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WILLIAM JOHN TAIT (BILL) LENNIE

November 5, 2013

Lennie, William John Tait (Bill)

March 20, 1954 – November 5, 2013

After a courageous battle with esophageal cancer, we are saddened but relieved to announce that Bill passed away peacefully at Moog and Friends Hospice House, Penticton, BC with his special girl, Janice, by his side. Throughout his life, Bill had many passions, including riding Harleys, antique and muscle cars, his 1947 purple Chevy and building racecars. He also had a great love for NASCAR, and his favorite drivers, the late Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (his boy), of whom he idolized and looked forward to every single race. He collected memorabilia from t-shirts, hats, jackets, bobble-heads, books, pictures, you name it. When it came to fixing cars, Bill was old school – he could fix anything and constantly reminded his female friends to check their oil and maintain their vehicles! His knowledge of mechanics will be greatly missed – he was just that go to guy – knowledge, knowledge, knowledge. Bill was also a real history buff and had a keen interest in World War I and II airplanes, especially. Bill worked hard all his life and he played hard too. He had a variety of occupations which would take him to Alaska and Alberta to build roads, driving logging trucks in BC, to mechanics in Sask., BC and the NWT, and other jobs too numerous to mention. Bill loved to have fun, loved parties, all kinds of music and people from all walks of life. He was a real character and brought smiles and laughter to all who knew and loved him. Sometimes gruff on the outside, Bill had a heart of gold on the inside and would go out of his way for people. When he moved back to Summerland, BC in August 2010, Bill made many great friends and rekindled old friendships. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his many special friends, including his best friend Billy Bruce, Patti, Fred, Sonia, Brent, Joanne, Doug, Terry and Tammy, who were his constant support in the last days of his life. Bill’s Sask. friends, including Janice, Morgan, Lenny, Abe, Scott, Ray and others of which there are many will miss him dearly and cherish his memory forever. Can’t forget the cats – especially Grampa Harley! Bill was predeceased by his parents, grandparents and special Aunt Clara. He is survived by his children, Tyler and Tara. A very special thank you to all the medical personnel involved in Bill’s care and treatment, including the doctors, nurses, home care nurses (Debby, Joanne et al) and ALL the staff at Moog Hospice for their kind and compassionate care in Bill’s final days. A special celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date in Summerland. In keeping with Bill doing things “his way”, next summer he will be coming back home in style in a Nitrous Oxide bottle, complete with a beautifully hand crafted wooden carrying case built by his buddy Toyota Ted. He will be escorted in Billy’s 1948 Chevy Sedan Delivery with Patti to Yorkton, SK, where he will be laid to rest beside his Grandfather. At that time Bill’s Sask. friends will meet for one big bash in his honor – he would like that.

Bill will forever be remembered in our hearts, and his words, “Remember the 3 R’s – Romance, Racing and Rock’n roll!” Until we meet again, R.I.P. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Moog and Friends Hospice House, 1701 Government Street, Penticton, BC V2A 8J7 Condolences may be sent to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com.



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