William Spurgeon Dexter

William (Bill) Spurgeon Dexter

William (Bill) Spurgeon Dexter, age 88 and a resident of Birchwood Terrace, passed away peacefully the evening of July 21 with his wife Norma by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma Ruth, children: Susan & husband Frank Fedyk of Ottawa, Chris & wife Charlene Dexter of Kenora, Lynn & husband Dave Cox of Virden Mb, Pam Myles of Victoria BC, Robin & wife Kirsten Dexter of Kenora, 8 grandchildren: Mark, Kristin, Sherriann, Chandra, Jasmine, Samantha, Abbey, Sophie and 4 great grandchildren: Talia, Raine, Cadence and Henry, siblings: Warren and wife Florence, Noel and wife Jean, Joyce Denno and Joan Deeks.

Predeceased by parents Warren Judson Dexter and Myrtle Dexter (nee Weir), siblings: Paul, Madeline, Doris Roditi, Harvey, Barbara.

Bill was born In Milton, Nova Scotia. He loved the sea and as a teenager served as a ship's steward when he was too young to join the navy. During World War II he sailed with the Merchant Marine to the USA and to the British West Indies as either a donkeyman or fireman. He received his initial formal education in Nova Scotia graduating from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Arts and subsequent High School Teachers’ Diploma in 1950. After teaching at 5 different schools in Nova Scotia, Bill moved his family, wife and 4 children, to Kenora Ontario in 1959, seeking the better life. He has remained in Kenora since then with the exception of one year in Orangeville ON where he taught at the local High School, one year in Waterloo ON where he attended the University of Waterloo to further his education and taught a year in Nova Scotia, one year before his retirement in 1983. After retirement, he and Norma spent many years traveling in a small truck and camper and were proud of the fact that they visited every province and state in North America. Although the pay was good the real thing that kept Bill in the Kenora area was his love of hunting and fishing. Over the years he became somewhat of a legend among his friends and colleagues for his ability to track down that illusive game or catch fish when no one else could. His love of the outdoors was only surpassed by his love, devotion and dedication to his wife and family. Bill was also a devoted Christian and attended First Baptist and Lakeside Baptist churches with his family while living in Kenora. Over the years Bill also enjoyed singing, dancing, curling, golfing, flying small airplanes, and gardening. We, as his offspring, feel truly privileged and blessed to have had him for our Dad. His passing will leave a huge gap in our worlds but we take comfort in knowing he has gone on to be with The Lord.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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