His quiet way and non-judgmental nature encouraged easy conversation with his many in-laws and friends. This, along with his outgoing personality, allowed him to make instant and lifelong friends. Many would encourage him “to drop in if you are ever in my area.” He frequently did — no matter where or at what hour!
Billy is survived by his sisters, Colleen (Chuck) Hawkins, Arizona, Helen (Bill) Newell, Sydney River, Carole Walker, Kitchener, Ont., Ann (Brian) Williams, New Waterford; brothers, Raymond (Audrey) Stapleton, Ingonish, Edward (Sharon) Power, Brian (Yvette) Power, New Waterford N.S.; sisters-in-law, Susan Power, Wilmot, N.S., and Peggy Margetti, Sydney. He is also survived by his many nephews and nieces, whom he dearly loved.
Billy was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Kenneth James and Wayne Edward.
Cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, Jan. 5 from 1-3 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 3 p.m., Deacon Leo Penny officiating, all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard’s Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford.
Donations in his memory may be made to the IWK Foundation.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
