Obituary for William Nicholas Seminoff
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, William (Bill) Nicholas Seminoff (June 25, 1933-December 3, 2022) at the age of 89.
Bill is survived by his three children William Gilbert Seminoff, Mary-Anne Claire Mann and Carol-Jean Francois Walker; his wife and true love Jean Loreen Barnes, grandfather to Karen, Sarah, Caitlin, Kaleigh Parker, Joshua and Rio; great grandfather to Camdyn and Colin; Nephew Iain Hallam whom we are thankful for all the support he gave our Dad and being there for Jean.
Bill was born and raised in Nelson, BC at their family home in Willow Point. The Seminoffs were the only Doukhobor family in that area at that time.
Bill started his career with the Placer Group in June, 1949. He was 16 and school was out for the summer. Bill had the grand plan of hanging out at the beach all summer however his father Nicholas Seminoff had other plans for him. Nicholas worked for Canex Tungsten and took Bill to work on June 26 for which he was hired on the spot.
After 6 years at Canex, Bill proceeded to work at all the mines and then transferred to the Vancouver office, working in the area of Systems and Procedures. From there, he transferred to the Philippines with his family and worked with Marcopper for 20 years.
When Bill was not working, he would be found out sailing on his boat, the Endless Summer.
Bill retired from the Placer Group after 40 years and took up his passion and love of wood working and carving (he was influenced at a young age by his father). Primarily self-taught and in keeping with the Doukhobor tradition of fine craftsmanship, Bill would connect with the spirit of the wood and would create unique pieces, many of which won competitions throughout Canada and the United States. He took his talent even further by sharing his craftmanship through teaching, judging competitions and working on commission. He has gifted family and many friends worldwide, with his pieces.
His legacy will continue as Bill had gifted a half-sized sculpture of Elvis Presley for a museum in Baltimore, Maryland as well as the amazing Nativity scene which goes on display from Dec-Jan at Dunderave Beach in West Vancouver. Bill restored the original pieces which were carved by Frank Carius while at the same time, adding pieces to the collection.
Despite the many challenges he over came in life, Bill was known for his strength and strong will.
He would always end his visits with, and we wouldn’t be surprised that his last words before crossing over were: “CARRY ON”
“I heard your voice in the wind today and I turned to see your face;
The warmth of the wind caressed me as I stood silently in place.
I felt your touch in the sun today
as its warmth filled the sky;
I closed my eyes for your embrace and my spirit soared high.
I saw your eyes in the window pane as I watched the falling rain;
It seemed as each raindrop fell it quietly said your name.
I held you close in my heart today
it made me feel complete;
You may have died...but you are not gone, you will always be a part of me.
As long as the sun shines... the wind blows...
the rain falls...
You will live on inside of me forever for that is all my heart knows”
Author of poem unknown
The family will announce the details for a celebration of life in the New Year.
Bill is survived by his three children William Gilbert Seminoff, Mary-Anne Claire Mann and Carol-Jean Francois Walker; his wife and true love Jean Loreen Barnes, grandfather to Karen, Sarah, Caitlin, Kaleigh Parker, Joshua and Rio; great grandfather to Camdyn and Colin; Nephew Iain Hallam whom we are thankful for all the support he gave our Dad and being there for Jean.
Bill was born and raised in Nelson, BC at their family home in Willow Point. The Seminoffs were the only Doukhobor family in that area at that time.
Bill started his career with the Placer Group in June, 1949. He was 16 and school was out for the summer. Bill had the grand plan of hanging out at the beach all summer however his father Nicholas Seminoff had other plans for him. Nicholas worked for Canex Tungsten and took Bill to work on June 26 for which he was hired on the spot.
After 6 years at Canex, Bill proceeded to work at all the mines and then transferred to the Vancouver office, working in the area of Systems and Procedures. From there, he transferred to the Philippines with his family and worked with Marcopper for 20 years.
When Bill was not working, he would be found out sailing on his boat, the Endless Summer.
Bill retired from the Placer Group after 40 years and took up his passion and love of wood working and carving (he was influenced at a young age by his father). Primarily self-taught and in keeping with the Doukhobor tradition of fine craftsmanship, Bill would connect with the spirit of the wood and would create unique pieces, many of which won competitions throughout Canada and the United States. He took his talent even further by sharing his craftmanship through teaching, judging competitions and working on commission. He has gifted family and many friends worldwide, with his pieces.
His legacy will continue as Bill had gifted a half-sized sculpture of Elvis Presley for a museum in Baltimore, Maryland as well as the amazing Nativity scene which goes on display from Dec-Jan at Dunderave Beach in West Vancouver. Bill restored the original pieces which were carved by Frank Carius while at the same time, adding pieces to the collection.
Despite the many challenges he over came in life, Bill was known for his strength and strong will.
He would always end his visits with, and we wouldn’t be surprised that his last words before crossing over were: “CARRY ON”
“I heard your voice in the wind today and I turned to see your face;
The warmth of the wind caressed me as I stood silently in place.
I felt your touch in the sun today
as its warmth filled the sky;
I closed my eyes for your embrace and my spirit soared high.
I saw your eyes in the window pane as I watched the falling rain;
It seemed as each raindrop fell it quietly said your name.
I held you close in my heart today
it made me feel complete;
You may have died...but you are not gone, you will always be a part of me.
As long as the sun shines... the wind blows...
the rain falls...
You will live on inside of me forever for that is all my heart knows”
Author of poem unknown
The family will announce the details for a celebration of life in the New Year.