Bill Thacker

      Mr. Bill Thacker was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Bill will be remembered as an outstanding individual.

      Bill was born on March 1, 1922 at home in Toronto, Ontario. He was the son of Samuel and Alice Thacker. Bill grew up in Toronto and Barrie, Ontario.

      Bill was raised with four siblings. He had an older brother Harry, a younger brother Robert and two older sisters Emily and Ethel. Bill was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Bill had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Bill was an active child who took part in soccer. However, to Bill , the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Bill had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was shop.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Bill enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, one of his best friends was Jack Waterhouse.

      On September 18, 1943 Bill exchanged wedding vows with Anne Evelyne Kane at St. Monica's Anglican Church of Toronto, Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Bill was committed to making his new family happy.

      Bill worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Bill was blessed with three children, two daughters, Janice and Joanne and one son, Gerry. Another blessing for Bill was the gift of five grandchildren, Kevin, Kelly, Jeff, Christopher and Kristy.

      Fortunately, Bill enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Bill worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was as an electroplater. He was employed by Coro Canada Ltd and also tried farming for a few years. Bill always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Bill was an Air Force veteran. He was in St. Thomas and Camp Borden, Ontario and Manning Pool, Toronto. Bill saw action in World War II. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of LAC- Leading Air Craftsman. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      Bill enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were building his retirement home. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Bill found pleasure in sports. In high school, Bill played soccer. Recreational sports included fishing and golf. Bill was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were hockey, baseball and golf.

      Bill enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii.

      Bill was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Buster, a Border Collie. They were best friends for three years.

      When Bill 's retirement finally arrived in 1989, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Belle Ewart, Ontario. In retirement, he found new pleasure in fishing. Even in retirement, Bill continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Bill was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Bill passed away on October 10, 2008 at Winbourne Park Long Term Care Facility, Ajax, Ontario. He is survived by his wife Anne, children Janice, Joanne and Gerry, grandchildren Kristy, Kevin, Kelly, Jeff and Chris, great-grandchildren Tyler, Nathan, Felix, Oliver, Georgia, his brother Harry and sister Ethel. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home Chapel.

      Simply stated, Bill was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Bill leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. Bill Thacker.