Bill (William) Maniago

February 12, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce Bill Maniago passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Mountainview Village in Kelowna, BC. He is survived by his wife Ellen, stepson Matthew (Jamie), son Tyler (Jayden), daughter Carleigh (Mason), mother-in-law Nettie, and his siblings Louisa (Gerry), Rick (Mary), Dina (Ray), and Jim (Lea). He is predeceased by his parents Franco and Delina Maniago and his father-in-law Mike Makortoff.

Bill was born in Trail, BC and from early on he had a mischievous side and loved to prank his friends or siblings. He maintained his fun sense of humour throughout his years.

Bill was an avid sports fan. He exercised his passion for sports playing baseball and hockey throughout his school years. He was a proud Smoke Eater alumnus and was a 3-time KIJHL all-star and always asked how the team was doing after he moved away. Bill was a central part of the Trail Orioles baseball team where he hit for the cycle and won the MVP at the Western Canadian Championships. While Bill was easy and fun to be around for his teammates, he was also known for being a fierce competitor. He took his sports seriously and played hard to win on the field and the ice. Rival players quickly became aware of this and would taunt Bill by entering just a little too close near his crease which often resulted in Bill's competitiveness getting the better of him. He took great pride teasing his family about the misfortunes of the Canucks and Blue Jays and closely followed the NHL and MLB up until his passing.

Upon graduation from JL Crowe Secondary School in 1981Bill continued with his education and attended the university of Victoria where he received his undergraduate degree, then attended Pacific University in Portland, Oregon where he received his Masters and Doctorate Degree(s) in Psychology. Upon completion of his PhD, Bill completed his residency in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Following that he moved to Calgary where he worked as a psychologist for the Calgary Police Department and subsequently settled in Kelowna where he was part of the team at Kelowna General Hospital that opened the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit. He eventually went into private practice specializing in Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

While working towards his undergraduate degree Bill met Ellen and the two fell in love. Ellen followed him on his educational journey (along with Ellen's son, Matthew); Ellen and Bill eventually married in 1992 and later welcomed Tyler and Carleigh.

It was during his time in Ontario at the age of 37 that Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a crippling disease that eventually took his life. Through years of tests, trials, medication, and surgeries Bill persevered, determined not to let the MS get the better of him. Many of the care staff who tended to Bill acknowledge the impression he left on them; his grit and determination were second to none. One of the recent nurses described Bill as having incredible SISU (pronounced see-sue), a Finnish word meaning inner strength and perseverance in the face of adversity - which so describes Bill as he fought hard, every day, against the aggressive disease.

We would like to thank all the staff at Mountainview Village who showed compassion as they cared for Bill, and treated him with such compassion, dignity and respect.

Bill left this world at the age of 61 - far too soon. He will be dearly missed.

A small gathering will be held at Jim's home (located at 615 Isabella Crescent, Trail, BC) on May 31, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3 pm. Please feel welcome to come and share a story or two to honour Bill.

Donations can be made to the MS Society of Canada, or to the Kootenay Regional Hospital in honour of Bill's name.