Predeceased by parents, Joe and Ann Firman; brothers, John, Mike and Joe; and sisters, Mary and Joan. He is survived by sisters, Anne, Lily, Jenny and Patsy, and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Born and raised in the Coldstream Valley, "Billy" was the first in his family to attend post-secondary school, graduating from UBC in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Bacteriology. He went on to study law at UBC and was called to the bar in 1971. He practiced as a criminal defense lawyer for more than 40 years in Vancouver, Prince George and in Vernon. He finished his career providing much needed legal aid services throughout the Okanagan/Thompson region, believing strongly in every person's right to legal counsel regardless of means.
Bill also served as a Councillor for the District of Coldstream (2005-2011) and as a Regional District of North Okanagan Board member (2005-2006). He was passionate about local food production and farming as well as addressing pollution in Coldstream Creek and Kalamalka Lake. Bill was unfailingly prepared for every meeting and doggedly determined on those issues important to him.
Bill was a voracious reader, especially of history. He could be an animated and articulate conversationalist with thoughtful opinions delivered with the expressiveness that a lifetime of reading and practicing law can provide. He was also, on occasion, unencumbered by diplomacy in making observations he thought ought to be made.
While not necessarily in the most nurturing of tones, Uncle Billy consistently went out of his way to share his experiences and provide mentoring and advice to his many nieces and nephews, bestowing the gifts of his own successes and failures with those who might listen and replicate or avoid as they may.
Bill had a deep enjoyment of art, antiques, music, and food and was a regular guest in the homes of friends who had invited him with the express purpose of having him participate in the preparation of the meal. He relished the last third of his life spent on the family farm in Coldstream working, pursuing his passions, engaging in municipal service, sharing a refreshment with family and friends under the cool shade of that gargantuan maple tree in the back yard, and taking the greatest of pleasure in the added company of the many wild creatures that chose to visit him there or make it their home.
There will be no service at Billy's request. If anyone wishes to remember him with a gift, please consider donating to one of the charities he supported: World Vision or the North Okanagan Parks & Natural Area Trust.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.myalternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services® Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services