William (Bill) Albert Russell passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, in his 88th year.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, after 66 years of a wonderful marriage. He is also survived by his two daughters, Karen (John) O’Bireck; Sandra (Doug) Oneschuk; his grandchildren, Tally (Jared), Seana, Katie (Ben), James (Kelsey), Matthew, Eric; two beautiful great-grandchildren Remi and Wolf; and his sister, Diane Hart, and two nieces, Liana and Laurie.
Bill was predeceased by his son, Timothy in 1988, and his daughter, Kimberley in 2016.
Bill was born and raised in Toronto, attended Lawrence Park Collegiate (1954) and the University of Waterloo.
Bill had a very successful business career, retiring in 1998 as Corporate Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Standard Products, undertaking global coordination activities. After retirement, he continued with consulting activities for Standard Products and other automotive suppliers.
Bill was very involved in Stratford, where he lived for over 50 years, as Chair of the Stratford Police Commission, Board of Directors of the Stratford General Hospital, and Board of Directors of the Stratford Country Club.
In business, Bill was a Charter Member of the General Motors of Canada Supplier Council and also on the Board of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.
Bill enjoyed his family, travelling, Raven Lake and Lake of Bays homes, theatre, gardening, Discovery Centre Project, and his many friends.
Many thanks to all of the Palliative Care team at Southlake who took good care of Bill over the past ten days. It is very much appreciated.
Visitation will be held at W.G. Young Funeral Home, Stratford, on Monday, June 26 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 27, at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 96 Huron St, Stratford, ON.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southlake Regional Health Centre, Stratford General Hospital Muscular Dystrophy Canada, or charity of one’s choice, through W. G. Young Funeral Home. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
