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William (Bill) Ewart Hetherington

12/29/2020

22 Comments

 
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On Tuesday December 29, 1931, William Ewart Hetherington was born in Brantford Ontario, and on Tuesday December 29, 2020 he peacefully passed away at RiverGardens in Stratford.

He is survived by his wife Isabel (Huitema), His children Sarah Downes (Tony), Jeremy (Robbie), and Tom (Tamara): His six Grandchildren, Tom, Clancy, Patrick, Benjamin, Naomi and Joshua. His stepchildren, Morgen and Natalie Grigg. He also leaves behind his sister Mary and many many brother and sister in laws (Huitema Clan), nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Ryerson in 1954, he successfully completed his Professional Engineering Degree in 1966.

His many interests included Free Flight Model Airplane in his youth, Basketball (a natural for his 6’6” lanky frame), Tennis, Skiing, and in his retirement a Beekeeper. He also enjoyed spending the day in his bush on his country property, with his Argo and Chainsaw. 

His children remember his hearty laugh, in a movie theatre watching “Blazing Saddles” or on a plane reading “Stark”.  He had a love of reading (Wilbur Smith), the beaches of Florida and Australia. His favourite giving gift was Roses and Champagne.

The words that describe Bill the best would be “a class act, humble, gentle, generous, patient and brilliant”. He lived life to the fullest and one of his strengths, he was able to connect with all who he had the privilege of meeting.

One of his best friends Dave Carse described him as a “Golfer and a Gentleman”. In his business career he was described as an “easygoing, lanky engineer”.

He has had a long successful and varied career in Management and Engineering. He was President and CEO of Allen-Bradley Canada, Rockwell Canada, Chairman of the Board of Rockwell International of Canada Ltd., and The Gore Mutual Insurance Company of Canada. 

​He held positions on the Boards of numerous national associations including Chairman of the Board of EEMAC (Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers of Canada) and Director of CMA (Canadian Manufacturers Association) and Chairman of the IMS Canada, and Chairman of the International Secretariat and Steering Committee.

Locally he has served as President of the United Way of Cambridge, and Advisory Boards of REMAT and the Deans Advisory Council of WLU, and a member of the Council of Regents for the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology.

A thank you to the wonderful staff at RiverGardens in Stratford Ontario who shared so much good conversation with him, and thanks also to the chefs and kitchen staff for the wonderful gourmet meals they always prepared.
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Cremation has taken place and a Recognition of his life will be scheduled at a later date.
Messages and Condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or (519) 772-1237. Please visit Bill's obituary notice on Facebook.
22 Comments
Wendy (Beatty) Heise
12/30/2020 07:08:24 pm

I was a shy, quiet 20-something when I started at Allen-Bradley in 1983. Just on the line, doing my job, when the President of the company said Hello and called me by name. What a kind Gentleman, soft spoken, caring, and respected by all. My condolences. I’m sorry a good man has left this Earth.

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Pam Gergely (Campbell)
12/30/2020 07:30:42 pm

My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with him when employed at Allen-Bradley.

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Lynn Chapman
12/30/2020 08:16:33 pm

Oh my Bill was an absolute amazing man, he was such an amazing president representing Allen-Bradley. I remember Bill as easy going you could go and see Bill at anytime to talk about anything. I will always remember him as caring gentle always wanting to make you feel welcome to talk with him at Allen Bradley. What a huge loss! Great person never to be forgotten! An amazing career and a great person ! My deepest condolences to his family.

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Eric Edwards
12/30/2020 09:48:26 pm

The Edwards Family of Cambridge (Galt), Ontario, sends it sincere condolences to the Hetheringtons. Russ enjoyed Bill's business savy and knowledge and held him as a good friend. As my father would say about Bill, "He was one of the good guys." Russ would share with us the next idea, project, or passion that Bill had and loved the idea of some of them, especially growning grapes for wine, if memory serves me right. He is remember with fondness for his wit and friendship and will be sorely missed.

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Ben Tucci
12/30/2020 10:36:14 pm

So sorry for this significant loss. Proud and happy to have known Bill and to have had interaction with him over the years. Condolences to Tom, Tamara and the entire family and friends. The Cambridge community is a far better place for having had him and is "weaker" as a result of his passing. R.I.P. Bill

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Hank Campbell
12/31/2020 06:33:06 am

He was a great boss and a perfect gentleman . We will miss him , he taught me a lot. Cheers Bill

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Scott Tyler
12/31/2020 07:44:06 am

Our condolences to your entire family, Tom and Tamara. May he Rest In Peace!

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Fred Jason
12/31/2020 09:42:54 am

Dear Hetherington family, I was very sorry to hear the news of Bill's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy, at this extremely sad time, for your personal loss and the loss for our community. News of this had spread quickly through the Allen-Bradley family on Wednesday.

