Wilbur (Bill) Shaver

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wilbur (Bill) Shaver, on October 21st, in his 99th year, at the Venvi Greenway Retirement Home. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Patricia in 2018.

Father to Alan (Ann), Nancy (Bernie), Leslie, Karen (Ken). Cherished Grandfather to Erin (David), Ben (Susan), Jeremy (Anne), Meagan (Vincent), Danielle (Justin) and Michael. Great Grandfather to Owen, Eve, Morgan, Wyatt, Ari and Henry, Brother to Raymond (Janice) and Mavis and sisters-in-law, Sylvia and Sandra. Uncle to many dearly loved nieces and nephews, as well as very special, lifelong friends. Bill was predeceased by his sister-in-law Queenie Shaver and brothers-in-law Walter Asbil and John Tyers. 

Bill was born in 1925 to Walter Shaver and Myrtle (Minchen) of Montreal. While attending McGill University he was asked to join his father in Shaver`s Laundry, the family business. In 1943 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and saw service on Corvette anti-submarine ships, off the coast of Nova Scotia, until the end of the war. He returned home and married the love of his life, Patricia Irene Tyers. They made their home in Dorval, close to their extended families, where they raised their four children before relocating to Brampton in 1974. As the family grew up there were always large gatherings for special occasions and from this, a closeness grew between cousins, and aunts and uncles, that has continued to this day. As their own family moved around the country and beyond, Pat and Bill never hesitated to pack their bags and visit: Vancouver Island, Northern Ontario, the Arctic, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Scotland. Family, immediate and extended, was important to them. Their love and support were evident in everything they did. 

Bill loved life and loved to say that keeping a positive attitude was the most important part of his day. He touched everyone that knew him with kindness, generosity and love and left a lasting impression on anyone he met. His love of animals, especially dogs, brought him great joy. He would often be found hanging out with his 4-legged buddies, whether it was walking down the street, visiting friends or family, or dog-sitting. He has even been known to share his breakfast yogurt on occasion. 

Sincere thanks to Bill’s caregivers, Andrea, Valarie and Violet. Also, to the staff of Greenway, Veterans Affairs, Home and Community Care Support Services and the many people that brightened up his day, thank you. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 23rd at Ward Funeral Home, 55 Main St, Brampton at 11 am for the service, with visitation starting at 9:30. A reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15, 80 Mary Street, Brampton, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you may choose to donate, in Bill`s name, to a charity of your choice.