LEWIS, Geralˆ William “Bill”
1935 - 2024 (Bill, Billy, Grandfather Billy, Elder Billy). Bill died peacefully on Saturday, April 20, with his wife, Robbie, and very dear friend Toni, by his side. Recent comments from friends: “A justice Warrier, pillar of strength and positive thinking, he lived his life fully.” “He had a story in every pocket and fold of his being.” “Heart heavy and alive with love for the massive impact in social movements, cultural revitalization and the lives of so many.” “The communities Grandfather moved with he did with intention. He loved and laughed with intention, his full being enveloping us all with his wisdom, curiosity, and openness.” “He emulated what an Elder should be. He was knowledgeable and kind; open to discuss anything” “He was a safe older man, supporting feminism.” “Billy had a bright, loving spirit that was felt by anyone who was lucky to know him.” “He had an insatiable thirst for justice and understood the meaning of solidarity across issues, lines and binaries.” “A beloved peacemaker, trickster, and advocate. He was cheeky, he was fierce, he was stubborn and he walked the walk. We all carry parts of Billy with us in our hearts.” Bill’s life was devoted to fighting oppression. With minimal formal education, his innate intelligence embraced his mental acuteness, his spirituality, his emotions, and his humanity. He was a voracious reader covering innumerable learnings; religions, gardening, science, politics, mystical matters, history to name a few. Eventually he was persuaded to try literature and a new love was born. A week before his death Bill was studying The Quran, reading Wab Kinew’s The Reason You Walk, Diane Morgan’s Magical Tarot, Mystical Tao, and Norman Mailer’s The Executioner’s Song. Bill’s working life took him from Ironwork, to seal boats, to Street Navigation in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. His “real” work was organizing and participating in the struggle for justice. Bill was a deeply spiritual person. He also had a huge and raucous laugh, did not require a megaphone at gatherings, and was easily spotted in a crowd. He met Robbie just after returning from the Oka struggle in 1992. She was his life partner for the next 32 years. He followed her willingly, as she flitted from Halifax to Vancouver to Bayfield, Maitland, and back to Halifax, where they have lived for the last 20 years. A Gathering for Bill will be arranged for the near future. No details at this time. I want to thank the many wonderful Health Care Providers who assisted Bill right up to his demise. I most especially say Wa’lalin to the many caring friends who have shown their love and provided their support before and after his passing.