William Thomas Badcock

Shé:kon friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunties and uncles.

Some time back Dad fell ill and when I managed to get him home for his final days he was given three days to live. We found ourselves with another nine weeks with him in our lives. Bringing him home gave him such a sense of relief and peace, he got his colour and humour back, spent many a night talking with us and enjoying time with many who travelled to visit him. This was such a gift and we could not have ever imagined to get this extra time with him. The photo is of him the day he came home from the hospital. I had never seen him fall asleep with a smile on his face and this was a moment I will keep in my mind for eternity.

Dad left us on Solstice. It was the most peaceful moment and at such an appropriate time for the passing of a soul. We are all beyond devastated, but happy to know he is with my brother and the ancestors. He had seen them many times on this journey so we know he is starting this new chapter surrounded by all the best energies. Some time before he passed he asked Echo which animal he would become and she told him she felt it would be an owl. One night he had a long talk with her and said to look to the owls whenever she wanted to talk to him, so I pass that on to you, when you see an owl please say hi to Big Bad Billy B.

In the Mohawk culture, celebrations are to be held ten days from passing. This brings us to Dec 31st. I know it is short notice. If you want to come you are more than welcome. If you can't make it, I am trying to set up a stream so people can join online. We are holding it in as close to Mohawk tradition as possible to honour his life, beliefs and all he did for our people in this country. Dad, along with a few close friends fought hard to change the system, give our people back their rights, their lands and their respect, and with this I hope to have many of you give him thanks for all he accomplished and for the family he took care of. His door was always open to anyone who needed food, a place to stay, a good laugh, legal advice, friends, support, and just all around love in his way he had to offer. We welcome any Indigenous cultural words, songs, drumming, dancing...as he helped all nations and spent so much time sharing at the powwows and ceremonies throughout his life. Please reach out if you want to come or share in some way and we will make room for you. We will be holding his celebration at the Pender Island Cemetery at 2:00 and then will come back to the house for his feast, to shed our sorrow and to welcome the new year with open hearts and a clear mind.

People have asked about sending flowers and such. Mum would prefer donations, and Dad wasn't much of a flower person. Mum has asked to send donations to the palliative care society of BC to help support people having the option to come home for end of life. Our team here has been wonderful and we couldn't have made it this far without them. With that said, BC has limited funding services and staff to help with this, so we also had to hire private care. We would like this system to change so others have the options and support to make this possible. It changed everything for him (9 extra weeks of his life) and for us. If we can do one last thing for him in his fight against the downfalls in our legal and support systems, let it be we help change this for others. I will find out where donations can be sent to for that. We also have a Go Fund Me set up to help with costs of life and to help send money to this cause Fundraiser by Kara Renaud : Their home and love was always there for everyone (gofundme.com) For those who dislike these funding sites, you can also transfer to dogmermaid@yahoo.com Please note, we do not expect this, it was just an option for those who asked. To those who have sent support (in the many forms it has manifested) we cannot thank you enough Thank you all who were part of his life, to those who shared their love. Up until his last day, it was all in his mind and he spoke about it with fond memories.

Nia:wen. I wish you beautiful days and happy memories of your lives.