Obituary of William Joseph Harview

William Joseph Harview Jr.

June 24, 1940 - March 26, 2025

It is with heavy hearts the family of William (Billy) Harview Jr. announce his passing at his home on March 26th, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Margaret Harview; his infant daughter, Catherine; parents William and Catherine Harview; siblings Harry Harview, Jimmy Harview, Marie Bennett and Helen Piercey. 

He leaves to mourn his children, whom he loved so dearly, Scott (Sheila), Cathy (Don) and Karen (Frank); his beloved grandchildren, Meagan, Blake and Kara; his great grandchildren, Lucea and Kairo.  “Poppa Bill” was so thankful to have been part of Karen’s life for the past 8 years and was immensely proud of the beautiful family she has raised. He held every one of her children, Lauren (Lincoln), Claire (John), Ryan (Amanda) and grandchildren, Ruby, Arthur and George in his heart and prayers every day. His siblings, Patsy and Eva (Joseph), who were always there to help out their big brother in any way they could. His sisters-in-law, Sarah, Angela and Hannah and many nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life, Billy was an avid outdoorsman, who found great joy in the woods, cooking up a scoff for his hunting buddies, telling stories, playing cards and having a few “wobbly pops”.  His happiest moments were at his cabin in Flat Bay Brook, where he’d often be found sitting on the deck or casting a line for a salmon, and, for a time, accompanied by his pet turkey, John Henry.

He started his career as an equipment operator and was part of the Drive in ‘65 to complete the Trans Canada Highway across the island of Newfoundland. He loved regaling us with his adventures in the work camps. He went on to work at Liner Board, and later with Abitibi Price.

Billy served as St. George’s’ first Fire Chief in 1971 through to 1976 and continued volunteering with the department for many years. He also served on Town Council and the School Board.

Billy was very proud of his Mi’kmaw heritage and before his health issues kept him from attending, he enjoyed participating with his drumming circle, sweat lodges and helping to tend the Sacred Fire with his dear nephew, Kenneth (Mutchie) Bennett.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the people who cared for him, allowing him to live at home, especially Gail Hickey, his personal care worker, who was also his dear friend with whom he had a warm relationship; and the Community Health Nurses, especially Katie Pittman and Shauna Chaffey. Friends, Junior and Kalo’lin Sheppard who visited regularly and played guitar and sang his favorite songs for him. We would also like to especially thank the St George’s Fire Department first responders for their professionalism and compassion.

Visitation will be held at Fillatre’s Funeral Home in Stephenville Crossing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 2:30 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in St. George’s, Thursday, April 3, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Maurice O’Quinn officiating. Inurnment to follow at the Roman Catholic Courthouse Road Cemetery, St. George’s. following the inurnment please join us at the Royal Canadian Legion in St. George’s for a Celebration of Billy Harview’s Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the St. George’s Volunteer Fire Department.

“Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our heart.”