Phalen, William Joseph "Bill" age 81, of Stormont, Guysborough County, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022 at home. Bill was born in Priestville, Pictou County, to the late Margaret (DeYoung) and Harry Phalen.  Bill met the love of his life, Shirley, and they had two daughters, who they raised in their home in Trenton, NS.  He was well known by all of the neighbourhood kids as the fun dad on the block. He would often embrace his inner child, and could be found building snow-forts, waterskiing, or just joining in on the fun. His fun-loving reputation was certainly upheld with his grandchildren, who would always look forward to a visit with "Gee". This name was affectionately given to him by his oldest grandchild and would stick forever with many of his family and close friends. If you knew Bill, you knew that he enjoyed the finer things in life; a delicious meal, a fine scotch, and a good cigar were some of his favourites. The thing he enjoyed the most, though, was simply spending time with his love, in the home that he built for his family on the harbour. He was known for his quick wit, and his sons-in-law were his favourite targets of his unfiltered humour. Bill was a plumber and pipe-fitter, by trade, and was self taught in the art of woodworking and construction. You could often find him in his garage surrounded by his tools and the smell of sawdust, tinkering with one thing or another.  If he wasn’t in his garage, he was probably out on the water, driving his boat or fishing with his buddies.  Bill’s wish to stay at home during a lengthy illness was made possible by the love and devotion of his family and friends. Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley (Snow); daughters, Helen (Paul) Burgess and Terri (Scott) Cameron; grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin), Ryleigh (Courtney), Heather, Avery (Virginia); sister, Mabel Fraser; sisters-in-law, Carol, Sally, Shirley, and Patti; many nieces, nephews and their families. Bill was predeceased by brothers, Dave (Diane), Eddie, Gerald, Bruce, Patrick; sister, Brenda (Wayne) McMullen and brother-in-law, Lewis Fraser. Bill’s family would like to send Special Thanks to good friend, Kevin Richard, who was always there to lend a hand, to Joan Hudson, his extraordinary caregiver, to the VON nurses, Anita, Kristen, Jillian and Debbie, to the Palliative care team, including Trish and Dr. Rice. Bill was always especially fond of Dr. MacCara, his family are forever grateful for the care that she provided over the years. At Bill’s request there will be no visitation or service. Memorial donations may be made to Viola’s Place Homeless Shelter Breakfast Program, New Glasgow. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home Ltd., 17545 Highway 316, Country Harbour.