March 14, 1939 - March 2, 2025
Sergio William (Bill) Micatovitch was born in Porec, Yugoslavia on March 14, 1939. He passed on March 2, 2025 in Williams Lake. He is survived by his younger sister Mary McCann (Dennis), his three children Roxanne (Lloyd), Bob and Jennifer, two grandchildren Greyson and Isla and nephews Michael and Dean.
Bill's parents Umberto and Dina immigrated to Canada in 1951 when Bill was 12 years old. They travelled overland through Germany sometimes staying in decommissioned war camps then finally embarked for Canada on a freighter, the Anna Salen. Umberto had gone ahead to Canada, and Mom, Bill and Mary came later. The voyage was long and hard for these children, and their mother. Mary cared for her mom through the duration as she was so ill from sea sickness.
After nine long days they arrived in Quebec, Canada and were met by Umberto. They lived in Noranda, Quebec for almost two years, then his family left for the west coast. Bill had a fateful meeting with and became friends of Toni Brecknock who took him to meet her family in Alexis Creek. Bill and her brother Don became instant friends resulting in frequent travel from the coast to Alexis Creek.
Roxanne was born in 1963. Bill married the beautiful Donna Ladd on Sept. 19, 1964 and they had two children, Robert in 1968 and Jennifer in 1970. Donna became ill with leukemia in 1979 and she passed October 1983. Shewas a proud and beautiful lady, and loved her life with her amazing children. In 1997 Bill and Roxanne met for the first time, and their relationship commenced.
Bill worked for Canada Safeway from 1956 until his retirement in 1996. He held one job his entire working career. He was exceptionally proud of his 40-year employment with only 11 sick days. Bill had a beautiful home in North Vancouver, a nice boat on the ocean, and spent much of his time travelling around the inlets and outlets of the west coast, fishing or just exploring. Bill because Don's assistant guide and would spend most falls at Don's Thunder Mountain hunting camp in Chezacut. Bill always loved his time hunting, riding saddle horse through the mountains, and guiding for Don. He said it was a dream of his to pass this hunting passion and excitement for the outdoors to his grandchildren. Bill was an avid fisherman, and fished for salmon on much of the west coast including the Queen Charlotte's and Vancouver Island.
He purchased his property in Alexis Creek in 2000 as a hunting camp for him and Bob to enjoy. In 2006 it became his permanent home as he loved the country lifestyle. Bill, Roxanne and Bob had amazing hunting adventures together, first to Africa on a hunting Safari. This trip was beyond their wildest expectations, freezing at night, hot in the day and the wildlife was awe inspiring. Bill said Africa was a mysterious and haunting place, and that he would have loved to travel to Africa again, and perhaps take his grandchildren.
In April of 2013 Bill, Roxanne and Bob travelled to New Zealand for another hunting safari, and again the game was plentiful and the trip was a huge success. He was very pleased that both of his kids were able to take red stags on their birthdays and one for him as well. Bill volunteered for the community of Alexis Creek, generous with both time and money. Bob worked very hard ensuring the projects were done according to his dad's specifications. Bill paid for and fenced the cemetery, did a great deal of work at the Alexis Creek Community Information Centre, and worked up at the Rod and Gun Club range. Bill was an ardent supporter of the Rod and Gun Club auctions and donated generously to the Community Club. He was instrumental in getting the cenotaph erected for the veterans of the area. We now have a large community event for Remembrance Day each Nov. 11 at the site.
Bill prized his family, his friends the Brecknocks, especially Don and Joanne, the Telfords (Normand Val), Kevin Newbery, the Mulvahills (Roy and Gwen) and the Madleys (Al, Bev, Garrett and Carli). Bill was lucky in later years to have the support of Roxanne and Lloyd, Al and Garrett and neighbour Alistair. He lived a full life. He was a charismatic man, he loved to offer advice and helpful suggestions, he loved to watch the seasons go by, often going for a drive out west or across the river to watch the ranching, look for game, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
We wish you peace Bill. A life well-lived.