It is with immense sadness we announce that our beloved Dad, Papa and GGpa, Bill Fox, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, at Langley Hospice following a courageous battle with cancer.
Dad was an avid gardener, cyclist, reader, true sports fan and absolutely loved all types of music. Dad had an absolutely wonderful sense of humour and mischievous spirit which he certainly passed down to all of us! As anyone who met dad will tell you, one of the highlights of his life was attending the 1972 Canada/Russia Hockey Series games in Moscow. Dad was first and foremost a follower of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ upon which, by the Grace of God, he built the solid foundation for our family. He was our rock.
Dad was predeceased by the love of his life/partner/best friend, his wife, Josephine (Joy) Fox, sister Gladys Balback, brother-in-law Ed Balback and sons-in-law Larry Wolsynuk and Tim O'Connor.
Dad is survived by his daughters Sandra O'Connor and Janice Burghardt, son-in-law Ralf Burghardt, four cherished grandchildren and seven precious great-grandchildren.
A heartfelt thank you to the doctors and all of the nurses, staff and volunteers at Burnaby General Hospital and Langley Hospice for the immeasurable care and compassion shown to dad. A special thank you also to all of our dear family, friends and WGLC family for your prayers, love and support, especially during these past few challenging months.
A celebrations of dad's life will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 11:30 am at Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, 20530 88th Avenue, Langley. Dad would have loved to see sports jersey's at his celebration (except Toronto!), so, if you have one (even Toronto if you must), please wear it in dad's honour.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Walnut Grove Lutheran Church to support its refugee family, Wagner Hills Farms or Union Gospel Mission would be much appreciated.
"I am but a stranger here, Heaven is my home" - until we meet again dad
March 30th, 2024
For myself, my heart breaks knowing that such a loving, kind, thoughtful and genuine man has left us, but for Bill I know that he is reunited with his beloved, and has left the suffering behind. What a wonderful soul, I feel so blessed to have had him around me the few times in my life…the warmth I felt whenever I was around him was huge. And he created such beauty in his garden, that he shared in his environment. I send much love to you, Bill, and to all his beloved family and friends. You will be profoundly missed.
March 30th, 2024
Sandra and Jan
Our memories of Bill are still quite vivid. He had an outgoing personality, and I recall more than a few stories relating to the Russia-Canada hockey series. Bill came from a very strong faith family that I'm proud to say we are a part of.
Blessings to all of you as you remember and celebrate your dad.
March 23rd, 2024
It’s very hard to say goodbye to someone as kind and fun as Bill. A truly lovely person. When I first met Jan’s mom and dad, they seemed like the most charming and good natured people. Absolutely devoted to family and faith. As I got to know them, they made me feel like family too. Whenever I (we) met Bill in the years before we moved, it remained the same. He never forgot who I or my family were, and we were greeted with warmth and laughter and welcomed as good friends. I will always consider Bill and Joy as my family. Even after years apart I can feel the sense of belonging and happiness they brought to life.
It’s hard to say goodbye to someone so special. There are so many great memories to live on in our hearts.
All our love goes to you, Jan and Ralf and family, May and Harold.
March 23rd, 2024
Sandra and Janet,
Bill was my ultimate gardening buddy and a cherished neighbor.
I’ll fondly remember our chats over the fence about fun bird stories (the blueberry thieves!) and garden tips and him leaving veggies on our doorstep.
We will miss him very much but also feel lucky to have known him.
Condolences to your family.
March 23rd, 2024
When you love hard, you grieve hard. Bill touched my life in such a wonderful way and I am so sad he's gone. I will remember him fondly and think of him often, especially during hockey season. I will continue to talk to him about hockey, it will just look a little differently now. I cherish our memories together at Redwood Park, sitting outside of Starbucks in the cold with masks on during covid showing off my new baby, chatting on the picnic tables in December, and watching football together after just moving to BC. I won't forget how he drove to Richmond for my baby shower and how he never missed a chance to make fun of my favourite team the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bill, you are gone too soon, but you are never forgotten. Your legacy will live on in your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I love you and I miss you. Until we meet again.
March 20th, 2024
I did not know your father that well but when I looked into your eyes & heard you speak of him.
I knew who he was as a man who loved his family & his god.
May he rest in peace knowing he raised you all with love, respect & honour.
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