William J. Wheaton, Jr.
'Billy'
1951 - 2017
Wheaton, Jr., William J. 'Billy' – Age 65, of Parrsboro passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan with his loving family by his side. Born in Parrsboro, he was the son of William “Bill Sr.” Wheaton, Parrsboro and the late Irene (Breau) Wheaton. In 1973, Billy married his childhood sweetheart, Brenda Burke and they moved to Cole Harbour where they raised their sons Ryan and Patrick. Billy earned his early education in Parrsboro and attended the Springhill Vocational School where he graduated as an electrician. Billy was “bigger than life”, had a winning smile and never met a stranger he didn't know! His career as a Manufacturers Agent, working with his father, spanned many years. They moved back to Parrsboro in 2004 and the view of the beautiful Minas Basin from their Greenhill home filled his heart with delight. For the past 13 years he was the greenkeeper at the Parrsboro Golf Club where he had been a member since the age of nine. He even gained notoriety with two hole in ones. Billy and Brenda, along with many loyal volunteers, were a driving force behind the project to build the new clubhouse. To them, the golf club was their “treasure”. He was a member of The United Commercial Travelers Association, the Canadian Professional Sales Association, President of the Parrsboro Golf Club, won numerous golf tournaments and enthusiastically coached several of his sons hockey teams. Love of family was at the top of his list. With the birth of grandchildren, Alex and Ella, he found a little piece of his heart he didn't know he had. He is survived by the love of his life, Brenda (Burke); sons, Ryan (Tanya St-Pierre), Cole Harbour; Patrick (Tahara MacDonald), Bedford; grandchildren, Alex and Ella; sisters-in-law, Doreen Wheaton (Dave Gilder) and Trish Burke, Parrsboro; brother-in-law Paul Burke (Debbie), Toronto. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Cousins Lester and Bruce Wheaton (now deceased) grew up like brothers with Billy. He was predeceased by his mother, Irene (Breau) Wheaton in 2010; a sister, Brenda Joyce in infancy; grandparents, Jim and Lottie Wheaton; George and Madeleine Breau. A 'Celebration of Life' will be held at 'The Hall' [44 King Street, Parrsboro] at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2017 where family and friends will gather to bid farewell to Billy. Cremation has taken place and committal will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Parrsboro Band Association, the Parrsboro Golf Club or to the Ottawa House.
