Obituary of William Wilson

We are sad to announce the passing of our loving father and husband, Bill. Much of his life was spent working to provide caring and supportive foster homes, including his own for many years, to children with special needs. His work was a natural extension of his personal life as he was a determined advocate for his daughter Annie, who also lived with special needs during her life. He sought a more just world by removing barriers and creating caring spaces for children of all abilities.

Born on September 17, 1956, in Markham, Ontario, Bill grew up around his father’s shoe store, where he learned the values of hard work and dedication that defined his life. He was also a firm believer in what was right and wrong and acted from a deep sense of integrity, even when others disagreed with him.

Bill was a man of many skills and interests. In retirement, he resumed his passion for amateur radio, made several long-term long-distance friends, and built the perfect computer for his flight simulator, which he enjoyed avidly. He was a licensed pilot who found freedom in the skies, an electronics expert, an RC flyer, and a lifelong Disney World fan who cherished the magic it brought to his family. He was always surrounded by his dogs, some of whom enjoyed riding in his little convertible. And he visited many places that he had dreamed see or dreamed to see again. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is now reunited with Annie (1985–1997) and is survived by his wife of 49 years, Hilda; his two sons, Murray (Anne Berndl) and Chris (Oksana Fedan); his cherished grandchildren Michelle, Liam, Lucy, Emily, Benjamin, Sasha; and his younger brother George. He was deeply looking forward to welcoming another grandson due in May 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Kathleen and Robert “Murray” Wilson, and his older brother, Robert Haley Wilson (1953–2022).

Visitation will be held at De Stefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, (Taunton Road, by the Oshawa Airport), OSHAWA (905-440-3595), on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, followed by a service from 1:00 pm - 2:00 p.m. Any memorial contributions to the Starlight Foundation (give.starlightcanada.org) would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to view via Livestream by CLICKING HERE just prior to 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025.