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
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Marie Wambolt
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
Sherrill Harrington
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)
Deborah Conrad
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.
Susan Dean
To the family: So sorry to hear cousin Bill passed. Thinking of you all. Susan and Sheila
Audrey Croft-Spencer
My condolences to the family.
Violet Rhyno
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!!
Raymond And Muriel Hynot.
So sorry to hear of Bill,s passing.I worked many years with him at Stenpro.He surely will be missed.
Jordan and Bella Oickle
To Bill’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.R.I.P. Bill
Jeannette Rogers
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.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
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.
judy quinn
So very sorry for your loss
Sherlock Rafuse
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
Nancy Whynot
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
stephen legge
worked with bill for yrs we ate lunch alot 2gether listenin to his story rip
Lewis & Connie Conrad
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
Susan and Garlent Oickle
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
Colleen Roy and June MacDonald
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
Mike McKiion
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
Amy Croft
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.
Ron & Bonnie Henderson
Our sincere condolences to Bill’s family.
Marion Power
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
Sterling Belliveau
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
Pamela Ditchoff
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