Jmaeff, Bill Wesley

Bill W. Jmaeff passed away on June 6, 2011 at the age of 93. He was in Aaron, Saskatchewan on June 30, 1917 to Bill and Molly Jmaeff, and was the youngest of 4 boys. As a young boy, he grew up on a farm and moved with his family to Eugene and Salem, Oregon finally settling in Chico, California where his family bought a home. He attended a high school for boys and loved to play baseball and football, always enjoying the company of his friends.
After a short time, Bill’s family moved back to the prairies. He spent some time riding on the freight trains which brought him to the Kootenays, where he met the love of his life, Mary Kanigan. Drawn to her beauty and cheerful smile, they were married on February 11, 1937 when they were both 20 years old.
Their first home was in Krestova with Mary’s parents and at that time, he worked with his father-in-law in Salmo at the saw mill. Together, he and Mary had 3 children; Bill, Mary and Vera. He described his children as a gift of god to love and to cherish every day. He believed in love, kindness, and honesty for one another with faith being the main source of life.
Bill worked in the Kootenay Lake Hospital as a maintenance man which was one his favorite jobs. He was also a carpenter for most of his life working in numerous construction jobs including the Waneta Dam and Revelstoke Dam, retiring at the age of 65.
Bill loved playing his guitar and accordion, and singing songs especially with his cousin, Tim Jmaeff who was also his best friend.
Bill also had another passion. An avid supporter of BC Lotto, he loved his scratch tickets. Playing slot machines across the line was also a favorite activity as was bingo. Bill also loved to socialize at the mall and A&W, where he would meet his friends and family for coffee or lunch. He especially enjoyed the company and visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was so proud of all of our achievements, no matter how big or small.
Bill’s final years were spent at the Mountain Lake Seniors Community where he was well-cared for by both the staff and his daughter and son-law, Vera and Phillip.
Bill was predeceased by his father Bill at the age of 96, his mother Molly; his wife Mary; his brothers John, Nick, and Mike; his daughter Mary(Sherstobitoff); his son-law, Bill; his granddaughter, Natalie; and grandson, Johnny. He is survived by his son, Bill Jmaeff and daughter-in-law, Vera; daughter Vera and son –in –law Phil Popoff. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
His jolly laugh and warm smile will be greatly missed by all of us…….
A funeral service was held Thursday June 9, 2011 from the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Service with the burial at the Krestova Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Harry Zeabin for officiating at the funeral service, the grave diggers of the Krestova Cemetery, the luncheon provided by the ladies of the Village Bistro, and Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. On–line condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca