- Chandlers' Funeral Service - https://www.chandlersfuneral.com -

Rafuse; James William “Bill”

Posted By Obits On February 17, 2017 @ 8:43 pm In Obituaries | 23 Comments

billinframe

RAFUSE; JAMES WILLIAM “BILL”, 87, of Charleston, Queens County, passed away peacefully in Queens Manor, Liverpool, on Friday February 17, 2017.

Born in Charleston, he was the son of the late Gilbert and Marion (Anthony) Rafuse.

Bill was employed for 43 years at Thompson Brother’s and later when it became Stenpro Steel and Engine Products, retiring in 1994. He also owned his own hobby mill, that he used to make lumber for his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed gardening and was well known for his salmon fishing abilities. Bill was also a long serving member of the Charleston Fire Department.

He is survived brothers, Sidney (Jeanette), Sherlocke; sisters-in-law, Maxine Adelaide and Aleta Rafuse; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Belle “Hilda” (Hirtle); sisters, Elaine, Jean; brothers, John, Pat, Anthony “Tony”.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral home, Liverpool. A private memorial graveside service will be held at a later date in New Charleston Cemetery. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to Queens Manor, Liverpool. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Rafuse; James William “Bill”

Print Obituary & Condolences Print Obituary & Condolences

Condolences for the family of “Rafuse; James William “Bill””

Condolence from Marie Wambolt on February 18th, 2017 11:46 am

Sherlocke Deeply sorry to read about the passing of your brother Bill. When I was growing up in Charleston always remember the times I spent visiting with Bill and Hilda . Our families are getting smaller.. remember the good times and all the memories you have hold them close Take care my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the Rafuse family

Condolence from Sherrill Harrington on February 18th, 2017 2:34 pm

To The Family,
So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, he was a lovely man. My sisters and I talked to him many times at the manor and always got a big hug from Bill. Take care and know that others care too.
With heartfelt condolences from,
Sherri, Nancy and Pat (nee Anthony)

Condolence from Deborah Conrad on February 18th, 2017 2:39 pm

To all of Bills Family, so very sorry to hear of his passing I always enjoyed listening to his stories when I would visit him at the manor an remember visiting him an Hilda many times while growing up in Charleston, my thoughts an prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Condolence from Susan Dean on February 18th, 2017 2:41 pm

To the family: So sorry to hear cousin Bill passed. Thinking of you all. Susan and Sheila

Condolence from Audrey Croft-Spencer on February 18th, 2017 5:02 pm

My condolences to the family.

Condolence from Violet Rhyno on February 18th, 2017 6:23 pm

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, Visited him and wife Hilda so many times over the years.. They were lovely people.. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends!! Take care and God Bless!!

Condolence from Raymond And Muriel Hynot. on February 18th, 2017 6:55 pm

So sorry to hear of Bill,s passing.I worked many years with him at Stenpro.He surely will be missed.

Condolence from Jordan and Bella Oickle on February 18th, 2017 6:57 pm

To Bill’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.R.I.P. Bill

Condolence from Jeannette Rogers on February 18th, 2017 8:29 pm

I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I spent many hours chatting with him while I was a volunteer at Queens Manor in 2015 and always stopped in to visit with him whenever I went back home after moving back to Halifax. He sure could tell a tale. I know he missed his wife terribly & take comfort in the fact that they are now reunited. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Condolence from Vernon & Joyce Hawkes on February 18th, 2017 9:47 pm

Our condolences to Bill’s family.
Vernon knew him through working at Steel and Engine Products Ltd. A Great fellow to work with.
I knew him from seeing him when I worked at Sears. He was always smiling, and so cheerful.
He was just a great person to know. We had the pleasure of visiting him at the Queens Manor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Condolence from judy quinn on February 18th, 2017 9:53 pm

