Obituary of William Deak

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Deak, a lifelong resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the age of 89 years of age.

Bill was born on March 24, 1944, at the Pouce Coupe hospital. His loving parents, Albert and Esther, brought him home by horse and wagon to their family farm at the 7-mile corner, known back then as Halbert Place. There were three brothers and six sisters waiting for him at home. Bill was number ten, and later, another sister was born to complete their very large family.

Albert and Esther later homesteaded and bought some land of their own in the Kilkerran area. Bill went to the schoolhouse at 7-mile corner until he completed his education up until the eighth grade.

His childhood was filled with a love for the outdoors, from berry picking to hunting activities that shaped his character. He managed to bag a moose every year with his old Winchester 30-30.

He and his siblings were all very hard workers, doing their part on the farm. His big brothers liked to play pranks, like dropping strawberries purposefully in fresh cow pies and watching little Bill pick those berries up and eat them! His brothers would all laugh as Bill did when telling this story. He was always good natured.

Bill met Penny Lynn Wilk through his sister Ethel who worked with Penny at BC Tel. He married Penny in 1965 and began their life together in Dawson Creek. They had one son Darren in 1967, then later took over the family farm in Kilkerran where they raised some animals and grain farmed.

Bill and Penny spent many evenings playing Canasta or just visiting neighbors making lifelong friendships in the area. Bill was often working alongside neighbor and friend Ray Turner at his sawmill in the winter and farming in the summer.

Bill began his career working for Art Moore and Borek Construction land clearing, then moved on to become a road foreman at the Department of Highways. He then worked at Peace Country Maintenance until his retirement.

Another great joy for Bill were his grandchildren Kayla and Dallas. In 2006, Darren married Nancy who came as a package deal with children Jessica and Steven. Bill happily accepted them all as his family.

Bill’s enduring kindness and love for animals was well known. His faithful companion Fred received his nightly dish of ice cream while the cows, birds, and stray cats never went hungry around the farm. When he came to visit, his bologna and treat deliveries were a delight to Darren and Nancy’s dog, as well as the neighborhood canines. Bill never came empty handed. We think the neighborhood dogs will surely miss him as much as we do.

Bill loved his family and friends and was always eager to lend a hand to anyone in need. His genuine and warm-hearted nature endeared him to many.

His love for music led him to local music festivals and he rarely missed a local hockey game or farm auction sale. He was a long-time member of the Rural Crime Watch and volunteered for many events. He could often be seen driving the area with his crime watch signs on the truck, patrolling and keeping an eye on things. If you went to the Co-op cafeteria you would have seen him drinking coffee and talking about farming and the weather.

Sadly, Penny passed away in 2011. Bill missed her dearly but carried on with farming for three to four more years alongside Darren and Nancy until he decided to take life a bit easier and handed over the reins. This gave him extra time for visiting friends and spending more time with his only remaining sister, Shirley.

Bill lived a simple and fulfilling life on his beloved farm and remained independent in his home until his final day, on August 29^th, 2023. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

As we say our goodbyes, we like to imagine him being greeted at the pearly gates by Penny sitting in her favorite armchair calling out “BILL! What took you so long!”. Together they celebrated their 58^th anniversary on September 4^th, reunited for eternity.

Many have been privileged over the years to receive regular phone calls and visits from Bill. These calls and visits are going to be missed by all of us. Bill’s memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. RIP Bill.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Penny Deak; parents Albert and Esther Deak; siblings Alec, Albert, Joe, Julia, Helen, Irene, Elsie, Margaret, and Ethel.

Bill is survived by his son Darren (Nancy) Deak; grandchildren Kayla (Kegan) Henry, Dallas (Allie) Deak, Jessica (Travis) McAllister, Steven (Alaina) Ryder; great-grandchildren Brantley McAllister, Bryson McAllister, Finley Henry, Callum Henry; sister Shirley Crull; brothers in law Kelly (Carol) Wilk, Kerry (Ann) Wilk, Warren (Rosemary) Wilk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A Celebration Of Life for Bill was held at Reynars Funeral Chapel on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 1:00pm. Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment will be at a later date.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Bill to the Step Up “N” Ride Society, 732 115 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3B8.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium