(December 15, 1933 - February 28, 2015) - Beloved husband of Mary-Ellen, cherished father of Bill Jr. (Colleen) and Donna (Michael Lalonde), loving grandfather of Evelyn and Rebecca Balfour, and Addison and Liam Lalonde, brother to Margaret (Murphy), brother-in-law to Anna Mae (Balfour), pre-deceased by his parents William and Mary, and brother Jack (2013). Born in Toronto, Bill was forever an optimist and grateful for the 81 years God gave him to live out his dreams. He lived a quiet, contemplative life, and was completely devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and making his house a “home”. Naturally curious, Bill loved learning, fixing things, and reading philosophy. Bill was a talented mechanical draftsman, who also had a successful career in teaching that began in 1969 at Georgetown District High School, Georgetown, ON. After retiring in 1994, he spent time enjoying nature and his love of gardening, first at the family home in Caledon, ON, then in North Bay , ON, where he moved in 2006. Sailing, winters in Florida, and many trips to Nova Scotia were adventures he loved. Bill volunteered for many years with the Peel Family Education Centre in Brampton and most recently with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at the North Bay Hospital. A Mass will be said at Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption on Saturday, March 7th, at 11:00 AM. Following Mass, family and friends are invited to a reception at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd, to celebrate Bill's life. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Near North Palliative Care Network or to the Catholic Charities Food Bank at Pro-Cathedral. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hillside Funeral Services. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
Words of Gratitude
Bill's family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to: Monsignor Dave Tramontini for his friendship, the gift of his time, and his spiritual guidance. Drs. Wayne Phillipson, Tim O'Shea, Darren Saunders and all the physicians in the E.R. of the North Bay Hospital for their wonderful care. Rose Joly, our "Angel" and Bill's "Sweetie", for her amazing generosity and compassion as she volunteered nightly respite care. All the nurses with the VON and North Bay Hospital who treated Bill with such kindness, honesty, and empathy. All the PSWs who respected Bill's dignity and wishes. All our family and friends who remembered Bill in their thoughts, daily prayers and Masses, and supported us through this difficult time.