Suddenly passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the age of 63; just shy of his birthday on July 1st. Billy is reunited with his parents; Bill and Margaret Vanstone and his grandparents; Caroline Fare Vanstone and Frederick Vanstone both originally from Plymouth, England before emigrating to Canada, and Vera Gibson Burleigh and Eugene Burleigh both of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Dear brother of Deborah and William "Wilbur" Nichols and Johnny Vanstone. Survived by his niece "Princess" Leigh-Ann Margaret Frommann (Miles).
Bill worked as a Customs Inspector with Canada Customs for many years and later changed careers by joining the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. He enjoyed playing baseball from a very young age, playing with many different teams through the years with law enforcement and a team of old friends called "Dire Straits" with his brother John. He was an avid reader and enjoyed a good crossword puzzle daily. He was a perfectionist in all he did, including gardening and poetry. Billy was also asked to assist with the lighting of the Falls by the Niagara Parks Commission one year. Billy was his own man and wanted things done his own way. He was very independent to the end.
A Celebration of Billy's life will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Stanley Ave. Please plan to meet inside the main gates (head of Maple St.) just prior to 1 p.m. on Monday. Cremation has taken place and arrangements were handled through Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel; 5176 Victoria Ave. (905-354-5614). If desired, memorial donations made to the Walker Cancer Clinic, Salvation Army or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
A special thank you to John Lambert and Gerry Phillips with Niagara Housing as well as the Niagara Regional Police, especially Sgt. Pepperall.
"Perfect gentleman, perfect brother and perfect uncle who will be sadly missed."
