Obituaries

I was very sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I enjoyed his quirky sense if humor and easy way. I worked with him for a short time and really liked him.

I first met Billy when we worked together at the Casino. Our paths crossed again when I found myself working in the Crown Attorneys office and met Billy when he became a lawyer. We enjoyed chatting about fond memories at the Casino. I was so impressed by Billy's humility despite his tremendous success in being a Social Worker and lawyer. Billy was a caring man who helped so many people with his empathetic approach. May his life be a blessing to all. Belinda Bezanson

Billy has been my lawyer for nearly 8 years. But to say lawyer is likely the biggest understatement when it came to our relationship as friends. Billy has gone so above and beyond his job description for me and has assisted me in legal areas in which he has stepped back from as he had such high hopes for me. I had moved from Toronto on my own to Halifax with no plans friends or family but billy was always my person to confide in. No matter the situation he was always there for me as a friend and someone who cared in seeing his clients become more then repeat clients. You know he always told me I was his worst client and I think that came from a place of love as in he wanted to see me do well so he went out of his way to ensure I always had someone to talk to and to provide me with anything from resources to rides across town when needed and just checking in as he knew my mental health was that of something in which he understood. All I can believe is that billy had some demons which made him the good Samaritan he was. He knew my pain and would go out of his way to make sure he knew someone was there for me when my family was halfway across the country. I just wish I could've been there for him more. I just wish that I woulda bought him that coffee, would've gone out golfing with him, would've shown the appreciation I have for him as nobody has ever done for me with no expectation of repayment like he has. Although this world is cruel, lonely, challenging and unfair I'm glad to have had someone in my corner such as billy. Til we meet again, love ya buddy

I met Billy when he worked at the casino years ago. He had such a great sense of humour and I would make him a birthday cake every year. I didn't see him a lot after he stopped working at the casino but I knew he obtained his law degree and was very happy for him. I sent him a Happy Birthday last year and that's the last time I heard from him. You were a great guy Billy and you will be missed. Erin

Special man Billy was.

Of behalf of my husband, Sister we work with Billy at the Casino Nova Scotia, Billy work at the table game while we work at property services. May your rest in love and Peace Billy....

So sorry to hear about Billy as I just met him recently because he was a lawyer for my son , it was quite the shock hearing this news . He was a very nice man . Rip Billy

I met Billy in Court. He had the perfect balance of exasperation and dedication to be a good defense lawyer. When he spoke in Court that day I could tell he had a lot of awareness about mental health and addiction. Following Court I introduced myself and told him about a community group I support that helps folks with mental health and addiction issues. He joined our Board almost immediately and for 5 years helped us build services and housing to support Nova Scotian folks who struggled with their mental health. He was an asset to our group and I wish I could have helped him the way he helped us. Rest in Peace Bud. Ken

I am so very sorry to hear the news of Billy's passing. Although, he was a pain in my neck many, many times as we worked together in my former career path, I respected him immensely. His tenacity was inspiring, his work ethic impressive. He was funny and dark and saw the good in people. He advocated for his clients, was persistent, and did not give up trying to find a way to reach the people he was supporting. Thankful for our many long chats (and arguments) that helped me see another side. I know he served his community well and supported many, many people on their journeys after everyone else had turned their back on them. Rest in peace, Billy. Anna

Billy will be missed ..this is sad news Rip Billy

In the fall of 2019 I found myself at a personal low - I was struggling with drinking and felt like I was spiralling out of control. Years before, Billy and I had been friends while working at the casino, and since then I'd been admiring his accomplishments from afar as I could see he'd turned his own life around. So when I found myself at my own rock bottom, I sent Billy a message, asked if we could meet up. Billy had recently posted that if anybody wanted to talk about problems with alcohol, to call on him, so that's what I did. He responded immediately, and took me to lunch. I credit that lunch with Billy as saving my life. I was 17 days sober at the time, but was tossing around the idea of trying to moderate my habit and go back to drinking again. I was off work due to chronic back pain, struggling to financially stay afloat, overweight, depressed and anxious. Billy looked at me and told me the truth that I needed to hear, and shared with me some of his own story. On that day Billy gave me the strength I needed to make the decision to turn my own life around. At that lunch, Billy asked me what I actually wanted to do for a living, I told him I'd been thinking about Real Estate, but that was probably a pipe dream. Billy shared with me his surprise-journey to becoming a lawyer, and told me I could do anything. That was 1,618 days ago, and I haven't taken a sip of alcohol since. Now I'm enjoying a great career in Real Estate, no more chronic pain, and I'm in a much much better spot now overall than I was when Billy first helped me. I've thought back to that lunch with Billy many times over the last 4 and a half years. The things he told me that day often helped me to keep going. Since then Billy and I have kept in regular touch. We'd go for coffee and he always asked immediately if I was still sober, and he kept me accountable. Though we we were now two very different people in a lot of ways than we were years ago, at those coffee chats it was clear that new Billy still had some hilarious elements of the old Billy in him. We would get side-eyed glances from those around us as Billy would too-loudly tell stories from the past that most people probably wouldn't be comfortable sharing in public. But that's Billy! I'm going to miss Billy, but I'll always remember him. He helped me completely change my life for the better, and for that I owe him forever. Thanks Billy, love ya buddy.

I had the pleasure of working with Billy at the casino from 2005-2007 but was privileged to call him a friend outside of work. We shared some great times together, had some deep conversations, and had so many laughs at his Windsor street apartment. I was so proud to see him professionally years later as a lawyer supporting a mental health client of mine. I wish I could have told him in person. Rest well, my friend.

Rest in peace Billy <3

I met Billy in my first year of university and we became good friends because we were in a lot of the same classes and worked on assignments/papers together. After year 1 I went on to join the military but still kept in touch with billy through Facebook. shortly after joining the forces I was in need of legal aid by which time Billy was already practicing law and offered to help. He did a lot for me at a time of need and I appreciate everything dearly. He was a good friend and lawyer. I will miss him and won't forget all that he taught me over the years Rest in peace buddy

Billy you were always so kind and knowledgeable! And giving and caring my family appreciated you so much! You were there in our time of need ! Best Lawyer in Nova scotia

I am deeply saddened by the news of Billy's death. He accomplished so much. He helped many people. My condolences to those closest to him. May he rest in peace.

Billy will be missed. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. May he Rest in Peace.

So sorry to hear new Billy briefly he was one that always was there to help rip dear Billy condolences to his family