William George Russell Kerslake passed away Friday March 13, 2026 at Huronlea Home for the Aged in his 90th year surrounded by his family. Bill was a loving husband of Freda (Hunt) for 60 years. Dear father of Kate (Pete) Bancroft, Wilbur (Tara), Joan (Darryl) Dixon, Gerald (Laurie), Anne (Jeff) Tremeer. Grandpa to Matt (Anna), Lindy (Shane) and Doretta; Danial, Kalie (Joey), Sabrena (Joseph) and Sara (Seth); Mackenzie (Greg) and Julia (Carter); Emme, Karson, Leah and Annabelle; Lainie (Joel) and Macy. He was also blessed with 8 great grandchildren. His siblings include Pearl (Don) Deacon, Shirley Garland, and Donald (Brenda) and brother-in-law Francis (Carol) Hunt. Predeceased by his parents George and Lawrie, in-laws Frank and Isabelle Hunt, sisters Marion (Frank) Jackson, Marjorie (Herb) Smith; and brothers Alvin (Gladys, Jean), Keith (June); brother-in law Don Garland; sister-in-law Marion Hunt.
Bill was born at home in Greenock Township, Bruce County May 7, 1936. In 1959, he moved to Staffa to help his dad farm their Century family farm and in 1965, he married Freda and they began their life together. Five children followed and the family continued to grow. Family was Bill’s priority. He loved spending time together, sharing laughs, and suggesting ideas to the young ones to make things a little more interesting. In 2010, Bill and Freda retired and moved into Seaforth, as Bill commuted to the farm for several years to make sure things continued. In 2024, Bill made his final move to Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels where he continued to provide humour and love. Bill never wanted to miss out on a visit or a good time. He was always teasing, looking for a joke, or giving someone a new nickname. If you were looking for someone to help out, Bill was quick to join in before you had the chance to ask. He volunteered with the Hensall Calf Club, Huron and Perth County Plowing Matches, Seaforth Ag Society and Mitchell Hobby Club and was a member of the Egmondville United Church. He made the world a better place and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, SEAFORTH on Wednesday, March 18th from 5 – 8 PM, where Bill’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 19th at 1 PM. Spring interment Staffa Cemetery.
Bill’s service will be available to watch online by end of day on Thursday, by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to Seaforth & District Food Bank, Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
John & Jane Hoggart
Dear Kerslake Families: So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. No one else could have left such wonderful memories or touched people’s hearts in quite the same way. Our condolences to all.
Bettyand Larry Schade
Sorry to hear of your loss Freda, and family, but you can keep the memories in your heart.
Rich and Marg Templeman
Our deepest sympathy to Freda and the family.
Kate Flanagan
Deepest sympathies to you Freda and to all of the Kerslake family. Bill will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our prayers are with your family in this time of mourning.
Bill & Marlene Charters
With deepest condolences to the Kerslake family.
Pauline Fell
My sympathy to all the family. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Roger, Jennifer & the Fell Family
Freda and Family
Bill was a fantastic neighbour, but more importantly a great family friend. He will be missed and remembered by all of us. Thinking of you and your family.
Judy Jeffery-Chambers
Freda and family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. Our families were intertwined in many ways over the decades. Bill and our Father spent many hours in the fields; he was a valuable help to our Dad as he aged and required assistance. Bill had an infectious laugh and great, helpful nature. Please know that you are in our thoughts as you grieve his passing and move forward without him. Judy, Ruth, and Bill Jeffery
Keith Butson
Freda and families, we send our deepest sympathy.
Janice Scott
Sympahy to all the family .Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Hugh and Janice Scott
Winston and Sheila Jibb
Our sincere sympathy to all the Kerslake family on the passing of a father, husband and grandfather. It was a pleasure to meet Freda and Bill at many outings and restaurants through the years. We always had great chats. Cherish all your memories to give you comfort at this time.
Gerry and Kathy Cooper
Freda and family
Sending comforting hugs at this sad time.
