Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform you that on February 13th, the community of Fort Simpson lost a respected elder. William Gilbert Villeneuve, commonly known as Billy V a friend, a father, uncle, and respected elder passed away.
Mr. Speaker, it is rare to find a friend/relative who's always there, is nonjudgmental, a good listener, someone who cares and loved you regardless. That's who Billy was, regardless if he was an uncle, cousin or just a friend. It didn't matter as everyone knew that he cared about them. Mr. Speaker, in speaking with his family, they said he was an interesting father who loved his children in his own way and as he was dealing with his own challenges.
Billy was born and raised in Liidlii Kue First Nation. He went to school in Fort Simpson, Fort Providence and Yellowknife. Upon finishing with school, he went to work all over the North. Billy was not afraid of work. He worked as a labourer, heavy equipment operator, and a taxi driver. Billy was a very determined man. Once he made up his mind, he would set it as a goal. A perfect example was when he had a stroke, among other health issues. He decided he was going to be able to walk and be mobile again. He did this through exercise and determination to get to be able to operate and use his threewheeler bike with a basket. I can tell you Billy drove around the community on his bike regardless of how cold it was outside. I have seen him bike around when the weather has been 40 with a smile on his face.
Mr. Speaker, he also found a purpose and that was to pick up and sell recyclables so he could donate that money towards the building of the new Sacred Heart Church. After the church was up and operational, he would go by it and he could be heard saying "oh wow" with the biggest smile on his face. The same could be said, when he talked about the church.
Mr. Speaker, like most people, Billy had his own personal challenges and struggles. He would fall but he laboured to get up and was successful. He would dust himself off, smile, and keep move forward. He did this for 79 years.
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you he will be missed by his family, coffee shop, church, and everyday friends who he laughed with, cried with, and encouraged. He will be sadly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community at this time.
Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
