To all of the Emslie family, First and formost; I would like to express my sincere condolences to all of the Emslie family.I was privileged to have known "The Commander" for a few years when he lived in the States. What a guy! People like him are on your list to stay. Few people make that great mark with someone in life; he was REAL! I could on, and on, and, on; but, if you knew him like I felt I did; you don't need to hear anything else; you already know. To a true piece of history; Rest in Peace , my friend! Beau Giles Macon, Georgia

I'm very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I fondly remember the family gatherings in East Barre. Bill was always the "funny" one and would get fussed at for telling it like it was! My Dearest Mother, Dot loved her cousin Bill so much. I remember that when Bill and marg were in town off we'd go to EB! It would seem that our "Duncan" clan has lost yet another of one the greatest. I will miss getting his jokes that Paul would forward to me. My thoughts are with you all. Fondly, Karen Dean Wells

Although far away from Bill this last decade (living in Europe) we never got the chance to laugh at my adopted Uncle's famous jokes and stories, but they were the best. Period. Growing up as a child Bill always made a fuss over the Mills boys (as did Marg and all the Emslie family)and he selflessly tried to make us feel at home when in and around the Emslie family clan and visiting Canada, making sure, as young boys , we were entertained and felt at home. 
As my brother Michael wrote, my own Father always spoke highly of Uncle Bill and considered him his best friend bar noone. I will retain find memories of my childhood and spending time at the Emslie's and his warmth, generosity and sense of humour. Although not in close touch with all the extended Emslie family regularly anymore, I want to extend my and my families condoloences. We are thinking of the Emslie family here today and of course Uncle Bill. Remembering his raucous laugh and one of his legendary stories, memories that will last beyond his time with us and certainly beyond my own days here!  Love from Patrizia, Geoff, Devin, Sofia and Giorgia Mills.

" Uncle Bill" will be truly missed as a loving / husband / father / grandfather and in our case will be remembered as perhaps the best friend my father ( who passed several years back) had. The friendship my father shared with Bill was based on shared family values ; genuine selflessness and an amazing sense of humour that entertained all of us who were ever in their presence. When my Dad passed Bill wrote me a most moving mail on my Father ; his family background ; the circumstances surrounding the death of his brother and the appreciation of their friendship. Given my father was "old school" and never revealed much to us on his past; Bill's mail clarified and re-defined for me the memories of my own father as he answered many of the questions that were never asked and for that I will be eternally grateful. As for Bill himself and his status as an inspirational family leader ... all you will have to do is look around the room at his service to see and feel the footprint he leaves behind in the form of a large loving cohesive extended family ....he may have departed us physically but his spirit will live on with the next generations. Our deepest sympathies to all the family / Mike / Desiree / Sienna / Jack / Melissa

My most vivid memories of Uncle Bill are from my childhood - Christmases at Auntie Marg and Uncle Bill's in Chateauguay, Quebec, where my brother Cameron and I played board hockey and generally had a great time with our cousins Scott, Deb, Rob and Cathy (JB had not yet appeared!) while waiting for Auntie Marg's fantastic turkey dinner. Uncle Bill could throw us up in the air in a kind of tumbling manoeuvre that I still cannot figure out, and, regale us all with his legendary stories and anecdotes.  
He had the difficult task of informing Cam and I of our Dad's death (we were 12 and 8) and he told me only last year that that was the most difficult thing he had ever done - something which I only recently appreciated. 
This past year, I have become an online Ancestry addict, and Uncle Bill helped me to identify numerous old photographs of his family - dating back to 1899; his noting of his grandparents and cousins, aunts and uncles - allowed me to post and label many precious ancient photographs of the Emslies, Duncans, Gunns and Christies.  Uncle Bill was tech savvy many years ago; the digital world "was his oyster" where he could fly his planes, read newspapers from all over the world, be a You Tube fan and correspond via email to his heart's content.
I will miss you Uncle Bill.   
Much love from your niece  Laurie Susan

