William "Bill" Poland

Passed away peacefully with his wife Pat by his side in their home on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the age of 84. Beloved husband to Pat for over 64 years. Loving father to Tony, John, David (Valerie) and predeceased by his daughter Debby (survived by Derrick). Devoted granddad to Kaitlyn (Kyle), Stephanie (Kenneth), Kourtney (Ryan), Derrick Jr. (Stephanie), Jason, Cole (Rebecca), Joseph and Megan and great grandad to Sienna, Blake, Byson, Callie and Paige. He is survived by his siblings Frank (Ann), Brian (Glynis) and Sarah. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

William Poland was born in Liverpool, England on April 4, 1938, one of 14 children. Most people know him as Bill; those closest to him called him Buddy.

Bill loved his life. Even in times of adversity he believed he was a truly lucky man because he was surrounded by people he loved and people who loved and appreciated him.

He attended the Liverpool College of Art and developed a talent for lettering. He was an accomplished sign writer but found his calling as a painter and decorator. It was his passion and a craft he mastered. If you asked him why be a painter, he would tell you it was a profession that allowed him to take something dreary and unappreciated and transform it into something new and inviting.

Bill was indeed a fortunate man. When he was still a young man he met Patricia, an irrepressible spirit with the ability to make everyone she met feel welcome and accepted. Bill recognized her light immediately. One day he offered to walk her home. He took her hand. And he never let go. Bill always said he married the only woman he ever loved or ever would. He never envied what riches others possessed because he said he had won his greatest prize. He said he was blessed.

They were married and shone brightly in photographs on the steps of St. Cecilia on June 2, 1956. Family soon followed with a son, Tony, and a daughter, Debby. Seeking a better life, Bill set out for Canada in 1962. Confident and unafraid, he landed in Regina, Saskatchewan with little more than $20 in his pocket. But before his family joined him three weeks later, he found a job, a place to live and a car.

Life wasn’t always easy. An accident at work left him hospitalized with a broken back. Recovering in hospital was a frustrating ordeal for a someone with Bill’s uncompromising work ethic. Pat has often said he was only discharged from hospital early because the nurses were threatening to strike if the impatient patient stayed another day. Over the course of his working life, it was the only time he ever missed work that anyone could recall. If he was feeling under the weather or injured, he never let on.

Bill was blessed with two more sons, John and David. His children were always a great source of pride, especially his only daughter Debby. He often said a man is lucky to have a son but is never truly complete until he has a daughter. Bill also shared a deep connection with his extended family which included son-in-law Derrick and daughters-in-law Shirley and Valerie. Once you become part of his family you remained so. Bill also took great joy in his grandchildren. Kaitlyn arrived first, followed by Stephanie, Kourtney, Derrick, Jason, Cole, Joey and Megan. He was also fortunate to be blessed with great grandchildren Sienna, Blake, Byson, Calie and Paige. In his final months the newest members of his family always brightened his darkest days.

Bill was a tireless worker who believed in community. He coached hockey and soccer and took on administrative roles in sports organizations. Bill would say the most important contribution he made as a volunteer was as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was proud to serve in many capacities within Branch 609 of the Legion whether it was in athletics, as president or as a zone commander. Many awards and accolades followed from the city and the province and while he appreciated them all he took greater joy in helping veterans in need. He dedicated himself to the Poppy Drive and spent long hours visiting veterans in hospital to ensure they received the support they deserved. He was also a proud and fervent supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Society of Canada and the Hospital for Sick Kids.

Pat would often joke that he spent more time thinking about the Legion than he did about her. Of course, no one believed that. In his final days Pat’s welfare was Bill’s biggest concern. As it had been throughout his life, he was thinking about what more he could do to make someone else’s life better.

Bill was indeed a fortunate man. Not necessarily for what he had but for what he was able to give and the lives he touched.