We've lost the world's greatest Dad! He was so independent, and at 95 was still driving, living alone with no assistance in a big house near New St, planning a large garden, supervising the rototilling with his granddaughter Vanessa Langshaw, eating lasagna with her, and getting up to put 6 more veggies in a 14 ingredient salad. A few weeks later, he passed at Joseph Brant with his friend John Pilling and Vanessa by his side holding some of his asparagus.
Apparently, there was nothing wrong but a worn-out body that ran a great race. Thanks to Dr. Naidoo his GP.
A farm boy who trained as an electrician, joined the army, married Alberta Gillings and had 5 children, Richard ( Felicity), David (Lucie McClung), Leslie and John Shier, Barbara (Toni) Langshaw, with Pete Giacomelli, and Marnie and Dave Crans. There are 13 grandchildren 15 and great grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his grandson Paul Osepchook, his brother Jack and his sister Margaret Yungblut of Thorold who died only 2 weeks ago.
He was an entrepreneur and was Niagara district manager and top salesman for Filter Queen vacuums where personal service was key. He transferred this to Royal Lepage real estate while continuing to buy and renovate real estate including our Haliburton cottage. He loved all sports, was a trophy winning runner, golfer, and curler at the Burlington Curling Club where he would often get 8 enders as skip. He encouraged all his children in sports, and all attended university.
His compassion led him to canvas for the March of Dimes for 65 years and also for cancer and charity fundraising. All know his generosity with flowers, and if he saw something at the side of the road that he could fix and give to someone... he would take it home, but would never throw anything out. He left behind a heck of a lotta stuff.
He loved birds, animals, had the best trained dogs, knew about eating locally since he grew everything, We talked to him everyday and Bill provided countless lifelong memories for his children, their relatives, friends that we will cherish forever. He never said a curse word or spoke badly of anyone. He would not want you to waste money on funeral flowers, but buy some for yourself. He would not want a funeral now...would want a party and lots to eat! We will celebrate when we can.
Please share your memories of him. That hole in our hearts, that ache in our chest, tears in our eyes show our love of you. Will be missed, but never forgotten.
Please visit Bill's obituary notice on Facebook.