I think the memories of Bill already posted by others really capture the salient attributes that I recall most vividly of Bill also - a true gentlemen and a class act. I knew Bill through our time together at A-B (Rockwell Automation) and he always was approachable and had time for you. He was the President and I was just starting at the company when we first met but from that point onwards, he always knew my name and had a smile waiting for me. This was true for everyone. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Rest in Peace, dear Bill.

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Delia Wassing
12/31/2020 12:44:12 pm

I have many wonderful memories of Bill. He was always very gracious to me and took a genuine interest in both myself and my children. My sincere condolences to Isabel and family. May happy memories carry you through, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Peter and Beth Kowalewski
12/31/2020 12:55:56 pm

Our deepest condolences to the family. Thinking of all of you at this sad time.

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Mike Emmerich
12/31/2020 01:08:30 pm

I met Bill when I started my career at Allen Bradley and he always had my respect and admiration as being conscientious leader. I feel proud to have worked for him and my condolences go out to the Hetherington family.

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Jim Dyer & Donna
12/31/2020 02:34:37 pm

We were very sorry to hear of your loss, Jeremy.

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Paula Grover
12/31/2020 02:50:22 pm

To Isabel and the Hetherington family,

We were so saddened to hear of Bill's passing and we wanted to say that we are very sorry for your loss. My Dad, Warren, and I remember Bill's kindness and his friendly manner from our dinners with him at River Gardens. We will very much miss his presence there. We send our condolences at this difficult time.

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Betsy Crowley
12/31/2020 03:41:21 pm

Isabel, I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betsy Crowley

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Barb Estabrooks
1/2/2021 07:32:38 pm

What a wonderful tribute to your husband Isabel. I wish I had had known him much earlier. He clearly made a huge impact on so many people in his career. His accomplishments and his devotion to you are so inspiring. My sincere condolences to all those who loved him. May he Rest In Peace.

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Brian Davidson
1/3/2021 11:03:17 am

Bill was always extremely supportive of those who worked with him, great man and fantastic influence.

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Gore Mutual
1/4/2021 08:13:01 am

Dear Isabel and Hetherington family - Gore Mutual sends our deepest condolences. Bill was our Board Chair for many years and will forever be cherished by our Executives, Employees and Board. May he rest in peace. We wish you much strength during this difficult time.

~ Gore Mutual

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Paul Gadsby link
1/4/2021 12:49:59 pm

Isabel, I was just looking through the Brantford paper and came across notice of Bill’s passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss and wanted to say he will be deeply missed. The writing in the Brantford Expositor was well done, informative and for all these years knowing Bill as a customer I did not know that he was born in Brantford, the hometown of which I am from. We have met many fine customers throughout the years starting when I worked at Sid Somers where I had met Bill and just always felt comfortable with him. He had such calming, humble characteristics and every time he would come in I enjoyed engaging with him. When I started my business as Gadsby’s after Mike Somer retired there was Bill supporting our business even though it may have been less through his retirement years which is expected it was still a pleasure to see he walk through those doors and see his engaging smile. It was a pleasure serving him and he will be fondly remembered. I know you will miss him greatly and have fondest memories of time spent together and the accomplishments you both have made in life together. God Bless

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Anita Gagno
1/4/2021 01:29:05 pm

Isabel and family
Ed the girls and I are offering our condolences for your loss. It was always a pleasure to get together. Bill was the perfect host. Interesting to listen to, a great listener himself and always so calm and welcoming. We remember him fondly.

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Anne and Bob Pincombe
1/5/2021 11:58:38 pm

Dear Isabel and Hetherington Family,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your loved one.
Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers .

Bob, Anne and Family

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James and Ruth Butler
1/6/2021 01:24:47 pm

We extend our heartfelt thoughts to Isabel and family. We have the fondest memories of the many occasions we shared together. Bill was good enough to sit on my business advisory board and to share his worldly knowledge with me which he offered only after careful review of the facts. Bill always delivered his thoughts in the most generous and thoughtful way. Like others have said Bill was an absolute gentleman. He will be missed.

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Lisa and Jon-Paul Mitton
1/9/2021 12:14:17 pm

Isabel and the Hetherington family,

We were so sad to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing. He was the kindest of beings, a true gentleman with a big heart, a great presence and always a wise and steady word to offer. As an uncle to our family, he was such a calm and steady influence and a real joy to have in our lives. We have wonderful memories of the last few times we saw him at family events and the insightful conversations we had with him. And we are so grateful for the ever-close bonds he shared with our Mom, his sister Mary. We will miss him! And we are all so much better to have known him. Sending our love and prayers to you all at this time.

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