September 12, 1932 - October 25, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather Bill Faminoff on October 25, 2023 at Boundary Hospital in Grand Forks.
Bill was born to parents John and Polly Faminoff in Winlaw, BC on September 12, 1932. He was the fifth child of six siblings and was raised at Clay Brick Village. Bill was taught the value of hard work early in life and he gladly assisted his family while his father John was often away working at logging camps or sawmills to support the family.
By 1948, Bill was being trained as a sawyer by his father John at the Boundary Sawmill in Midway, BC. This was the start of a 50 year career for Bill in the lumber industry. He retired in 1998 as the sawmill superintendent at the Pope & Talbot mill in Midway.
He was recognized at his retirement ceremony for his expert knowledge of the lumber industry and for the records that were set for production and safety under Bill's management. He made many lifetime friendships during his lengthy career and was respected by management and employees for his leadership skills and genuine concern for their well-being.
Bill met the love of his life Jane Ozeroff in 1955 and the happy couple were married on October 20, 1956. He constructed his family home in Midway where he shared his love for his dear wife and their sons Bill Jr., John and Dan. Bill loved living in Midway and he showed his support for the community in many ways including helping to construct the Midway Community Centre and the Midway Hockey Arena. He also helped his parents and siblings to construct their residential homes. He was always willing to help others wherever he could.
One of Bill's passions was gardening and he planted his last garden in the spring of 2023 at the age of 90. Many family and friends enjoyed the tasty vegetables that Bill produced in his garden every year. He also enjoyed fishing with his sons as there were many fishing trips made with the boys to rivers, lakes and ocean venues in British Columbia. The 127lb halibut that Bill caught in the northern area of Vancouver Island was no tall fish tale as he had the photos to prove his skills.
Bill was a lifetime member of the USCC and he enjoyed attending concerts and festivals very much. He enjoyed singing psalms, Russian folk songs and classic country and western songs. Sometimes he would even allow for others to harmonize their voices with his.
Bill and his wife Jane enjoyed their travels together very much. There were many visits to Vancouver to visit with their grandchildren Kaila and Cole. They also enjoyed trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Cuba, England and Russia. There were enjoyable fifth wheel trips to Yukon and Alaska and many relaxing visits to the hot springs in Nakusp. Bill also greatly enjoyed many summer family vacations at Christina Lake.
Approximately 3 years ago, Bill's wife Jane suffered a decline in her health. Bill did not hesitate to show his kindness and love for his family as he quickly decided he would be able to provide his wife with direct caregiver assistance so they could continue to live together at their beloved home in Midway.
Thankfully, their son Dan was also able to assist with care giving which allowed Bill and Jane to share their love and warmth together until Bill's passing.
Bill was predeceased by his parents John and Polly, his brothers John and George and his sisters Ann Ogloff and Helen Zebroff.
Surviving family members are his wife Jane, sons Bill, John (wife Elaine) and Dan as well as grandchildren Kaila and Cole and his sister Derry Hadikin.
Also surviving Bill are many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on November 7, 2023 at Grand Forks Funeral Home with interment at the Sion Cemetery in Grand Forks. A luncheon followed at the USCC Community Centre.
Bill's family wishes to thank all relatives and friends who have made many kind expressions of support for us at this difficult time. We also wish to thank everyone who attended Bill's funeral and to everyone who sent cards and flowers. We truly appreciate the kindness and support that we have received.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Grand Forks Funeral Home for their professional assistance and to our friend Dan Katasonoff for officiating the service. We are also sincerely grateful for the kind words spoken by JJ Veregin Jr. and for all of the singers who sang so beautifully at the service.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the grave diggers and to the cooks who prepared a wonderful luncheon for our family and friends.
May Bill rest in peace and be granted a home in God's Heavenly Kingdom. He loved his family with all of his heart and helped many people throughout his life.
We will miss him dearly.