Saturday, March 18, 2017
I first met Bill in the late 60's when we both worked for CIBC in the Kitchener-Waterloo/Cambridge area. I have many fond memories of playing baseball for the CIBC team in K-W and later in St. Clements. Bill was always our centre fielder. I can still see him elegantly gliding under a fly ball that no one thought could be caught. When Bill came to bat, there was always the chance of someone having to throw the ball back on the field from over the left field fence. Our careers took us to different parts of the Province after that and we lost touch. I started to work in the Credit Union industry after retiring from CIBC in 2002. Imagine my delight when I arrived in Sault Ste Marie in 2003 to do some work at Northern Credit Union and met Bill again after all those intervening years. I had lunch with Bill last October, while completing my last contract before retiring again later that month. We reminisced about the good old days, he talked about when (or rather, if) he was going to stop working; but most of all, Bill talked about his girls. The pride I saw in his eyes and heard in his voice was palpable. I am so sad to hear of Bill's death but am also happy for that last lunch with him. May he rest in peace, knowing the value he brought to this world for those who knew him. My thoughts are with the family during this tough time.