Billy’s Eulogy by Kristen Daniels:
“I’d like to thank you all for being here to celebrate Billy’s life on this day. To me, Billy way my best friend, my partner, and whom I called “My Frog”. The nickname came from a time where he pounced across a room and onto a bed of friends— I was so amazed that it’s what I called him and he kept it ever since.
Billy was an amazing smart man, if he wanted to learn a new skill or “how to things”— he would research and read about it. He enjoyed intellectual conversations about any topic that interested him or kept him in the loop of the community. He had a friendly atmosphere about him so bright that almost anyone (even if he didn’t know them) would approach him and share their life stories or what was on their mind. Billy had a humble personality for his friends and family, also his acquaintances but if he could be sarcastic with you and laugh about it— you meant a lot to him.
His hobbies were playing the latest games on his consoles he owned, reading Redit on his phone, enjoying coffee in the mornings, and taking his son Dante for walks, even if it was to take out the garbage. He was also willing to try anything new and share it with family and friends. Most of all, he loved sharing kidney and smoked oysters with Dante.
He loved the bond he had with his Father and often never showed it but he kept his Dad’s mentorship close to his heart. Billy’s relationship with his family were a huge treasure in his heart. Anything they needed, or a home to go to— he would not hesitate to help. Daily he spoke of his late Mother Francine, his aunty “Tuesday”, and his grandmother Dale, of all the memories they shared and raised him into the kind of man was. He also wasn’t the type to force relationships to mend but it never meant he stopped loving them. His siblings meant the world to him. No matter where he came across family— his heart was always filled with happiness even if he didn’t show it— I would hear it from him days later.
His friends were also his family. Billy had boundaries but he never judged a single one of them. He respected the choices and lifestyles of others because to him it was not his place to have a say or condemn others due to their flaws. However, when it came to competitive games— he didn’t hesitate to show you whose boss. He really appreciated any given time from his friends that he also considered his sisters and brothers.
The things Billy taught me is to have compassion for people who felt alone and lost, and to strive for things that make you happy. I looked to him for input every day because anything he said was so real and appropriate.
When Billy became a Father— I kid you not— one of the first things he did was snatch his son Dante away from the nurse and held him close. The proud look in his eyes that day never faded or faltered. He would settle his son beside him, or in his arms and lap to watch him play his games. As Dante got older, he started to share his favourite YouTube videos, SpongeBob episodes, movies, even how to play certain games on the Xbox. In his trailer, they would sit together on his couch sometimes or Billy would make it his priority to make sure Dante had comfortable space when they spent time together. Billy and I agreed that whatever happened between us that we would not forget our son and keep that parental relationship for him, to always prioritize his needs and accomplishments. This promise he honoured is one that will always be appreciated of his character.
Billy had many hardships in life but he kept moving forward and hoped for the best. He loved every single one of you and cared for all— even if he didn’t know you long— that was just his nature.
To Billy, we hope that you knew how much we loved and cared for you too— I believe we all would do anything we could and were capable of for this man, our son, our brother, our nephew, our cousin, our friend, our colleague, and our “partner-in-crime”. We will miss you dearly.”
