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Born in Didsbury, near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta on Halloween in 1932, Bill has died peacefully at home.
At 17 yrs of age Bill entered Guelph Agricultural College where he obtained a degree in Organic Chemistry. Then a few years later an MBA from Western.
Bill was successful in business and rose to the top as CEO of an international company based in London, U.K. At his core, he was an entrepreneur, and when he returned to Toronto, Canada in 1983, he bought a company, changed its direction, and within 5 years his company became the second largest maker of plastic and high-tech smart cards in Canada.
With a move to Port Hope in 1992, Bill became involved in local community matters. He helped restore the local library to its original Carnegie architectural beginnings, he bought the local book store and restored an old building on the main street to house Furby House Books that continues to serve Port Hope and surrounding communities. His philanthropy is well known to those who have benefitted: La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, The Northumberland Hills Hospital, and Trees Ontario, The Willsy’s Extended Societal Care Fund at Trent U. and The National Ballet of Canada.
Bill was intelligent, principled, generous and fair minded. With oodles of charm and a sharp wit, he was entertaining and easy company. He was dearly loved by all those who knew him well.
He will be greatly missed by his family and close friends. Elizabeth, his wife and best friend of 46 years will remember Bill in her heart and mind forever.
According to Bill’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his life celebrated privately.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to one of Bill’s favourite charities, or to one of yours.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Elizabeth, Thinking back over the years we really enjoyed the times that we were in uncle Bill's company, they were few and far between but always very special. His wit and humor became a memory that we treasure. One very special skit at aunt Lois's birthday was his rendition of the Rastafarian Edwards birthday greeting (you had to be there). We remember Uncle Bill as a man who lived a full and busy life yet always had time to listen to what others had to say. When we think of Uncle Bill the lyrics of the Frank Sinatra song "My way" comes to mind. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. RIP Wayne and Brenda Edwards
Bill made a difference to the La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra through his interest and generous support. It was always a treat to have Bill and Elizabeth in attendance at concerts. This is a sad time but also a time to applaud Bill’s accomplishments. Not many people make such a positive difference in arts organizations. With my condolences and gratitude, Laurie Mitchell
Dear Elizabeth, You are in my thoughts! Words cannot express the sadness I feel and cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. Your beloved husband and friend was a remarkable gift, he was a man of valor, a true gentleman - someone who is courageous, fearless, and decisive. Bill's noble character, witty demeanor, and kind disposition are an inspiration. I enjoyed years of Bill's friendship, laughter, and wisdom, which will certainly remain in my heart. May he rest in peace. Elizabeth, please know that I will always be there to support you. Much Love, Virginia & Dakers Clan.
Bill's quiet intelligence and entreprenureal nature were evident and valued by his friends in many smaller endeavors, like the launch of The Crier newspaper and the senior gentleman's book club. He will be missed.
Elizabeth. So sorry to read about Bill’s passing. It seems like only yesterday we were all working together on the Port Hope Town Crier. Bill was always level-headed, witty and armed with great ideas. A very special person?
My heart goes out to Bill's two daughters Stephanie and Susan and his 3 grandkids, Addison, Evan and Hanna.
Dear Elizabeth, I am thinking of you at your time of sorrow. Bill was an extraordinary man and we all benefited from his generosity.
Dear Elizabeth We are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing and know that at this time you will be overwhelmed with sadness. The love you shared will stay with you always. Our deepest sympathy Michael and Marie
Great Uncle Bill will remain in our hearts and minds forever. His sage advice, wonderful humour, worldly perspective among many other gifts will be missed but cherished and remembered. We are eternally grateful for having known him, for the time we had together. We find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. Our deepest condolences Elizabeth, thank you for being by Bill’s side all these years and to the very end, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and, with everyone who is feeling grief. Love the Howes - Jeff and Tina, Katherine, Elowen and John
Elizabeth you are on my mind the whole time. I hope you find strength in putting Bill to rest.
Sincerest sympathy to you, Elizabeth, on the recent passing of Bill. He was a very intelligent, interesting and enjoyable individual to spend time with and he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Dear Elizabeth and family, Uncle Bill was a lovely soul and will be missed by all who knew him. I particularly remember, at mine and Dean's wedding, when he welcomed me to the Edwards family, saying I was a perfect match..that I fit in splendidly. Rest in peace Uncle Bill, you will never be forgotten. Thanks for the laughs.
Bill lived a full life he will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known him. He shared many stories always delivered with a sense of humour. The twinkle in his eyes a reflection of his spirit. Bill was a man who remained true to his beliefs and conscience. A man who was prepared for all occasions. He was a true gentleman. His love and respect for Elizabeth was unwavering. We will miss you Bill. Jayne &Robert
Survived by his 2 children; Susan and Stephanie. Grandkids Evan, Hanna and Addison. Will miss you dad ?