Gerry and Kathy Cooper
Jen McCaughey
Bill was an outstanding person. Loved to tease, play a game of crokinole, helped some neighbour kids up the road with their show calves (which I’m still not convinced was as fun as you all let on), and I hear enjoyed a shot of Jim Beam once in awhile. He will be missed.
My thoughts are with the entire Kerslake clan.
Kate Lusk
To Joan, Darryl, Mackenzie and Julia- Knowing the four of you, I am sure the whole Kerslake family are incredible and taking good care of each other during this time. Clearly, Bill often inspired some of the many jokes, humour and kindness that I associate with each of you. I know you’re surrounded by love and support by your ftiends as well. It might feel far away right now, but in time, I hope the memories of your dad bring you comfort and a bit of peace—I’m thinking of all of you.
Walter and Sandra McKenzie
Sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences on Bill’s passing.
Wayne and Denise Matzold
Freda and Family:
Our condolences for Bill’s passing. Sympathies for your loss.
Lloyd Cooper
Freda and family,
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My condolences to you and your family!
Rob & Elizabeth McGregor
Our sincere sympathy to Anne, Jeff, Lainie, Macy and the Kerslake families. Cherish your memories.
Cindy Varcoe
Thinking of you at this time of great sadness.
Karin McDougall
Sorry for your loss, my condolences to the Kerslake family.
Ray and Linda McNichol
Our condolences to each of you…he has left an impact on everyone who had the pleasure to know him.
Beth & Harold Van Doornik
Dear Freda and Family
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He had a great sense of humour and always a pleasure to visit with. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Sending our sincere condolences.
Deb and Les Falconer
To Joan and Anne and the rest of the Kerslake family, Les and I would like to extend our sympathies on the loss of your husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa. May the memories that surface now and in the future bring a smile and great memories and help to lessen your grief at this difficult time
Donald Jefferson
Memories: Bill and Freda gave me so many great ones, He was a great guy and will be missed by all.
Karen Ulch
To Freda and Family,
sorry of your loss, our sincere condolences.
Jim, Shirley and Kevin Coleman
Jeff, Karen and Brittany Ulch
Emily Ulch and Jacob Dalton-Kaufman
Thelma Bode
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
You will sure miss him because you were so faithful to him.
You are all in my thoughts, and I will try to see the service on Thursday.
Dorothy Medd/Russ Jackson
Sending sincere sympathy to everyone. May all your memories help you through these difficult times.
Wanda Dietz
Dear Freda and family, my sympathy to you all i n the passing of Bill. He will be missed.
Bruce and Sharon Wilbee
Our condolences to the Kerslake family with the passing of Bill. He was always a joy to talk to when he came to sell us dinner tickets and later when he would stop to talk with his walker when doing his walks in the neighbourhood. We will miss him.
Marg Hedley
I remember Bill as a quiet gentleman with a friendly smile. He was so much like his brother, Keith,-my neighbour across the road -always willing to help. My sympathy to the family.
Sandi Leavey
Dearest Freda and your wonderful Family.
Sending you so much love and sympathy during this time and always.❤️
Barry & Melonie Miller
Freda & family
Our condolences to all of you. Bill always had a smile and seemed happy to catch up with our happenings ..
a good fellow
Laura and Dale Farrell
Freda and family,
Dale and I were so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. We have so enjoyed you and Bill as neighbors and friends and I am sure that the void he leaves will be vast. He was such a character and will be missed so much. Sending you our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers that your beautiful memories of Bill will help get you through this difficult time.
Joanne (Ross) Smith
Dear Freda and Family, such a beautiful tribute for such a great guy. I can hear his laugh even now and remember the fun you had with Mom and Dad (and others) after you came back to our place after the dances. He will be missed but also remembered fondly by so many. May he rest in peace and may you all find the strength in your memories to carry you forward. Hugs to you all.
Doug Procter
My condolences to all of the family on Bill’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Bill and well remember his good-natured teasing.
Pat and Laverne Wallace
Freda and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you
George and Joyce Vivian
Freda and Family: We extend our sympathy to you. Treasure your memories.
