November 19, 1920 - November 11, 2009

William was born in the small town of Young, Saskatchewan in 1920. He was a busy and mischievous boy having fun and helping his Mom and Dad with their farm. He grew to be a happy and hard working man with strong values. He met his wife Margaret while he was working in Creston, BC and knew right away that he would marry her. They were wed in 1940 and started their family right away.

Bill entered the Army in 1942 as an engineer and served in 4 countries with the No. 1 Canadian Drill Company. He managed to meet up with his brothers in Italy and often enjoyed recounting the story of accidentally walking across a minefield to see them. After being discharged in 1945 and returning home Bill and Margaret once again settled in Creston.

After raising their young family in Nelson they moved to Kamloops in 1968. Bill started his company, Bilmar Contracting, and dug many of the basements in Kamloops through his career. He and Margaret spent their retirement years in their home on the North Shore, gathering their family around them regularly to celebrate and laugh and enjoy each others company.

Bill is survived by his sons, Gerry (Bev) and their children Donnie, Debbie and Jeannie of Cranbrook, Larry (Pat) and their children Kim and Kellie of Kimberley, and Les (Barb) of Kamloops; his daughters Diane Fisher (Allan) of Chase and their children Bonnie and Bobbi of Kamloops, Bonnie Anhalt (John) and her children Julianne of Kamloops and William of Edmonton and Julie Dufour (Lorne) of Langley. Bill also leaves behind twelve great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his brothers John Tamas, Joe Tamas and Mike Tamas and his sister-in-law Ruth Rickson. He will be missed by family friends Kelly and Judy Dupont and Nancy Martiniuk and Jody Sinclair as well.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Margaret, in 2007, his parents and his three brothers and one sister.

Bill was an exceptional storyteller with a zest for life that was contagious. He made friends everywhere he went and enjoyed his life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his strength, quick wit, charm and proud, protective spirit.

In the early hours of Remembrance Day Bill slipped away peacefully to join Margaret after missing her every day for the last two years.

Special thanks to family Doctor Harold Stefanyk for his exceptional care and concern for Margaret and Bill and to the girls from High Country Health Care and housekeeper, Signa, who made Bill's days bright.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Kamloops Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Len Den Braber officiating.

Should friends wish, donations can be made to the ALS Society of BC or the Canadian Cancer Society.