The warmth of his gaze said,
“I love you”
The gentleness of his hands said,
“you’re special to me.”
In the years to come,
we may not remember many of the words he spoke,
but the memories will last a lifetime.
William “Bill” Anderson passed away with his family by his side on August 26, 2024 at the age of 90 years old.
Bill was born on July 28th, 1934 in Creemore. Predeceased by his mother and father Ivan and Lula (nee Scutt) Anderson. Predeceased by his loving sister and brother-in-law Betty and Bill Hollingshead. The family homestead was in the village of Dunedin on the Noisy River.
Brother-in-law to Doug (predeceased) MaryAnne Gilkes, Ivan (predeceased) Betty Gilkes. He moved to Collingwood with his loving wife Birdie (Gilkes) predeceased. They lived, loved, laughed and sometimes yelled for 67 years.
They raised four children Randy, Rob (Vivian), Linda (David) Breuker and Richard (Lori). Papa loved to know all about his ten grandchildren’s travels, always asking to see pictures, hear about their jobs and talk about their adventures. Ryan (Jessica) and Brad Anderson. James and Brayden Anderson. Leesa, Marley and Bryson Breuker. Nathan (Jenna), Graham and Renee Anderson.
He lived long enough to meet his first great grandchild Isla Rose, the daughter of Ryan and Jessica.
Uncle Bill was close to all of his nieces and nephews, especially Travis Hollingshead. He was self-employed in the trucking industry for over 50 years. He was able to tell stories of building highway 400 and knew where every gravel pit on a main or back road was in southern Ontario. For many years you would see him working around Collingwood in his big black dump truck, “The Old Collie”, sanding and salting for the department of highways in the winter.
Bill’s favourite pastimes were fishing, travelling around in their motorhome attending all of their grandchildren’s activities and taking trips to Florida.
The family wish to thank all the care providers for their kindness. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Campbell House.
The grandkids are going to miss hearing him say “Drop by anytime!”
Cremation has taken place, a service and celebration of life will be held at the Collingwood Legion from 1-4pm on October 5th, 2024. To sign Bill’s Book of Memories, please visit www.affordablecremation.ca