Mike Billard obit

 

He was not on the list.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family, September 1, 2024, Michael Gerard Billard, age 60.

Predeceased by his father, James Billard; grandparents, Norman and Nancy Billard and Victor and Marion Wheeler; aunt, June Pearce; and uncles: Edward (Regina), Bill (Joy), Leonard, John (Delores), Bill and Vic.

Leaving to mourn his mother, Veronica (Queenie); brothers, Jim (Fay) and Carl (Annette); sisters, Lisa (Darrin Sparkes) and Jodie (Phil O’Neill); nephews, Brent (Trista) and Carl Jr.; and nieces, Jenna (Jon) and Sophie.

Also leaving to mourn his aunts and uncles: Helen Card (Rolly), Madonna Wheeler (Charlie, deceased), Jim (Cathy), Don, Carol (Paul), David (Gwen), Norman (Rosemary) and Clarence (Clara); childhood friend, Billy Benson; as well as his cousins and friends.

Michael also had an extended family in his care givers: Tosin, Sunday, Wisdom, Rufai and Jit. They treated Micheal like one of their family members to which we will be forever grateful.  Thank-you.

Michael had two loves in his life; his family in NL and making music with his drums.

Michael’s family is grateful that he was home in NL for the last five years. We had great times and made great memories and he was surrounded by his family and friends, which is what he wanted. 

Michael lit up a room his infectious smile, the bluest of eyes and his warm personality and his innate ability to draw people in with music.

Over the years Michael formed lifelong relationships through music, to which his family will always remember and cherish.  Thank-you, to all the musicians he called friends, for working along side Micheal to fulfill his passion.

Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at Caul’s Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road on Wednesday September 4th from 1p.m. – 9 p.m.  Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday September 5th at 11:00 a.m. from Divine Mercy Parish, Newfoundland Drive.

Inurnment will take place after the service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Topsail Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Micheal’s memory to the Alzheimer’s society.

“If you play music with passion and love and honesty, then it will nourish your soul, heal your wounds and make your life worth living. Music is its own reward.”

-Sting