St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg
St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
As he wished, Bill died peacefully in his home in Cobourg, age 95. A retired Air Canada Captain/pilot, Bill and his late wife Betty (died June 2017) enjoyed their home and manicured property for many years. Bill treasured Betty, a lovely gracious woman who made everyone feel special and welcome. They were faithful members of St Peter’s Anglican Church where they enjoyed the supportive fellowship and leave behind many friendships in the community.
Bill, the middle son of three boys, was born in 1930 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to parents William Ferguson DDS and Isabel Alice MacKenzie. Paul Ferguson, the eldest, and Dudley Donald, the youngest, are both deceased. Bill was an athletic youngster who enjoyed all sports but excelled at golf and curling as a young man. In his early years Bill attempted to further his education at United College, now known as the University of Winnipeg, but the blue prairie skies beckoned. Bill took every part-time job he could find in support of his quest to obtain a pilot’s license. His big break came with TCA, now known as Air Canada, who were recruiting. Bill entered their training program and was sent to Moncton to begin his long career as a domestic pilot, first on DC3’s. Later in his career Bill was selected to captain the new entrant to the Air Canada fleet: the famous Boeing 767.
Bill was an able accomplished man with a warm hearty laugh. With everyone he met, he would always be curious about their background, heritage, and mother tongue. He loved languages and enjoyed learning new phrases in foreign tongues. One of his favourite sayings was “Arriverderci”, meaning “’til we meet again!”
Among various family members, Bill leaves Betty’s children: Dr Kathleen Douglas (Barry Hodgson), Steven Douglas, Diane Babyn, and Sheila Boyd (deceased), along with their children and grandchildren. Bill also leaves two nephews, the sons of his brother Dudley: Dudley “Bruce” living in Surrey, BC, and Garth William in Calgary, AB.
Special thanks to Bill’s many caregivers for their unwavering support over the past few years, as well as visitors from St Peter’s including deacon Will Simon. During the past year particularly, live-in caregiver Jenna was there dependably until the end. Thanks also to Dr. Bayer, Dr Essak, and the many attending nurses from Ontario Regional Health Care.
Bill will be missed by many. He was thoughtful, accomplished, generous, and occasionally abrupt, but deep down had a ‘heart of gold’.
A funeral will be held on Saturday Dec. 13th at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Cobourg, at 1.30pm, conducted by the Rev. Matt MacMillan. Visitation in the church is at 1pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St Peter’s Church.
No longer chair-bound, Bill's flying free. His angel, Betty, he now with can be. That bark of laughter. Those eyes that gleamed. That gruff exterior that contained such a caring heart. Oh, Bill, God love ya. Blessed to have known the man.
Our condolences to Bills family. Bill was a great person and he will be missed. We will remember all the good times we had together, he was a great friend. Bernd Eibisch
I have many fond memories of Captain McKenzie. My parents Ron and Marjorie Macdonald met him while they were based in Moncton and then Montreal. Willy as he was known to my two sisters and I. He was a big part of our childhood. He often spent the night when he came in off a flight late at night. He definitely was a character always had bubble gum for us and would chase us around talking like Donald Duck. Condolences to his family. Spread your wings and fly Willy.
My condolences to all his families and friends. Don’t know if our paths crossed, but I works during the Dc3 days and until 1990. I’m 90ty years young and enjoying my retirement. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏🙏🙏Amen
Mr. Mac was a wonderful man. It was a blessing to have had met him and be able to be part of his care team. He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to the fanily. I knew Bill when he was living in the Laurentians and flying with TCA. In later years, I flew with him in Air Canada and then when we were both retired from AC , Bill and Betty would visit us during their annual stay at the Waring House in Picton. Betty, always the quiet one , and Bill, exuberant and fiesty would be welcome guests at our dining room table. Bill truly enjoyed life, and was well respected in the airline.
Bye Bill, Remi
When I was the pastoral nurse, I spent many times with Bill. When we moved to Nova Scotia, we chatted a few times so he would not be on his home. May God bless him!!
I knew Betty & Bill. They were wonderful people and I am glad to have known them. RIP Bill. You are once agian reunited with Betty. Rest easy
I met Bill and Betty while Live in Caregiving for his neighbors Jim and Marion Tannion. My daughter Jenna joined me soon after and Bill visited Jim and Marion for a drink occasionally. Jenna has helped and been Bill's steady caregiver when life slowly changed. I smile thinking about Bill and Betty together again...he is finally happy again ❤️