Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Strathmere Lodge on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the age of 84. Cherished husband of Marilyn (Needham) Bannister. Loving father of the late Scott (2018) and Patty Bannister, Kevin and Tien Bannister, and Jason and Lynn Bannister. Proud grandpa of Rob (Kayla), Allix (James), Russell, Joe (Brooke); Nicole, Zachery, Angela (Greg), Nam, Jaxxon; Keira, and Hayley and 3 great-grandchildren. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Marion Duncan, Barney Clarke, Ralph and Joan Needham, and Mag Needham. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Lillian Bannister, his siblings Albert (Mary), and Gordon (Audrey), and Beth and brother-in-law Joe.
Bill was a lifelong farmer and proud to point out all of the farms he has worked the land as he drove the country roads. In “semi retirement” he was a horse trainer and raced almost every track from Windsor to Hanover and beyond.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Wednesday evening from 5 – 8 PM, where Bill’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 11 AM. Interment Poplar Hill Cemetery.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 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).
Shirley Colbert
I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing.
My heart feels for the whole family.
Had great times visiting Bill & Marilyn on the farm.
It was a place a lot of people liked to visit.
Take care everyone.
Love to you all.
Gary and Linda Hayter
To the Bannister family. Gary and I are sorry to hear of Bills passing. Sending our deepest sympathy at this very hard times.
Glenda Lather
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
Rob Campbell
Bannister family
Sending our condolences and deepest sympathy on Bills passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rob Campbell & Linda.
Deborah and Scott Kraft
So sorry to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing. Our condolences to you Aunt Marilyn and family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Deborah and Scott Kraft
Tom and Destiny Scarborough
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Our condolences go to everyone affected.
Judy
Marilyn and family
I was very sorry to hear of Bill’s death late this afternoon. Remembering many fun occasions at the farm with always great food.
Condolences and fondest regards
Judy and family.
Mark and Paula Robson
Marilyn, Jason and Lyn,
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
Our condolences to you and your families.
Taylor & Mark McLachlin
Our deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. Uncle Bill was a truly special person whose kindness, warmth, and good humor touched everyone who knew him. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you shared, and may his memory be a lasting blessing to all who loved him.
Taylor McLachlin (Dyer) & Mark McLachlin
Wendy McFarlan
Marilyn, Patty, Jason ,Kevin and families, sending my sincerest sympathy to each of you with the loss of Bill. He was always ready for a chat and a smile and he will be missed. Talk of him often and share your memories. He was so proud of his family. 🤗
Mary Dinner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of husband, father and grandfather. Bill will be missed but never forgotten. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace.
With sympathy.
Mary Catherine Dinner & Dewan Family
Bob and Lorette Mawson
Sending our condolences to all at this sad time
Tom and Loretta Needham
Thinking of you at this sad time Marilyn and your family. Bill will be missed.
Tom and Loretta Needham
Marilyn Dewan
Marilyn & family
My sincere sympathy in Bill’s passing. He is now out of pain. Remember your good times as you did have many.
Marilyn Dewan
Grace Rollings
Marilyn and family. We are sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed a chat with both of you when we chanced to meet at community events. Cherish all your memories and fun times. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Clarke and Grace Rollings
Bob & Adele McCallum
Dear Marilyn and Family,
We were saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. He will be missed. May your many memories help to bring you comfort. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Bob & Adele McCallum
Pat Goertz
Our sincere condolences to Marilyn and the Bannister family. We have some sweet memories of time spent with Bill and Marilyn on the farm back in the 60’s-70’s. They were always very welcoming and the house was filled with laughter. The last ten years have not been kind to them and we hope Bill had a peaceful passing. RIP Bill….
Ben and Pat Goertz
Jennifer Thomson
My heartfelt condolences to Marilyn and all of Bill’s family.
He was such a wonderful man, and such a good friend to my Dad.
May he rest in peace.
Sending Lots of Love,
Jennifer Thomson
Helen Delorme
Marilyn Patty, Kevin and Jason
My sincere condolences to Bannister family.
I have fond memories of laughter were plenty as
shared the same aunt and uncle ( Olivia & Bill).
William and Helen Delorme
Don and Brenda (Duncan) Culbert
Our condolences to Marilyn, Kevin, Jason, Patty and your families. So sad to here of Bill’s passing. I have so many memories of the farm and the loving Bannister family. May you rest peacefully Bill❤️
Bonnie and Charlie Milhomens
Our sincere condolences to the Bannister family. May fond memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Lori Francis
Thinking of you Aunt Marilyn and all the Bannister family at this sad time. I’m unable to attend the service as I’m away in Alberta.
So many fond memories of time spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori, Doug, Emily and Paige Francis
Sandy Bannister Wilson
Aunt Marilyn, I have such fond memories of times spent at your place. Thinking of you and all of the family. Sending much love.
Lisa Needham
Sending my condolences to Aunt Marilyn, Jason, Kevin, Patty and families. Uncle Bill always welcomed us to the farm and we always enjoyed our time with all of you. He will be missed. I am sorry I am not able to attend the service. I will be thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Sending you all lots of love.
Bev Dayman
Marilyn, Patty, Kevin and Tien, Jason and Lynn and families as well as the extended families of Bill
Please accept our sincerest condolences at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn Bill’s passing.
Sincerely,
George Dauncey
Beverly and Shawn Dayman
SaraLynn Masse and Brett Humphrey
Patricia Barnett
Kevin
So sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers are with you and your family.
Martin & Theresa Larkin
Our sincere condolences to Marilyn and family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Berniece Harris
Sincere condolence to Marilyn & Family during this difficult time.
Bonnie and Charlie Milhomens
Our sincere condolences to the Bannister family. May fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Chuck Daigle and Barb Rosser
We really enjoyed getting to know Bill (and Marilyn) when they lived in Ailsa Craig. He was a lovely man and will be missed.
Sharon McLeod
So sorry for your loss Kevin and family.
Jennifer Thomson
Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to Marilyn and the entire family.
Bill was truly a wonderful man, and such a good friend of my Dad’s.
Thinking of you all,
Jennifer Thomson
Audrey and Frances Monm
Marilyn, Jason, Lynn and family
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. A void that the world will notice but you guys especially. He was always so kind and gentle … heart of gold. May you look back on the good times and memories you cherish to get you through the times ahead. Hugs live and prayers for you all
Alex Westman
My sincere condolences to the Bannister family .
Karen (Salmon) McNeight
I have fond memories of visiting Marilyn & Bill’s farm on the “townline” where I often got a run for my money babysitting Scott & Kevin. Bill (& Marilyn) was always welcoming, and conversation and laughter were plenty. May Marilyn be comforted knowing Bill is at peace.
Bryan and Mary Hicks
So sorry to hear that Bill passed away. He sure will be missed.