Passed away at the age of 85 from cancer at RVH hospital in Barrie on May 13 2020 with family at his side. A former resident of Barrie, Wasaga Beach, Nottawasaga, Bradenton Florida and Saskatoon among others. His parents, uncles/aunts and inlaws also had beloved cottages at Penetang from the early 1950s to 1980s.
Bill was a regional sales director at Canada Cement Lafarge, where he began in 1973. As a self-taught guitarist, he was known for playing at many sing-alongs around campfires, and for occasionally ending up on stage for a song with a band at a restaurant or convention. He felt fortunate to spend many years as a hockey coach for his sons, and with the Saskatoon Blazers midget hockey teams.
The hospital was closed during the pandemic, so the family greatly appreciated the heroic help from the doctors and nurses in such unexpected circumstances. Dr. Devon Turner helped the family and Bill every day in the final months. The family is also very grateful to Dr. Matthew Follwell’s leadership with the MAID program at RVH.
Husband for 57 years to the late Elaine Summers (nee Smith). Father of Craig (Kathy) and Todd (Edina). Grandfather to Jake, Evan, Scott and Kris, and proud great-grandfather of Nora. He is survived by his sister Bette Summers of Mississauga and brother Bryan Summers of Pittsburgh, and his sisters-in-law Susie Walsh (Paul) of Ottawa and Gaile Smiley (the late Mike) of Barrie. Cremation has taken place, with a request for no funeral service and the ashes for Bill and Elaine to go back to Georgian Bay. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.