Michael 'Bill' Florian
Born In: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: January 31st, 1931
Passed in: SYDNEY, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: January 4th, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of well-known Sydney resident, father, grandfather and friend, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011.
Born on Jan. 31, 1931, in Sydney, he was the eldest son of Dr. Sydney and Hazel (Cockell) Florian.
Bill was of the Anglican faith, attending St. Stephen's Church and later, Christ Church, serving in many capacities. He enjoyed the men's club and helping out at Camp Bretondean. Bill also sat on the Cape Breton District School Board for a number of years. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially enjoying duck hunting (Iona and Grand River) and fishing in his healthy years. Employed at the Canadian National Railway, Express/Freight division for 35 years, retiring in 1986. A talented woodworker, he taught woodworking in the Continuing Education Program for 27 years and always freely gave of his talents whenever or wherever needed. Politics played a great part in his life. He was a sustaining member of both, the Federal and Provincial Progressive Conservative parties. You would always see Bill and John Abbass, with hammer and nails, posting signs during elections. However, no animosity was ever shown toward the other party's candidates, some of whom became his good friends. Now for hockey, the Toronto Maple Leafs never had a better booster. Good or bad - a fan forever. He enjoyed retirement, spending time with friends (Tim Horton's buddies), family and traveling. Bill especially enjoyed his last big trip to Newfoundland with his brother, Jim.
He was predeceased by his parents; only sister, Charlotte Dillon (Moffatt) and younger brother, David Christopher.
Bill will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Elizabeth 'Betty'; daughters, Susan Wallace, Nancy, Judith (James) Thompson, Sandra and Carolynn; sons, Michael (Nancy) and Bruce; grandchildren, Tanya Bell-Sarson, Eastern Passage, Nicole (John) Bobo, Eric (Jessie) Wallace, North Carolina, Zachery (Ashley) Wallace, North Carolina, Adam, Brandon, Devin, Alexandra, Jacob, Mary-Michelle, Charlotte and Jonathan; and great-grandson, Ethan, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brothers, James, Dartmouth and Charles, Elmsdale; and many nieces and nephews. Bill will be missed by his good friends of many, many years, Angus MacKillop and John Bourgeois; family friend, Rebecca Lane and last, but never least, faithful companion, Demi. A dog's love knows no boundaries.
Our thanks to Dr. Murdock Smith, who took Bill on as a patient. A very special thank you to Dr. John Ritter; Beth Latham and Heather Skinner, Palliative Care; and the VON for their care, compassion and expertise at this trying time.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel today (Thursday), Jan. 6, 2010, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Church of Christ the King on Friday 11 a.m., with Rev. Carl Fraser officiating. Interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, P.O. Box 561, Sydney, B1P 6H4, the VON or charity of one's choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca.
