LACONIA ---- William Levander Filgate, 88 of Laconia, NH passed away at his home on Friday, August 2, 2024.
Bill was born on March 19, 1936 in Laconia, the son of William Prescott Filgate and Margaret (Lover) Filgate.
At the age of 9, he lost both of his parents to a tragic drowning accident in 1945. He then went to live with his Aunt Evelyn Morancy on Hilliard Road in the Weirs where he would form lifelong friendships with Richard and Jimmy Dearborn.
In his younger years, he could be found working at the bowling alley setting pins by hand, washing dishes on the M/S Mount Washington, or lacing up skates for the ladies at the roller rink. He played as hard as he worked, winning a dance contest at Irwin’s Gardens and diving for bottles off the pier.
At 17, Bill joined the US Army and served in Korea. Upon returning home, he worked for Page Roofing where Nelson Page taught him the roofing trade.
Bill met Virginia just as she was starting high school and they married a year after she graduated on July 4th, 1959. They had 4 beautiful children. In 1967, Bill started Filgate Roofing out of their home on Cotton Hill Road in Gilford, eventually teaching his own boys the trade.
Throughout his life, Bill loved to have a good time, often pushing the limits. Winters were for snowmobiling. His favorite places included Pittsburgh, NH and Sawyerville, Canada with buddies Bill Fairbanks, Bill Cott, Malcolm and many others. He enjoyed family gatherings, music, and especially dancing. The family spent summers boating and waterskiing around Filgate Island on Winnisquam or from their home at Paugus Park on Winnipesaukee. He loved all forms of racing and had volunteered some of his time at NHIS, meeting some of his favorite NASCAR drivers. Bill was very loving and always had his grandchildren on his lap or his beloved pets within reach. His grandchildren have many fond memories including his forklift rides, snowmobiling, and the unique nicknames he had for them.
Right up to his last day, he enjoyed meeting buddies for coffee at the diner sharing stories of their glory days. Whether it was before the long days on the roof or with the family on the weekends, it was his routine.
Bill was predeceased by his mother and father, son PFC William David Filgate, sister Valna Alice Wilson, infant brother William Prescott, Jr., and sisters Mary Elizabeth Plummer and Martha Jane Towle.
Bill is survived by his former wife of 43 years and good friend Virginia Bastraw Filgate, son Dennis Michael Filgate, daughter Karen Ellen Fay and her husband Robert Fay, Jr., son Peter Allen Filgate, grandchildren Jacklyn Dow, Casey Calley, Kelsey Filgate, Jacob Filgate and great-grandchildren Sophia, Vivienne, Noah, Stella and Asher, his niece Mary-Elizabeth Towle whom he shared a special bond with, brother-in-law David Towle and nephews Michael Towle and Skip Plummer, niece Joanne Plummer, in-laws Bill Bastraw, Bob Lemire, Sheryl and Rick Gunn, Rosie Bastraw Allen, as well as many other family members. He will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew him.
There will be no calling hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 12:00-4:00pm at The American Legion, 849 N Main St, Laconia, NH 03246. In honor of Bill’s love for home cooking, it will be pot-luck style. Please no crockpots. Contact the family with any questions.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.