So very sorry for your loss

Condolence from Sherlock Rafuse on February 19th, 2017 2:19 am

To those of us who remain may we live a long and peaceful life. Just Sid and me left in this family. I always looked up to Sid as a big brother that he was. He picked on me unmercifully but I loved him anyway. More than he will ever know. He always seemed to be so grounded and grown up and I loved Jeanette. She is and was a very wonderful sister in law. I never thought our relationship would end as it seemed so great at one point. Though we are not close may be it will be one day in the sweet bye and bye. That would be mum’s greatest wish. And Dad would be proud of all of us. He loved each one of us in a different way but in the end all he ever wanted was what was best for each of us. And Bill proved that he was a good son and being the oldest son he showed us the way for all the boys. God bless Bill and I hope he finds the peace that he so surely deserves with Hilda. Regards to Adelaide Stephanie and Paulette. Chris and I are in your thoughts.
Regards
Lock

Condolence from Nancy Whynot on February 19th, 2017 12:05 pm

Lock, I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing, I know you looked up to him and that he was a good brother. I spoke with him often when Debby was at the manor. He always had a huge smile when ever I would greet him. I know that Bill and Dad are out in a boat with fishing rods in hand having a great time talking about all the salmon they caught.
Please know you are always in my prayers.
Nancy (Anthony) Whynot

Condolence from stephen legge on February 19th, 2017 10:46 pm

worked with bill for yrs we ate lunch alot 2gether listenin to his story rip

Condolence from Lewis & Connie Conrad on February 20th, 2017 12:38 am

To the family

So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Lewis worked at Steel & Engines with Bill
for three and a half years. When his Mom went to Queens Manor, Lewis would stop in for a visit
with Bill too. They had great chats and Bill could remember the smallest details of any of
their conversations.
Deepest sympathy
Lewis & Connie Conrad

Condolence from Susan and Garlent Oickle on February 20th, 2017 9:49 am

To Bill’s family
Sorry for your loss .
I met Bill many years ago he and Hilda were a great couple now they are together again

Condolence from Colleen Roy and June MacDonald on February 20th, 2017 10:41 am

Mom and I enjoyed our visits with Bill. I will miss him reminiscing about the family history. Dad and he enjoyed their time together playing cards to pass the afternoons in the Manor. I’m sure the crib board will be in full use when they are together. Rest in peace Bill ,you will be missed. Colleen and June

Condolence from Mike McKiion on February 20th, 2017 3:22 pm

I will always remember that smile every time you saw “Uncle Bill” anywhere.
He always had a good big story for us and that was one of the lovable things about the man.
I never heard the guy raise his voice at anyone.
I’m sure talk for Ann, David, and myself Mike, it’s been a complete pleasure to be your nephews,
“Uncle Bill”.
Rest peacefully
Mike&Wendy McKinnon

Condolence from Amy Croft on February 20th, 2017 5:06 pm

So sad to hear of Bill’s passing. I liked his smile. He was always happy to share a joke and a smile. I will miss him.

Condolence from Ron & Bonnie Henderson on February 20th, 2017 7:32 pm

Our sincere condolences to Bill’s family.

Condolence from Marion Power on February 21st, 2017 8:42 am

My memories of Uncle Bill are of a sweet man who always had a smile on his face. I am sure that he is in heaven reunited with all who have passed away before him. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the family…Hugs, Marion Power

Condolence from Sterling Belliveau on February 21st, 2017 10:37 am

To the family of Bill Rafuse, I extend my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

With sincere condolences
Sterling Belliveau, MLA

Condolence from Pamela Ditchoff on February 23rd, 2017 10:43 am

My sincere condolences to Bill’s family and friends. He was a true blessing in my life these past eight years. I visited Bill at the Manor every Sunday with my dogs, first Phoebe and then Willy as a therapy dog team. My dogs loved Bill above all others at the Manor, I am sure because they sensed what a kind, gentle and loving person Bill was. My parents lived in Michigan, my Dad passed in 2012; visiting Bill was like sitting down with my Dad, talking about the news, about nature, flowers and birds, about the dogs he had, about his work years, and his family. I consider myself honoured to have been his friend. Memories of our chats will always be a treasured memory

Article printed from Chandlers' Funeral Service: https://www.chandlersfuneral.com

URL to article: https://www.chandlersfuneral.com/rafuse-james-william-bill/

Copyright © 2010 Chandlers' Funeral Service. All rights reserved.