William Fredrick Stefoniuk

April 23, 1937 - February 13, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Born: April 23rd, 1937 in Trail, BC.
Passed: February 13th, 2023 at Trail Hospital from complications of COVID.
With profound love, sadness and gratitude we bid farewell to a man larger than life, a shining star who brought joy and laughter to everyone lucky enough to know him.
William Frederick Stefoniuk left us on Feb 13, 2023. He is preceded by his wife Jaqueline and brother Greg; survived by children Mike, Nadine, Eric and Steve as well as grandchildren Danielle, Cheyenne and Hayden.
Born in Trail, to Frederick Sr. and Anastasia (Nell), he spent his childhood there before moving to Castlegar, where he graduated from SHSS. From there his family ventures with his father included founding Castlegar Taxi, and owning the Pallet, (forerunner to the HiLite) It was there that he'd host live musicians of all stripes and genres, and his love of music eventually led him to the love of his life, Jaqueline Cacchioni.
They met at a Little Richard show in Spokane, and though Jackie tried to dodge Bill with a fake number, she also worked as a switchboard operator and received Bill's sincere call looking for the woman he'd fallen for, and was won over by him - truly a love connection for the ages!
As husband and father, Bill was a devoted family man, he lived for his wife and children. He treasured Jackie's family as his own; Rolland Cacchioni Sr. was a second father to him. Extended families would congregate often; fondly remembered are Christmases, summer holidays, and Bill's favourite: hunting & fishing trips with Roland Sr.
Bill was an avid sportsman from his youth, and his expertise in those fields never wavered with age. He could be found reeling in fish all the way from the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, and he took down prime bucks and game birds with deft marksmanship all the way into his 80s.
Skilled at foraging with a taste for wild victuals and adventure, Bill often quipped: "I never met a mushroom I didn't like.
That spirit of adventure is reflected in many of Bill's favourite pastimes, travelling in particular. Trekking the Canadian wilderness, relishing his favourite tropical beaches, or visiting Japan in his 70's - he was a true bon vivant!
Bill also had a taste for gambling, likely cultivated from his days as founder of the Kootenay Carum Club, a poker club of some renown! Whether he was courting lady luck at the casinos, or playing cards with his friends, Bill was always ready to ante up.
Bill was also a hard worker throughout his life and held a variety of jobs. From the Cominco smelter to his warehouse position at Celgar Pulp Mill which he retired from in 1999, he worked just as hard as he played - to the fullest.
Such was the way Bill lived life: he soaked up every second and truly embodied the spirit of a mover and a shaker (as he might have said.)
He yelled because he cared, he joked because he could and when he danced into a room he lit it up completely - and Bill loved his family as they loved him: with entire heart and soul.
He is so very dearly missed, and our memories are even more dearly cherished: There will never be another person like Bill.
An informal celebration of life will be held on Apr. 23, 2023, from 1-3 pm at The Union Hall (Formerly Kinnaird Hall) in Castlegar BC.
All who knew and loved Bill are welcome.

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