William "Bill" Ridsdill

William (Bill) George Ridsdill

November 12, 1938 – February 21, 2018

The Family Tree

Grandparents: Martha and George Ridsdill, Pearl and Fred Butson

Parents: Betty and Russ Ridsdill

Spouse: Betty Ridsdill (nee Mackey)

Children: Debbie Ridsdill (Al Martin), Stacey Cruise (Brydon), Sonya Davison (Ron)

Grandchildren: Jaime Cruise, Derek Cruise, Sydney Davison, Taylor Davison, Rylee Davison, Connor Davison

A Tribute to Bill

Russ and Betty Ridsdill, welcomed Billy into the world on November 12, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario. Billy was an active child adored by his parents. A close relationship with his parents and grandparents fostered Bill's love of family. Making Toronto home for the majority of his life allowed for continued close contact with those he loved.

Trained as a Tool and Die Maker Bill began his working life in 1956 at IBM. More importantly, with his good looks, a job, a car and a flare for athleticism, a chance meeting in 1960 at Deer Lodge in Haliburton would lead to a 57-year relationship with his loving wife Betty. Bill truly became a family man when he had three children of his own (Debbie-1962, Stacey-1965, Sonya-1968).

Joining the Junior Board of Trade in 1963 provided much satisfaction in Bill’s life. He enjoyed participating in community projects, Grey Cup Festivities and College Bowl. Being president in 1977-78 exemplified his commitment to charitable work. A 35-year career at IBM was a testament to Bill’s dedication and exceptional work ethic. With the skills he gained from IBM, Bill continued his working career at Whirlpool Corporation (Michigan). He retired and moved back to Toronto in 1999.

Bill’s passion for sports, cars and family followed him throughout his life. Finding him cycling, running, playing squash, golfing, or water skiing would be a common and natural sight. Bill’s strength and ample energy served him well given his industrial, meticulous and busy nature. He was up for fixing anything from a faulty toaster to a car engine. His proudest accomplishment was the building and on-going maintenance of the family cottage in Muskoka.

Among many things, Bill enjoyed time with friends, travel, ice cream, watching television, sports, dogs, cars, cottage life, and arriving early for everything. His friendships were dear to him. He appreciated the laughter and experiences that those friendships brought to his life. What shone through most was Bill’s love of family. Saying Bill was proud of his family would be an understatement, family time together would have Bill beaming. Watching hours upon hours of his grandchildren’s hockey games made Bill a mainstay at arenas. Bill’s enthusiasm for family kept him close at heart with his wife, children and grandchildren. His welcomed involvement in their lives allowed for wonderful personal relationships.

Much of Bill is left here with us in memories and in his children. Bill will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by Betty, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations to Oakville Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Oakville Hospital Foundation https://www.haltonhealthcare.on.ca/donate.htm