If you have ever met Little Fort resident Bill Fowler during the 40 plus years he has lived in the North Thompson Valley, you will most likely be thinking of him as a quiet, kind and generous man. Someone always willing to lend a helping hand, and one of the first to step up and volunteer for community projects, fundraisers, and events.
Bill is also a musician, and quite passionate about sharing his love for music through playing for others and volunteering for numerous community events. You may have seen him playing at Canada Day celebrations, the North Thompson Fall Fair, farmer’s markets, cowboy church services, North Thompson Community Foundation barbecues and fundraisers, Clearwater Hospital Auxiliary fundraisers, officiating as sound man at the Barriere Block Party, performing at the Little Fort Coffee House, Legion Remembrance Day services, and organizing Music in the Park at the Barriere Bandshell just to name a few.
In 2015 when a Barriere resident lost his home to fire, Bill was part of a group who spearheaded a fundraiser to help the man get a roof back over his head and to replace the tools of his trade so he could continue to work.
Bill is retired now, and when he isn’t providing musical entertainment or sound equipment at area events he is actively involved in the Barriere Outdoors Club where he has been a director for the past three years, participating in ski outings, organizing work bees and of course providing musical entertainment during club celebrations.
Bill, however, is now in need of some help from all those he has been helping for decades.
Bill’s daughter Angelina Gibson explains, “On Oct. 12, my Dad was lighting an outdoor fire on his property when an unfortunate incident occurred. As a result he received second and third degree burns to the majority of his legs and left hand. He was home by himself at the time, but luckily was quick to respond and do what he could to put out the fire on his burning clothes. Bill was immediately transported to hospital where he spent over a month heavily sedated to help manage the pain and receive regular dressing changes.”
Angeline reports that Bill was released from hospital last week and is now back home where he will spend time healing his burns and focusing on physiotherapy to regain strength and full range of motion to his legs and hand which were severely burnt in the accident.
“We anticipate this to be a long healing journey for him,” says Angeline, who has started a page for Bill on Go Fund Me, “I am looking to raise funds to help with some of the costs that are accumulating as a result of his injuries.”
These costs include winter preparation at Bill’s home, such as yard maintenance, wood splitting, snow removal and sanding, fuel for travel to doctor and therapy appointments, and in home care.
“Thank you to everyone for keeping my Dad in your thoughts and prayers and for helping share his story so that we can reach or exceed his goal of $10,000, which will make it possible for him to focus solely on his recovery and rehabilitation,” said Angeline.
Bill Fowler needs our help now - let’s show him we care.
If you would like to help Bill Fowler go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bill-fowler-burn-recover-fund