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Salvation Army Community Church
Dearest Elizabeth; When we first met Bill at our local; he knew even then that you and I would be great friends, and he made sure we met... a clever move, as he knew you weren't quite embracing your new home yet! What marvelous evenings and afternoons we four have had over the almost thirty years of our friendship. Bill was a great teller-of-tales, and yet a great listener as well. Never one to be constricted by absolute facts, or to let them get in the way of a great narrative, Bill was equally very happy to challenge outlandish stories. During one very long-ago dinner party, his "That can't be true!", and his laughing agreement when I replied: "Who cares? It's a great story!" marked the keystone in the friendship that was growing between the four of us. A successful businessman, entrepreneur, husband and friend, Bill was always approachable--he never wrapped himself in any armour of superiority. During Villa Idalia’s time on an ACO Tour, Bill was greatly amused to be thought of as the hired gardener. No doubt drawing upon his degree in Agriculture, he explained carefully --and at great length -- to attendees (who soon regretted asking) about the Bloody Mary Plant (no such thing) that he was tending to, never once revealing that Villa Idalia was in fact the home he shared with you, his dearest friend and companion. We cherish the moments we have shared together, and are honoured to have had the time we were able to spend with you both in Bill’s briefest of final days. Bill, we have no idea where you will have gone from this mortal coil, but we hope that as the sun sets each day, you are sitting with your feet up, sipping a luxurious scotch from a beautiful glass, eating peanuts on the chesterfield. With much love for you both, from Tracey, Phil, and family
Dear Elizabeth We are saddened to hear of Bills death. In the journey of life to enjoy the friendship of a man with so much humanity, humour, curiosity, as well as his generosity to the community was a gift. He enjoyed a long life, happy marriage to his beloved Elizabeth and many friendships. A life well lived. We enjoyed many good times together during the last 23years. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Paulette &Bruce
Bill will be sadly missed by us. We have had many great times with laughs, conversations, stories of the past and the occasional martini. Bill shared his martini secret with me, which enhanced my already fabulous and famous concoction. I of course was then tasked with the pleasure of making a martini for us to enjoy whilst engaging in wonderful conversation. Bill had a fabulous sense of humour and had a true knack of getting to know you and finding out all he could about your life. He was extremely bright and cheerful, so many days and nights were enjoyed with Bill and Elizabeth either at their homes in Canada or during their visits to Australia. A great highlight for Joe and I was our visit to Coburg for a white Christmas. We flew from Melbourne Australia via Honolulu with a Christmas pudding in hand that Joe had made. We shared a wonderful Christmas with Elizabeth and Bill and their many friends before heading off to Quebec and Montreal. Our love, hugs and condolences to you Elizabeth with all our hearts.
To my auntie Libby at this time of such sadness with the loss of her beloved Bill. Bill was a great character and gentleman. A sharp mind with a wicked sense of humour, always generous and gracious. I remember my short time with you both at Port Hope many years ago. He encouraged my adventures, that maple syrup was to be used generously and baseball was boring to watch - he was right! Sending love from the other side of the world. Anna x
It is difficult to write this because Bill has been part of our lives for thirty five years. I worked in Bill’s business and helped him to build the company and helped him to sell it. I am eternally grateful to Bill for the deep friendship, for hiring me, his mentorship and wisdom and for his guiding light that entered my life. He was a treasure in every sense of the word, always positive, always with a twinkle in his wonderful blue eyes and always coming back at one with a quip, or wry, sharp and intelligent remark. He was generous in every sense of the word. There is a massive void left in our lives. To our dearest Elizabeth we will always be there for you and love you dearly.
A lovely, intelligent, thoughtful and warm-hearted person, Bill's memory will be welcomed into the minds and hearts of so many. We join all who knew Bill and wish Elizabeth, his gracious partner in life, our deepest sympathies on his passing from a such long, fruitful and memorable life. Olga and Bill
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend and neighbour Bill. I offer my profound sympathy to his loving wife, Elizabeth. I will remember Bill as a gentleman of extreme character embodying a mix of remarkable intelligence, wit and human kindness. I will greatly miss him. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Dear Elizabeth, my thoughts are with you in the loss of your beloved Bill.
for Elizabeth... deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Bill. Having experienced it myself I know the deep loss that fills your soul after truly loving and adoring your best friend. Fortunate you had each other for such a long time. Sending hugs and admiration...
Dear Elizabeth, Please accept our deepest condolences. I can’t imagine the loss and pain you must be feeling. Uncle Bill was simply a titan of a man; a role model and source of inspiration for all of us. His wit and charm will forever be unmatched. Thank you for this beautiful memorial, we are thinking of you. Love Mike
Thinking of you Elizabeth with love. I have such fond memories of Bill. Especially that memorable dinner he organised for us at Hadleys Orient Hotel Hobart! He truly was a special, larger than life being.
My thoughts are with Elizabeth and the rest of our Edwards family. I'll always remember Uncle Bill as the kind and funny man that he was. He always had great stories to tell. We will miss him.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth. My eternal gratitude for Bill’s silent support of our musical endeavours year in and year out. I once told Bill over a hot dog at the PH Jazz Festival that he reminded me of Red Skelton. He respsponded by saying, “I love Red Skekton”. Well, we all love you Bill Edwards.
Thinking of you Elizabeth and what a wonderful, loving life you shared with this man. And remembering Bill, a most charming and interesting man who we shall miss. Jan and Tony
Dearest Elizabeth, My heart breaks to hear about the passing of dear Bill. No words can express how sorry I am. Bill was kind, intelligent, and compassionate and will live forever in our hearts and memories. Our heartfelt condolences from all of us at La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra.
Dear Elizabeth. I send along my deepest condolences to you as you mourn the death of Bill. Bob Fair