William Kelman McCart

Beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann McCart (nee Schmuck) (1988). Loving father, survived by his children - Janice Ann McCart, Lynne Marie McCart (and her partner, Brody) and Kevin William McCart (and his wife Marylou.)

Beloved Grandpa/ Poppi to his grandchildren Sarah Patricia Smart (and her husband Leandro), Katelyn Margaret Janssen (and her husband Alex), Jack William McCart and Luke Harland McCart and Great Grand Poppi to Bobbie Jean Janssen.

Bill was born in 1931 in Toronto at Women’s College Hospital to the parents of Irish immigrants, William John McCart and Elizabeth (Campbell). His family then moved to Guelph in 1933. He attended GCVI and was an active member of the Guelph Sea Cadets. His lifelong attachment to the great military stories and heroes of World War II began when he was a young teenager – too young to join the military – but always riding his bike to the Guelph train station to greet the soldiers on trains passing through and offering his services to get them a Coke. There were very few facts he did not know and could not recite later in life about the events surrounding the War, and in particular, the brave Canadian men and women who served. And he continued to read books and expand his knowledge on the subject throughout his life right up until his passing - as anyone who knew him would attest. His name appears at Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France on one of the Commemorative Bricks in the walls of the Centre as a proud sponsor of its completion. The Centre pays homage to all of the brave Canadians that lost their lives during the Second World War and preserves this legacy for future generations.

In his teenage years, Bill worked for the Royal Dairy delivering milk and later as an usher at The Odeon Theatre. During these years as a teenager, he met the love of his life, Patricia Schmuck whom he married in 1952 – a romance like no other.

Bill was the beloved son-in-law of Pat’s parents, the late Vernon and Agnes Schmuck. It was in fact his father-in-law Vern who taught Bill how to cast a fishing line, later teaching him the fine art of fly fishing. Bill found his true peace and solitude wading through the waters in the valley of the Beaver River for many decades and fished with his son Kevin and his grandsons right up until his 80th year.

Bill joined the Guelph Police Force in 1949 and rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 1985 where he served until 1988. He was devoted to the Force, to policing and to the City of Guelph throughout his career and it was the sudden passing of his wife that led him to an early retirement. He took much pleasure in his retired years living in Owen Sound and Williamsford before finally locating in Fergus in July 2016 - always making many friends wherever he was as he always did. He was still living in his home in Fergus and of course, closely following and cheering for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs until the day he passed. Just a few days before his passing, he was posting the Leafs’ 2026 – 2027 schedule on his fridge door.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to his family doctor, Dr. Alison Williams for her excellent care, compassion and vigilance and to her very kind and caring staff. Heartfelt thanks also to his many neighbors at Westminster Cresent whose company he so enjoyed and whose many kindnesses to him will always be remembered.

A private family service and internment will be held at Marymount Cemetery in Guelph where Bill will have his final resting place once again beside his beloved Pat.

Expressions of sympathy can be made as donations to Groves Foundation in Fergus – Groves Hospital Equipment Fund (can be selected at the time of the donation) at www.grovesfoundation.com .This is a charity that Bill supported throughout his years in Fergus.

For so many who have already contacted the family wanting to send flowers (which we truly appreciate), given the nature of the service we are holding, we would ask that if you wish, you consider a donation to Groves Foundation or any charity of your choice.