William "Bill" Balkwill

BALKWILL, William (Bill) Ezra (1912-2010)

Retired RCAF Flight Lieutenant

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bill at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, 20 November 2010. Loving father of Anne and husband Joe Bills, Karen and husband Barry Hutchinson. Adoring grandfather of Paul, David, Carol-Anne and Vanessa. Cherished great-grandfather of Johnathan, Matthew, Olivia and Joshua. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend Marg, his sisters, Dorothy Milliken, Ruth Ford, Ethel Balkwill, Clara Hart and his brother, Russell. Bill held a special place in the hearts and lives of many loved nieces and nephews.

Bill was a faithful and devoted member of the Downsview United Church congregation for more than 50 years. Born on 2 July 1912, Bill’s career began at home in Exeter, Ontario, following in his father’s footsteps as a carpenter; he then served in the RCAF with pride and distinction from 1942 to 1964. After his military service, Bill worked for the Ontario Ministries of Public Works and Housing and subsequently sat on the City of North York Planning Board.

Bill was a father figure to many extended family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family will receive visitors at the Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Road (North of Lawrence Ave. W.), Toronto on Wednesday, 24 November (2 – 4 pm, and 7 - 9 pm), Masonic Service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Downsview United Church, 2822 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3M 2G4 on Thursday, 25 November at 11 a.m., with visitation commencing at 10 a.m.

Reception to follow the service. Interment to be on Friday, 26 November at Exeter Cemetery at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory to Downsview United Church would be appreciated by the family.