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BILLY YANCEY A gentle hand came to take Billy away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. It is with great sadness that we share the news that Billy passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre. He faced his illness with quiet dignity and courage. He will be sadly and lovingly missed by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jo. Billy was the youngest of nine children and is predeceased by his parents and all his siblings. Left to mourn are his wife Jo, in-laws Eddie and Shirley (Shawn) in Regina, Art (Irene deceased), Christine and Dean (Steven and Matthew), Mike and Holly (Jordan) and Jim, all of Calgary. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews scattered across Canada, USA and Australia. He was a great uncle and a good friend and neighbour. Those surviving him will miss our get-togethers, great talks and sharing our joys and tears. We will recount Billy's stories and smile each time we remember him. He will always remain in our hearts as sorrow does not last forever but love does. Billy was a natural athlete and sports played a large part in his life - from travelling across the USA playing in the AHL, to travelling across Canada as equipment manager, first for the Calgary Stampeders, then with the Junior Jets. Upon retirement, he would cycle 21 miles to Pine Ridge Golf Course to play 18 holes - first on the tee every morning. Unfortunately, later in life, Billy was diagnosed with Paget's bone disease which curtailed his sporting activities. He had an eye for antiques and fine objects and spent many hours at his hobby redesigning articles for our home. He appreciated good art and loved his collection of oil paintings and framed pictures that decorate our walls. A picture for every empty space! Billy loved the sun! He was happiest when relaxing in the sun. He was a sun worshipper and was always in competition with his neighbours - Tricia on one side and Charlie on the other - to see who had the best tan. He was so happy in his flower filled yard, keeping his lawn green, neat and tidy, and waiting for the last leaf to fall so that he could scoop it up! He greatly loved and cared for all animals. Especially dear to his heart were our four family dogs. He always had a tender spot for his neighbours' pets. Rabbits and squirrels were also welcome. They all gave him such joy. Special thanks to Kelly and Dee Moss, Keith and Judy Elder and all our other friends and neighbours who helped us - one step at a time - to get through this. I wish to express gratitude to Dr. S. Ahmed and Nurse Jennifer Konwalchuk for Billy's care. Angels must guide you both in your work. To Drs. Coleman and Garcia and the nursing staff at Riverview Health Centre 3 East unit, thanks to all who looked after Billy with great care and gentleness. Your kindness and loving hands meant a lot to us. Your hard work did not go unnoticed and those surviving thank you so much. You truly are a great team. At Billy's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. No floral tributes please. If desired, donations may be made to CancerCare or Riverview Health Centre. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB in care of arrangements 204.897.4665. For those who wish to sign Wojcik's online Guest Book please visit our website at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com Walk with me always, Holding my hand. Never let it go.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2015
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I think of Uncle Billy often when I run. I have clear memories of him taking me and my brother running in Yorkton and Nosehill Park in Calgary when I was young. I am just about 50 years old now and am still running......will miss him greatly. - Posted by: MIke Depatie (Nephew) on: Apr 08, 2015
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Sorry to hear about Yancy. I remember sitting beside him in the hockey dressing room as he was putting on his street clothes after a hockey game. He never took a shower so I decided to ask him why. He told me that he didn't want to take a chance of losing his tan. He was a great skater, just like Mosienko. Posted by Ross Parke friend - Posted by: Ross Parke (Friend and hockey associate) on: Apr 07, 2015
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Billy was the master of what he called "the bunny hop" this was a curvilenear, choppy turn around the corner. BILLY WAS THE STRONGEST SKATER IN THE WORLD. I ALWAYS SAID THAT IF YOU WOULD OPEN UP THE DOORS AT THE END OF THE RINK AND FLOOD THE STREETS, THAT BILLY WOULD BE IN LOCKPORT FOR SUPPER. CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS. - Posted by: david pearlman (skating partner.) on: Mar 31, 2015
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Going way back to the old Grand Beach and Central YMCA days. Yanch was a loveable character never without a smile on his face. Having the best suntan in Winnipeg was an obsession. As soon as the snow was gone, Yanch would climb the fire escape at the Central YMCA to be the first on the roof to start his suntan. Everyone used to tell him that he looked like Kirk Douglas to which he would reply "no, Kirk Douglas looks like me" Having relocated to the west coast has left me out of touch with him for some years. However I will never forget his outgoing, friendly, personality. One last comment. When playing with Seniors Hockey in his later life I recall him skating backwards and passing the other players in the warm up. What an athlete. - Posted by: Joseph Michaels (Long time friend) on: Mar 29, 2015
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Billy was a great friend and neighbour to our whole family. Alex always listened closely to any advice Billy had for him about Hockey. When Alex got a new pair of skates right before conditioning camp, Billy advised him to wear the skates as much as possible, so off Alex went, marching up and down the boulevard (skate guards on) on a hot August day. When we came home from school in the spring, Rachel and Alex would always check to see if Billy had started the tanning season yet. We were privileged to have known Billy. - Posted by: Sharon , John , Rachel and Alex (Friends and neighbours ) on: Mar 28, 2015
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I had the pleasure of being on the ice at Winnipeg Arena while participating in the Firefighters rec hockey league circa 1967-1970 and watch Billy skating with the puck - poetry in motion. RIP - Posted by: Bill Nicholson (Lucky acquaintance) on: Mar 28, 2015
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It was a great visit with Yanny & you a couple of summers ago.. Billie looked like a million dollars...Don't think there will be another like him...What a guy! Peter Demidiuk will welcome him at the Pearly gates..The ranks are thinning, but the memories of the long walks and antics that took place will be remembered forever. We will miss him! Gone but never forgotten! - Posted by: Hunky Bill and Kay Konyk - Vancouver (Old Old friends...) on: Mar 28, 2015
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Joey it's been a long struggle and you did it so lovingly. You and Billy were soulmates from the get go, although I did not meet you until the mid 1970's I knew then you were madly in love. My heart goes out to you. Strength my friend. Regards & hugs, Lyla - Posted by: Lyla Mobberley (Friend from Benefit work days) on: Mar 28, 2015
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