William was an incredibly kind and generous man. He had fireworks in his soul, known by his contagious laughter and his boisterous storytelling of family tales and experiences with his many friends. Ever aware of the nearing end, he lived every day to the fullest connected to those whom he loved the most.
How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. It is the cost of love. William passed away peacefully at St. Joes in Guelph with his cherished daughter Billie-Jo and his beloved son in law Chris by his side. Reunited in heaven with his cherished father Austin, his mother Helen, his stepfather Peter, sister Diane, and his wife Catherine.
William shared a love like no other with the people he cared deeply about. He knew what it was like to live without and made sure the ones closest to him never felt that way. He was an extra special grandpa to Jamie (Curtis), Devin and Liam, and they will deeply miss him.
If you held a special place in his heart, you know how hard it is to say goodbye. Sadly missed by those closest to him and his heart, including his loving sister Austina (Bill), his devoted brother Blair, his dear cousin Murray (Donna), his cherished Aunt Edna (Frank), and best friend Joyce.
As per his wishes cremation has taken place. A private family service will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A very special Thank you to the angels at Lissard House and St. Joes Complex Care unit, as well as Dr. Christine Milman for her dedication and caring.
Death is nothing at all. It does not count.
I have only slipped into the next room. Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I and you are you,
and the old life we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which
you always used. Put no difference in your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
~ Anonymous~
Please visit William's obituary notice on Facebook.