With great sadness we announce the passing of Billy Fomich on December 27, 2013 at the age of 54.  He was predeceased by his father William ("Bill"), mother Hazel and sister Debbie.  He is survived by his sister Pam and nieces Natasha, Jasmine and Angie.  The memory of his life and his spirit will live on in those that loved and knew him.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jolly Mac's Pub (upstairs) located at 14815 - 108 Avenue, Surrey, B.C.

William Alexander Fomich Jr. (Billy)
July 27, 1959 – December 27, 2013

Billy was born July 27, 1959 to Hazel and William Fomich and grew up in the Ellendale (5 corners) neighborhood of Surrey, B.C.  His mother Hazel was a practical nurse who gave up her career to be a homemaker and raise the children.  She was from Irish/English descent and was born in Saskatchewan where many cousins still reside. His father William (Bill) was from Russian descent and humble beginnings but he worked hard to become a prominent member of the Surrey Community and one of B.C.’s longest serving aldermen. Billy had two sisters: Pam the eldest and Debbie the middle child.  Debbie shared the same birthday as Billy just four years earlier. Despite their age difference, they had a strong inseparable bond and the family often joked that they were twins.  At birth both had medical complications and numerous blood transfusions with Billy receiving a total of 11, a medical miracle.

During his childhood Billy built strong friendships that lasted a lifetime with his neighborhood friends Robin Burwash, Carl Evans, Doug Viddick and Ken Smith.  Doug moved away and the rest of the boys graduated from North Surrey High School in 1977.

After high school Billy moved to the Prairies to live with his big sister Pam.  Shelley Linnen came to visit Saskatchewan a few months later and never left.  Billy married Shelley in 1980 at the age of 20 and they celebrated their wedding in B.C.  Billy’s best man was Robin and his groomsmen were Carl and Ken. The newlyweds continued to live in Saskatchewan and Billy completed a portion of his plumbing apprenticeship with his MacLeod cousins, Doug and Pat.  He later earned his journeyman certification at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 1982.  Shelley and Billy were married for approximately 2 years and when they separated, Billy moved back in with his big sister Pam and eventually relocated to B.C.

After relocating to B.C., Billy moved into his grandmother’s (Granny’s) house at 11169 Wallace Drive which was next door to his family home where his father always kept a watchful eye on him.  Now back in B.C. he was reunited with his “twin sister” Debbie where they shared unconditional love and laughs.  He was also a cool Uncle to his nieces Natasha and Angie and endured the playful teasing “Silly Willy Uncle Billy”.   Billy’s Russian roots would shine as he carried on the Fomich tradition of making sure everyone was well fed and happy.  He had a big heart and passion for cooking, music, dancing and entertaining.  During his time on Wallace Drive he met Carol Van Betuw (Little C) who he started dating in 1991 and also met his friend Ernie French in that same year.  Carol (Little C) & Billy (Big B) made many lasting memories over the years and were always there for each other.  Ernie, who became a long term friend and roommate, always looked out for Billy.   Together, Ernie, Billy and Carol formed a strong bond that will live on.

Billy will be remembered by his family and friends as a very social person who lived life on his own terms.  He was very friendly, charismatic and charming.  He never hesitated to hand out a compliment or say I love you.

We love and miss you Billy and feel very blessed to have known you.