February 19, 1933 - February 17, 2021
William (Bill) John Fofonoff passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife of 67 years, Pauline on February 17, 2021. He leaves us just two days' shy of his 88th birthday.
Bill was born on Feb 19 '33 in Verigan, SK to John D. and Ann Fofonoff. The family moved to Grand Forks, BC in '43 where they settled on the Fofonoff family homestead on Coalshute Road. Bill spent his teenage years playing the accordion, farming, and fixing "things" with family and friends.
He developed an entrepreneurial spirit early on as he worked with his father at the family-owned Airport Garage on Hwy 3.
It was there, at the young age of 19 that his heart was stolen by the "girl on the bicycle". Pauline was the light of his life whose smile took his breath away. The couple married on Aug 8 '53.
Bill and Pauline started their life together in a small home on Coalshute Road. They were blessed with four children; Deborah, Robert, Rodney, and Richard. The children's spouses; Gary, Lorraine, and Cheryl were welcomed with open arms. They, along with friends in the community, assisted Bill as he built larger homes along the same road.
Bill shared his love for carpentry, mechanics, and the outdoors with his family and encouraged them to explore and create new things. He worked in logging camps, the Phoenix Mine, and finally found a career at Pope & Talbot. As Plant Chairman of IWA, Bill's leadership and mediation skills helped resolve issues during the strike of '86. He retired at the age of 59 in '92.
Bill was generous to his family and to his community. He was Director of the Boundary Museum, Fall Fair volunteer from '88-'09, and was awarded the Land Conservancy of BC's Culture of Conservation Award for his leadership restoring the Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Village in '10.
Bill would tell you that one of his proudest accomplishments (aside from marrying the love of his life) was when he secured the RCMP Musical Ride performance in Grand Forks in '05. In addition to community involvement, it was during his retirement that he and Pauline owned and operated Sunshine Enterprises shingle mill, The Cutting Edge saw sharpening shop, and a Christmas tree farm.
In his spare time, Bill loved to fish with his sons. He is still remembered for landing one of the largest kokanee during the Christina Lake Fishing Derby; had it been a trout, he would have won! He had a soft spot for his grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan), Shawn, and Kayla (Jeff), and would spend hours in the workshop, yard, and on the mountain with them.
It was in his yard that he shared his love of aviation and remote-controlled airplanes, snowmobiles, and homemade skating rinks. Most recently, Bill was delighted to share in the excitement and energy of great grandchildren with Vienna, Jaxx and Joelle. He also enjoyed spending afternoons on the back porch with family and friends sipping hot coffee. He will be fondly remembered for the sparkle in his eye, warmth of his smile, and how he enjoyed a freshly baked dessert by his daughter or wife.
He has been met in Heaven by his parents, sister Mary, brother John, infant son Richard, grandson Shawn and many family members and friends.
The family is grateful for all of the heartfelt condolences and special memories shared. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held in the future. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Hardy View Lodge: your love, kindness, and compassion have brought Bill peace.