William Pfaff

Bill passed away peacefully Monday evening November 25th at Scarborough General Hospital, at the age of 91. He will be greatly missed by many. His incredible attitude and love of life made him an icon amongst his family and friends, leaving a lasting impression on all those he met.

Born on March 3rd 1922 in Toronto to Harold and Vera Pfaff, Bill attended Wilkinson Public School where he met his childhood sweetheart Eileen Jackson.

Bill graduated from Danforth Technical School in 1941. Though he was underage, he enlisted in the Air Force as an airframe mechanic. He spent the war years in Trenton as part of the 6RD in the rank of sergeant.

In 1943 Eileen and Bill married. After the war ended they made their home in Toronto. Before long they started their family. Robert William was born in 1947 and Ronald Harold in 1953. Bill and Eileen remained together until 1981, when Eileen succumbed to brain cancer.

In the early years of their marriage, Bill was offered a job as general manager with Mavety Film Delivery, a position he held until retiring at the age of 72.

Many happy times were enjoyed at the cottage at Hiawatha on Rice Lake, near Peterborough. Fishing, horse shoe tournaments, card games, lively discussions, many laughs and the odd beer or two were enjoyed.

Bill had a voracious zest for life. An avid sportsman and athlete, he continued to ski and to play old-timer hockey well into his senior years. He even managed to go moose hunting last year. Bill was the life of any party.

He had enough stories and adventures to write a couple of novels - which would have been best sellers. Right up until the end his mind was sharp and his sense of humour alive. A true testament to his life was his 90th birthday which 60 guests helped him celebrate. The event was highlighted by Billy junior (his nephew) singing one of Bill's favourite songs…."My Way" by Frank Sinatra, a tribute to Bill's life, lived his way.

Bill is survived by his sons Robert (Bob) of Aurora and Ronald (Ron) and his wife Rita of Pickering, as well as his brother Harold Pfaff (Bud) of Peterborough.

Bill leaves behind six grandchildren: Chris and his wife Kim of Port Perry, Matthew of Toronto, Daniel of Aurora, Amy of Calgary, Alex and Erika of Pickering and two very precious great granddaughters Madelyn (Mady) and Josephine (Josie) of Port Perry.

He also leaves his sister-in-law Pearl Van Ness of Barrie, daughter-in-law Tanis Hargrave, and three nephews: Gary Van Ness of Utopia, Randy Van Ness of Barrie and William (Billy) Pfaff of Peterborough.

Bill was predeceased by his younger brother Earl.

A special thank you to Fern Ruttan, his dedicated caregiver, whose comfort and support over the past year has been greatly appreciated by the family.

A private family service has been held. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 4th, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Trillium Gift for Life.