January 10, 1968 – February 23, 2023
at the age of 55 years
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life, 12:30pm on Saturday, March 11, 2023, held at the Shuswap Community Church, 3151 6th Ave NE, Salmon Arm, BC
It comes with deep sorrow and broken hearts for the family of William Michael Vike, usually known as Bill(y), to announce his untimely passing on February 23, 2023 in Vancouver, BC. Bill was born January 10, 1968 in Salmon Arm, BC. After graduating from Salmon Arm Sr. Sec., Bill ventured out and tried his hand at a variety of jobs and truly became a jack-of-all trades. His love of fishing landed him work, commercial fishing for a total of 26 seasons. He also learned carpentry and other construction skills, specializing in metal cladding for 35 years. Bill was also an extremely experienced mechanic and there were very few jobs he wouldn’t tackle. In addition, he had the imagination to see beauty and value in what most people would call junk but often profited from these investments. Bill was a talented artist and created beautiful art with his hands, but his preferred art form was performing music. One of his favorite locations was at the main wharf in Salmon Arm. There he would entertain tourists and locals alike bringing a happy, carefree vibe. Often, they’d stop to listen and many would break into spontaneous dancing. Bill had some severe physical issues but despite this he had a strong sense of humour and work ethic. Billy possessed a generous, compassionate, and understanding spirit. He knew what it was like to struggle which even made him more sensitive to those who had similar challenges. Bill would frequently provide food, clothing, shelter and kind words of encouragement to others, especially in the homeless community. He also had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and our comfort is the assurance that he is now dancing on those streets paved with gold in the presence of God! Bill is survived by his loving mother (Doris) Irene Vike, siblings David, Norene(Paul), Doris, Mark(Paulette), Dan(Marilyn), Jim, Norm, Julie(Jeff), Paul(Rhonda), Pauline(Randy), 30 nieces, nephews and their spouses, 43 great nieces and nephews and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his father Norman, brother-in-law Ken, nephew Josh and niece Danielle Marie. Bill’s life truly impacted so many. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life, 12:30pm on Saturday, March 11, 2023, held at the Shuswap Community Church, 3151 6th Ave NE, Salmon Arm, B.C. Reception and open mic to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill Vike’s name to Union Gospel Mission, 601 East Hastings St., Vancouver, BC. V6A 1J7.
Billy, you will be forever and unconditionally loved!
I am so very sad and shocked to hear of Bill’s passing. I met Bill 10 years ago after I lost my brother. He would often stop by to chat with me where I used to work and tell me stories of his adventures working with my brother on different jobs over the years. More recently, I would see him singing at the wharf, where I walk my dog. I loved listening to him sing all those old country tunes and play his guitar there. I just saw him there a few weeks ago. I am going to miss those visits. He was a very good and kind soul and will be missed terribly.
May he Rest In Peace.