I was so bouyed by everyone who came out to support my family after our sudden loss. I wanted to speak at the service but unfortunately that didn't happen, so I will put my words on this site instead. As you already know, my Dad, Bill, affectionately known as the Commander, had been faced with two rather gloomy alternatives in his recent and sudden health challenge. He was a war vet & so in that spirit he chose to fight. The poor guy never even got outta' the gate tho.... I know he was 87 and had surpassed the average life expectancy & he lived a GOOD life. To say, "It was a blessing," won't be truly realized until the shock of his sudden passing wears a little thinner. I miss him already. Who else is gonna' ask me, "Deb, are you OK for money?" Appearently NOT Air Canada! ;) In Bill we lost a father, father-in-law, uncle, brother to Ruth, grandfather to lots of young Emslies & Harringtons, & a good friend to everyone in this room & beyond ....But most of all, Marg lost the love of her life. I don't want to sound all preachy but none of us knows how long we have....so don't hesitate to tell someone how much they mean to you when you have the chance In closing I want to speak the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song that comforts me in times like these. I'll look for you in old Honolulu San Francisco, Ashtabula Yer gonna have to leave me now I know But I'll see you in the sky above In the tall grass in the ones I love Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go. xxxdebs

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. We hope the loving memory of your father helps to fill the emptiness you must be feeling. We send our love.

Mr. E...(cause that's how I remember you) You have touched our lives and we send you love. I can only remember happy times and your wonderful smile. Everytime I'd show up on your doorstep in Thornhill, looking for a cup of tea, place to crash or kitchen table to sit at and catch up while Marg whipped up a fresh batch of "something-something" to enjoy!. Todd, the kids and I send you, Marg and the family all our love. We have been blessed to know you and your spirit. You are loved and missed already.

Dear Jay, Moira & Family Sorry to hear the news about your father ~ The loss of someone we love is always difficult to accept creating a sense of devastation and emptiness that seems to have no end. Fortunately we have memories of many good times spent together and hopefully they are a source of strength. May God bless you during this time; we will pray for your strength in dealing with your loss. We hope you are keeping well. With Sincere Sympathy, Donna, Stephen, Chris & Daniel Forrester

Bill was our friend from the time our families were neighbors in Chateauguay, Quebec. His parting is a sad loss and he will be missed. Nobody could tell a story like Bill and he had a lot of stories. He was an interesting man and his absence will be long felt. Our condolences to Marg, and the family Bill loved so well.

Bill, I feel very fortunate that I have been part of your family for so many years. My heart and sincere condolences not only goes out to Marg but to all the Emslies, Cathy, Paul, Montana, Madison and Savannah Grace. Thank you for always accepting me as one of the family and I feel very lucky to have known you. love you. Kristy Wenn

We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. We feel blessed to have known William (Poppy). He was so kind and thoughtful. Katie, Jessie and Nicky appreciated and loved each and every one of those lunches at A&W with Poppy and Gma.

A great human being is gone now. Bill was not only a very dear friend to Valerie and I, but in a professional capacity, he was a mentor with infinite patience with me. I always knew where I stood with him. He carried no malice. He had no hidden agenda. He was as straight as they come. He was honest to a fault. I loved him for that. I will always cherish his mentorship and Marg's and his friendship. Marg and family, our deepest condolences to you. Love you. Wish I could be there in person.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We will always remember him in our prayers as a happy go luck person. We will miss his smiling face. We are happy to have known him. Love Marina & Sal

Leah Shilling made a donation to 

I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. May only good memories of your father be of comfort to you at this most difficult time. Leah Shilling

The Wardlaw Family made a donation to Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

We are so sorry for your loss, and want you to know that we are all here for you. William was a great man. We'd also like to thank him for his service to Canada and for our freedom. Thanks for all the burgers Poppy! Katie, Jessie, Kristen, Brad and Nicky

OBITUARY

William Emslie

Passed away on 5 OCTOBER, 2011

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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