We Remember

SASS, William

April 13, 1939 — April 20, 2022

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Bill Sass, husband, father, Gedo, uncle and friend on April 20, 2022.  He is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth.

Bill was born April 13, 1939, near Ituna, Saskatchewan on the family farm, child 13 of 15.  He had 7 Brothers & 8 Sisters.  Bill lived on the family farm and then moved to Yellowknife, NWT to work for Ward Air loading & unloading freight.  He had many stories from his time there, and he would tell you them frequently.  He then moved to Edmonton, AB and that is where he met Elizabeth at a farm wedding, and they were married in 1967.  In 1972, Bill moved the family to Kelowna, BC to start working at Rutland Esso as a mechanic and then continued working at several service stations throughout Kelowna before opening his own automotive repair shop in the early 1980s.  He was known for his honest and reliable work ethic that carried through to his retirement in 2016 at Little Billy Auto Repair.

As luck would have it, Bill met Phyllis by chance at a BBQ in 1998 in Kelowna while she was visiting from Ontario.  They hit it off and Phyllis moved to Kelowna shortly after, where they shared many happy years together.

Bill was an avid CFL fan of his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders and NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.  In his retirement, if you were at the house you would probably find some sporting event on the TV, and he would give you a play by play of what had happened during the game.  He loved playing pool, darts, and later Bocce games in the backyard.  Bill was very competitive regardless if you were 5 or 95. He could be heard hooting, hollering and doing his victory dance.

You could always find Bill at meat draws and playing pool at the Kelowna Army & Navy and Kelowna Elks Club. He was a member for many years and was proud when he received his 48th year member pin at the Army & Navy.

Bill is survived by his partner Phyllis; daughters Debbie (Tobi) Friesen, Colleen (Ray) Hill, Jackie Fitzsimons and Simon Fitzsimons.  He was very proud to be Gedo to Sarah, Piper and Orla.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

A Funeral Service and reception will be held on THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022, at 10:00 AM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 9:00 am, should anyone wish to say their farewell to Bill. Internment to follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery after the reception. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Visitation
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022, at 9:00 AM
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC)

Service
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022, at 10:00 AM (PDT)

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

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Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for SASS, William is scheduled for THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022, at 10:00 AM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Karen Kuzyk says:
    April 27, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Billie’s passing. I will always remember his infectious smile and how he loved a good he polka! My
    Mom(Olga) also sends her sympathy. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t make it to the funeral, but we will be watching the live stream.
    Take care, Karen

    Reply
    • Lisa P. (re:Mayer) says:
      April 29, 2022 at 1:48 am

      Debbie, Colleen and Family, Thinking of you both during this time. I have such fond memories of your Dad ( and mom) from childhood , Your Dad always quiet but that grin that was always on his face makes me smile even today. May the memories give you comfort today and in the days ahead

      Reply
  • Janice Zwirsky says:
    April 28, 2022 at 9:32 am

    Heartfelt condolences ❤️ Our lives were all blessed and better to have had Uncle Billy in it. Rest Easy, and we will listen for your stomp dancing from above.

    Reply
  • Bruce and Sheila Kyle says:
    April 28, 2022 at 10:04 am

    Sending our Deepest Condolences to all of the family.
    Rest in Peace Billy

    Reply
  • Sylvia & Don Lautner says:
    April 28, 2022 at 12:15 pm

    So sad to hear that Uncle Bill passed away. Our last trip to Kelowna was in July 2015 and as usual Uncle Bill and Phyllis welcomed us graciously. Many bocce ball games where played and my partner was Uncle Bill which was a hoot. Before we left Kelowna, we had to load up with fresh picked peaches and Uncle Bill knew the best orchard for peaches. Uncle Bill was the best polka partner which the nieces (lots of nieces) waited patiently for a polka dance with Uncle Bill. Thank you Uncle Bill for the memories. Our Deepest Sympathies to Phyllis, Debbie, Colleen, Jackie and family. Thank you for the Livestream.

    Reply
  • Alan, Donna and Jack Bray says:
    April 29, 2022 at 12:46 am

    We had the pleasure of getting to know Bill when we visited in the summer of 2014. He was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor and I loved shooting pool and shooting the breeze over a beer for hours chatting about different sports. We also had a great time learning to play Bocce in the back garden. We still speak about that great summer now, and we are grateful to Bill for helping to create those wonderful memories for our Son Jack.
    May you rest in peace Bill.
    Alan, Donna and Jack

    Reply
  • Donna Bray says:
    April 29, 2022 at 1:54 am

    It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. May you find peace, comfort, and all the love you need in the days to come. lots of love xxx

    Reply

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In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

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