William Henry Pritchard

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Valerie and his two sons Gregory William and David Edward (Ruth Anne).

He was a proud grandfather to Andrew, Erin, Frances, Gillian, Thomas and Abbey, and was proud to be a great-grandfather more recently to Arabella, Leah and Gavin.

Bill was born in Smethwick, outside of Birmingham, England in 1930, where he met and married Valerie and started their family. In 1963, they made the decision to immigrate to Canada with their young family, settling first in Willowdale, and eventually moving to Newmarket, Ontario in 1969, where he continued a career as a precision engineer in the tool and die industry. When Bill and Valerie retired, they moved to Pine Meadows retirement community in Belwood, where Bill became an avid golfer and an excellent wine maker. Although his golf wasn’t on par with his wine making, he enjoyed many rounds with his friends, sons and grandchildren.

Bill was a long-time member of the Newmarket Citizens Band, continuing to play the trumpet with them for many years, even after leaving Newmarket for Belwood. Bill had a beautiful singing voice, which he leant to numerous choirs over his lifetime. He sang proudly at both of his sons’ weddings.

Bill was a West Bromwich Albion Football Club fan, but also became a lifelong Toronto Blue Jays fan, attending numerous games every year before retirement to Belwood. He was still following their progress in spring training before he was taken into hospital last week.

Bill was an avid reader, made over 100 blood donations to Canada Blood services, and drove for many years for the Canadian Cancer Society, taking people to their appointments and treatments. He always had a book with him to read while he waited.

His family would especially like to thank Dr. Friedman, Dr. Dicu and the nurses in the oncology centre at Elora hospital, where he went for transfusions, for their wonderful care. They would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Guelph General Hospital, and especially Dwayne in emergency, and his homecare PSW Shannon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph. A private cremation has taken place.

As expressions of sympathy, donations made to a charity of one’s choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com