With grateful hearts for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of our Uncle Bill.

Bill is predeceased by his sisters, Tiny Duyvestijn, Helen (Henri) Hendriks and Corry (Martien) Samwel and brothers  Gerard (Tijl), Dan, Leo (Johanna), Pierre, Jan and brother-in-law,  John Vanderwal.

He leaves his sister Nell Vanderwal and sister-in-law Mieke, as well as 31 nieces and nephews in The Netherlands, Canada and New Zealand.

Born into a large, loving family in The Netherlands, he was baptized Wilhelmus Johannes after his uncles. As a teenager, he endured the war years.  Coming to Canada in 1952, was an adventure in travel that settled into a way of life.

Uncle Bill made his home in Oakville, purchasing a house in the 1980's and taking a keen interest in garden work.   A forever-home!

Bill was a regular Church member and served as an Usher for the 9:30 Mass at St. Andrew Church.

Retired in 1989 from Ford Motor Company, Uncle Bill was able to enjoy 30 winters at his apartment in the Bahamas where he made fast friends.

Regular exercise, swimming, overseas trips and warm winters made the first 92 years look easy.

After a fall in 2020  and 6 weeks in hospital, Bill received five years of some fine, daily PSW care in his own home.  He recognized that the staff had lots of commitments.  He was always organized and ready for them so as to not put any extra demands on their time.

The last 3 weeks in hospital saw compassionate care at OTMH in the Emergency Department, Five South and in Complex Transitional Care.

The family is grateful for all the people who shared their goodness with Uncle Bill.

He always appreciated the many kindnesses he was shown.

Thanks for the memories, Uncle Bill.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday September 12, 2025 at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 47 Reynolds Street, Oakville at 11 am.

Donations in his memory, to Hamilton Out of the Cold or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated by the family.