Allan & Karen Carter
Freda and Family
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Sending our sympathies to All. Bill always had a huge welcoming smile.
Cherish your memories.
Neil and Diana Rapien
To all the Kerslake family. We send our deepest sympathy. Bill was such a nice man.
Sincerely Neil and Diana Rapien
John & Janet (Kinsman) Bilcke
Freda, Kate, Wilbur, Joan, Gerald, Anne & families
The obituary describes Bill so well.
Always a smile & ready to lend a guiding hand wherever it was needed.
Sending you all our deepest condolences.
Don Dodds
My sincere condolences to all of Bill’s family. I am thankful that I had the privilege to meet and know him. He will be missed by many.
Deb Stanlake(Chappel)
Deepest condolences to Freda, Katie Wilbur, Joan, Gerald and Anne and family.
Sue Riley
Sending deepest condolences on Bill’s passing.
John Holland
Sorry to hear of your loss Freda from an old old friend with shared fond memories of early years sincerely John
Jean Elliott
I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I remember Bill always with a smile on his face. Keep your memories close to your heart during the difficult days ahead.
Cheryl Wilkinson
To all of Bill’s family it was saddening to hear of his passing May he be riding the John Deer tractor from heaven that he bought from my dad and smiling down at all of you’s.
Gord & Linda Vivian
Our deepest sympathies to Freda and her family. His laughter will be missed by many. Cherish your memories.
Helen Fell
I am very sorry for your loss. You will miss him very much.
Donya (Daynard) Dales
Dear Freda, Kate, Wilbur, Joan, Gerald, Anne and families – thinking of you all and sending my sincere sympathies.
Karen Cronin
Anne, Jeff, Lainie & Macy
Losing a father & grandfather is never easy but I hope you find comfort in the love he gave & the memories you created together. May family & friends get you through the difficult days ahead.
Tom Laing
Deepest sympathies to the Kerslake family. Bill was one of a kind. Great sense of humor. Always enjoyed running into Bill and Freda at Tim Hortons in Seaforth. Pair of the kindest people I know. Rest in peace Bill.
Joe and Mary Ryan
To the Kerslake family. Our sympathy on hearing of the passing of Bill. Keep his memories close.
John and JoAnne Wiles
Sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences
marian smale
Freda and family
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of Bill. May all your wonderful memories of Bill be in your heart to treasure always
Esther, Helen, Marian and Billie Smale
Joy Ross
Dear Freda and family, my sympathy to you on the passing of Bill, He was a great person,always ready to help whenever, remember the many wonderful times together, He has lived a wonderful full life, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time, Hugs to you, 🙏
Martin Flanagan
My heartfelt condolences to Ker and the entire family. He was an incredible man whose laughter I will always remember, as well as many fond memories. Wishing you all peace, love, and comfort as we remember a truly great man in our community.
Susan Pushelberg
Freda, Kate ,Wilbur ,Joan ,Gerald ,Anne and families we were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I have many good memories of Bill and will cherish them.
Sending prayers and hugs to you all
Susan and Ken Pushelberg &family
Gordon & Irma Pryce
To Freda and family;
Sincerest sympathy to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely Gordon & Irma Pryce
Anne Marie & Steve McGregors
The obituary describes Bill perfectly. A fine man and so glad we knew him as a friend. Our sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed❤️
Colleen Roulston
Freda, Kate, Wilbur, Joan, Gerald, Anne and families,
Our deepest sympathies are sent to you in the loss of Bill, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many!
We have so many wonderful memories of our years together…being a recipient of Bill’s teasing and jokes has left many wonderful memories and will always keep a special place in my heart.
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead. Keep close to your heart the many wonderful memories you have as these will be your most cherished and precious gifts in the days ahead as you continue your journey without Bill. Always know in your heart that he walks with you in spirit each and every day. There will be times in your life when Bill will let you know that he is right there with you. Bill will always have a special place in my heart. Surrounding all of you with hugs of love, strength and support. ❤️
Colleen, Dave, Michelle and Brandon