January 15, 1928 –
March 2, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Blazej (Bill) Spavor, who passed away at the age of 88 at Minto House Residential Care in Nakusp, BC.
Bill, the first child of Joseph and Susan Spavor, was born in Kriva, Slovakia. During the Second World War, Joseph Spavor was in Canada so Bill, as a young boy, took the lead in caring for his mother and younger brother, Louie, during those troubled times. The family was re united in 1948 and began a new life in Midway BC.
Bill was an energetic labourer for the CPR in Nelson, and Cominco fertilizer plant in Warfield and then he discovered his love of mechanics when driving a D7 Cat in the Kootenays. He also fell in love with a young woman, Monica Zak, who also immigrated from Kriva to Nakusp. They married in Aug 1953 and were blessed with children: Nancy, William, Julius, John and Catherine.
Between helping his father-in-law, Pete Zak, farm 17 acres and building the family home, Bill apprenticed as a welder at Celgar in Nakusp and then also got his ticket as a heavy duty mechanic. Bill’s energy continued over the years as he developed a mobile home park on 10 acres that included the installation of septic, electrical and plumbing services by him and his sons. He also raised chinchillas from 1969 – 1972 and rabbits from 1978 – 1982.
Bill worked hard all his life and yet set aside time to read, fish, and hunt. He loved to sing at Sunday mass and looked forward to Slovak gatherings after church. Bill played the mandolin, danced and laughed with his friends and family. Memories of Bill’s story telling will always bring a smile to those he left behind.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 45 years. He leaves behind his children Nancy(Larry) Banks, William, Julius(Diane), John(Karen) and Catherine Spavor. Also left to mourn are his grandchildren: Brad, Lindsey, Pete, Mary, Jane, Abbie, Suzie, Ali, Hailey, Avery and Connor, and great grandchildren: Sierra, Jaelyn, Noah, Dakoda and Jonah, Colten and Sonja, he also leaves behind his brother Louis (Anita) Spavor from Midway, many nieces and nephews and his brother-in-laws Ed and Joe Zak.
A Prayer service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Friday March 11th, at 7:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Nakusp.
The Spavor family would like to thank Dr. Goranson and all the staff of Halcyon Assisted Living, Pavilion Residential Care and Minto House for the loving care they provided to our father. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to Halcyon Assisted Living Society, PO box 910, Nakusp BC, V1L 1R0.
May he rest in peace in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Arrangements are under the direction of Valley Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.valleyfh.ca