Tribute

William Weston DEY (Bill) passed away at Menno Home on the morning of Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the age of 90 years.  William is survived by; his sister, Theresa; his wife of 61 years, Beverley; their 7 children – Rodney (Carole), Bradley (Lisa), Kenneth (Denise), Leslie (Carmon), Allyson (Sandy), Weston (Kaarina) and Tracy (Kerry); their 13 grandchildren – Nicole, Braedon, Liam (Rachel), Quinlin (Zena), Terrell (Madison), Iysha (Brayden), Hayden, Alyx, Isabella, London, Kennedy, Autumn and Alyssa; their 2 great grandchildren (Maven & Baby BORDEN); and many other relatives and friends.  William was pre-deceased by his mother (Helen), father (Frank), brother (Ted), brother (Richard), brother-in-law (Ron LIVINGSTON) and sister-in-law (Edna).

William was born on August 22,1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Frank and Helen DEY, where he has fond childhood memories of living on a farm, but admittedly he had no desire to be a farmer, he loved the city.  William was a performer staring in several stage productions and well known for his powerful, baritone singing voice. He hosted “The Bill Dey Show” in the late 1950s and early 1960s as well as singing often at the church.

At the age of 24 while still living in Winnipeg Manitoba, William was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and shortly after became an Elder. While performing one night at the church, he met and sang to a 17 year old Beverly Sayer. Four years later they were married on June 29^th, 1959 in Vancouver, BC.

As a young man, about 14 yrs old, William went north to Churchill working as an apprentice mechanic with his uncle, shortly after he went to school to become a Certified Mechanic, which allowed him to start his own business in Vancouver called, “Dey’s Mobile Alignment”. He was quite well known for his skills, creative tools and ingenious methods at many service stations, like his wheel alignment machine.

His mechanical, artistic and creative legacy will always be for his work as a parade float builder with Frank MANSUETO. William was recognized for winning top prizes in various categories for building many beautiful floats for the Hyack Festival, PNE Parade, BC Lions touchdown float called, “THE LION MOBILE”, Edmonton Eskimos Super bowl Parade, and many Vancouver Seasonal Parades.  His bother-in-law, Ron Livingston, would also ask William to build stunt cars and fix up cars for Murray Chambers #42 at the PNE’s demolition derby. This is where he made some of his best friends.

William was never one to sit around, he remodeled the whole house at 1470 Gravely Street and built some very interesting and fun things for everyone to enjoy. The one thing we all remembered with great fondness was the expanded back porch which included a three story fire pole. The neighbourhood kids favourite! While living in his last home in Abbotsford, he created a gorgeous backyard complete with a waterfall and pond. It was all amazing and people still talk about his unique creations.

He lived a very full life up until he was 80 years old but shortly after his 83^rd birthday he was hit with the challenging battle of Alzheimer disease, his whole family was devastated and fought along his side.  At the time of his passing he was residing at Menno Home, and was surrounded by his loving family.  Those who knew William will remember him as an honorable, kind and generous man whose focus in life was his family. William DEY’s legacy will live on in his children and the many people whose lives he touched throughout the years.

A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 30635 Blueridge Drive, Abbotsford, BC with a Celebration of Life to follow in the gymnasium.  All are welcome to attend.

Anyone who has photographs of William and/or stories they would like to share are asked to:

1. post them on the FaceBook – William Weston Dey

Link: https://www.facebook.com/william.w.dey.9?__tn__=%2CdC-R-R&eid=ARA0z-8Bt1CZX3PmdsF6qzPWYnY4vKuveH8w-BHPaRHMN1ugBfot4Sn80k9k9hb_Ob7oDyZMN-kjYOwD&fref=nf)

or

1. email them by November 21^st to dennylharrison@gmail.com

So they can be included in a tribute presentation.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any of the following:

• the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia (https://alzheimer.ca/sites/default/files/files/bc/donation%20forms/2014-10-31%20in%20memoriam.pdf)
• the Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia

(https://hsf.donorportal.ca/Donation/Donation.aspx?F=1775&T=INMEM&L=en-CA&G=328&NFP=1&cscid=19hsweb_HSFwebsite_owtgen_boxim_MEMen&scanline=no&CURL=hsweb)

OR

A CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE

William Weston DEY

Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew

Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Friend