Obituary of William Joseph 'Billy' McIntyre, 63, Edmonton, Alberta, New Waterford

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Billy, on August 9, 2021, in Edmonton, Alberta. Billy was born on October 27, 1957; the son of the late Duncan James and Cecilia Agnes “Spickie Bisson” McIntyre. Billy attended Saint Agnes School, New Victoria School and Breton Education Center. Billy served as an altar boy at Saint Agnes Parish. As a young adult, Billy entered the Canadian Armed Forces completing his basic training at CFB Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. He was then stationed at Garrison Petawawa in Ontario where he served his short military career. Billy returned to Cape Breton and attended the Adult Training Center where he completed his certificate as a Boilermaker. Billy lived much of his adult life in Western Canada, British Columbia and for the last twenty years in Edmonton, Alberta. A Journeyman Carpenter, he was a member of the Alberta CLAC Union (Christian Labour Association of Canada). He worked on many projects in Edmonton and surrounding areas but worked mostly with Alberta Oil Sands in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Billy had a lifelong interest in cars and motorcycles. In his younger years in British Columbia, he built several motorcycles of his own. He attended many cars shows and spent many hours cleaning and maintaining his cars and bikes. Billy enjoyed a nice ride, whether it was it was his ‘57 Chevy truck or one of his more recent vehicles, his 745 BMW or Jaguar S-Type. Billy was an avid reader, spending countless hours, 5,6,7…. hours a day reading; newspapers, novels, history books, magazines, pamphlets or cereal boxes. If it had print on it, he read it! With an exceptional mind, he retained what he read and was always up for discussions of local and world events, history, political figures, and many other areas of interest. Billy had a very turbulent flight through life. He faced each adversity with fierce strength and determination. He did not allow his addictions to define who he was. He was kind, giving and incredibly respectful to all people. He gave to others to the extent he had nothing for himself; he only saw things from the perspective of the people he was giving to were more in need than himself. A man of strong faith, it was his faith that helped him overcome the many obstacles in his life. Billy held an unwavering connection to his family. Billy spent six months in Cape Breton several years ago working with his brother doing extensive renovations to his mother’s home. He also worked on several extensive renovations with his brother and sister in Edmonton doing renovations on their homes. Billy would work many long hours of his time without expectation of anything in return. He gave of himself out of the goodness of his heart. In times of need and support, Billy always turned to his family because he knew we would always be available, and we were. Billy was predeceased in death by his parents, Duncan James McIntyre (1994), Cecilia Agnes “Spickie Bisson” McIntyre (2015); his brothers, Daniel Paul McIntyre (1963), Jimmy MacIntyre (1990); and his sister-in-law, Carol Ann (Power) McIntyre (2015). Billy is survived by his sisters, Frances (Vince) MacDonald, Bonnyville, Alberta, Brenda MacIntyre, Edmonton, Alberta, brothers, John (Ticker) McIntyre, New Waterford, Bernie McIntyre, Edmonton, Alberta and Stephen (Michelle) McIntyre, Reserve, N.S. Billy is also survived by his sister-in-law, Teresa MacNeil (the late Jimmy) Peace River, Alberta, nieces, Maggie (Nick) MacIsaac, Jenna (Mark) Peddle, Katie (Mike) Seesahai, Sarah (Nathan) Soldon, Nicole (Ryan Blades), nephews, Duncan and Rory MacIntyre, James (Kayla) MacDonald, Josh, and Zachery McIntyre. A visitation will take place on Thursday, August 19th, 2021, from 2:00pm– 4:00 pm and 7:00pm – 9:00 pm, at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral Mass of celebration will take place on Friday, August 20, 2021, at 11:00 am in the Parish Church of Saint Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford, N.S. with Father Jim Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, 1510 Grand Lake Road, Sydney. Seating in the church is limited to 150 people. Masks and social distancing are required at both the Funeral Home and the Funeral Mass. Following the Funeral Mass all are welcome to join the family for lunch at The Army and Navy (lower level) 495 Smith Street, New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The Salvation Army, Halifax Center of Hope, 2044 Gottingen Street, Halifax, N.S. B3K 3A9. Donations online can be made at: donate.salvationarmy.ca In lieu of food being sent to the family home, the family respectfully request that you lend a helping hand and send a meal to a senior or family in need in your community. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way. (Barbara Bush 1925 – 2018)