William James Spelliscy
In Loving Memory of William James Spelliscy
Born November 12, 1921 in Balcarres, Saskatchewan, Canada. Died peacefully at his home in Orange, California at the age of 94. Beloved husband of Rita, cherished father of Michele, Stephanie, Sandra, Deidre and Derek, and adored grandfather of Taryn, Tessa, Dain, Alissa, William and Hallie, and great grandfather of Clara. He was a decorated WWII hero, a believer in the power of public institutions to create good in people’s lives, and a kind and generous optimist who loved life and always thought the best was yet to come. He will be forever remembered and forever missed by his family and friends.
Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast (800) 678-0669
7 Comments
To Bill and Rita’s Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father and husband. Uncle Bill, though I only met him a few times, was always such a gentle person when i spent time with him.
You’re in my thoughts.
Irene Spelliscy
Irene,
Thank you so much for your message. We will be sure that my mom sees it. Although my dad spent the bulk of his life away from Canada, he was always connected to his family and so interested in the lives of all of his brothers, sister, nieces and nephews, and cousins. You described my dad so aptly. He was a gentle person. We were so fortunate to have him for 94 years but as I know you understand, it is still tough to let them go.
Thanks again for your message.
Stephanie Spelliscy Williams
Sorry to hear of Bills passing. I am a son of James (Jim) and Rita Spelliscy of Regina Sask . Although my parents both have been gone for some years i still recall them talking fondly of Bill and how nice of a man he was.I also believe that i had the pleasure of meeting Bill at the Spelliscy family reunion some 15 years ago just outside Regina.. Having lived a long life , as Bill and several of our Aunts and Uncles have , and still are – is a blessing . All the best as you move forward. Sincerely jd spelliscy
Michelle and Family,
Cat Mahoney was kind enough to share this information with me, I hope you don’t mind. How blessed you were to have had your father for so many years! My folks’ have been gone for almost 20 years, and I still miss them, especially during the holidays. I know how much they would have enjoyed their “great-grandchildren”. John and I became great-grandparents’ last year, which still seems incredulous to me! I hope to drop by the ceremony next weekend, but we have tickets for an event that day, so will try to make it. Would love to see you and give you a hug! Blessings for peace and comfort to you and your family!
We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Bill’s passing. We were so fortunate to spend some time with him although it was a few years ago. He had a style and an elegance that was so impressive. We will miss his kindness and his grace. My father (Hal Sr.) spoke about his older brother often with great respect and pride for all he had achieved. Indeed the story of his life could make a pretty good movie.
God Bless Tim Spelliscy (Edmonton, Alberta Canada)
To Aunt Rita and family:
Uncle Bill was truly a great gentleman, a humble hero, and someone that made you very fond of him as soon as you met him. I did not meet him and Aunt Rita until later in life at his brother Jack’s service in Regina. The two of you were the last Uncle and Aunt for me to meet. Uncle Bill had a great impact on me and I know that he always held a very special place in the heart of my Dad, Hal Sr.,(who was Bill’s youngest brother). They traded phone calls many times and I know he relished them. Dad told us many stories of he hockey and WWII hero brother who left home so young to play pro hockey in LA (or what they thought was pro hockey).
Just a few years ago, on my first ever Disney trip, my kids got to meet your amazing husband and father. He drove to the Park and picked us up for lunch at your home. My kids were just 5 and Uncle Bill 87 – yet he was their bosom buddy right off the bat and he became a hero as he told them some of his stories, showed them photos, took them for a walk in his neighbourhood – and then played soccer with them in your backyard! They remember him well and were really sad to hear of his death. If Dad we still here he would want to pass on a favourite Irish blessing to you all and Uncle Bill:
“May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back and until we meet again, may God keep you in the palm of his hand”
Take Care : Joe, Sheila, Cole and Maddie Spelliscy (Edmonton, AB Canada)
Bill was truly a special person. When I saw him last a couple years ago at my brother Mark’s house, he was warm, welcoming and had a special quality that is difficult to describe but that anyone who knew or met him would understand. Always polite to a fault, soft-spoken and considerate of others, Bill endeared himself to anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. He was truly one in a million and I strongly believe he will be with us for the rest of our lives and beyond.