Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, at his home, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, our Patriarch, story teller and Mr. Fix-It, William “Bill” Ezra Brenner, just shy of 90 years. Beloved husband of 65 years to the late Marlene Anne (Storey) Brenner (June 5, 2025). Loved father and father-in-law of David and Bev Brenner of Ottawa, Pam Brenner of Grand Bend, Doug and Fran Brenner of Grand Bend, Cathy Hurley and Mike Van Alstine of Grand Bend. Cherished Grandpa of Colleen Brenner, Cynthia and Tyler Pelow, Tim and Jasmine Rood, Chris and Mary Rood, Ryan Rood, Michelle and Bryce Bumstead, Brad and Amanda Rood, Scott and Kelley Brenner, Jennifer Brenner and Mike Moore, Jocelyn Brenner and Justin VanderZanden, Leanne Brenner and Ben Kobe, Olivia Hurley and Isabella “Bella” Hurley. Treasured Great-Grandpa of Austin Pelow, Wesley Pelow, Owen Rood, Logan Rood, Nathan Rood, Connor Rood, Mason Rood, Quinnlyn Rood, Landon Bumstead, Tanner Bumstead, Ellie Rood, Brody Brenner and Addison Brenner. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Brenda and Jim Hennessey of Exeter, Gary and Rue-Anne Brenner of Thedford, and the late Betty (April 8, 2025) and Jack Woodcroft of London. Remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families and many close friends. Bill will be greatly missed by his favourite canine grand-pups Freya and Sophie. Predeceased by his parents Glendon “Glen” John and Evelyne Marie (Sweitzer) Brenner, brother-in-law Harry Storey (1959), son-in-law Jerry Hurley (2007), and grand-daughter-in-law Joyce Thomas Rood (2019) and niece Sandra Crawford (2025). At Bill’s request cremation will take place.
Captain Bill loved the water and the annual boat trip to North Channel and the 30 Thousand Islands just won’t be the same without Bill and Marlene. Bill grew up, lived his entire life and raised his family in Grand Bend, he was one of the “original Grand Bend residents” and was proud to be the second oldest lifetime Grand Bend Resident. During his working career he wore many hats that allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge and ability to do many things that are taken for granted. He was an H2O Engineer working at the Water Treatment Plant at Port Blake, he was also a Construction Surveyor and helped layout many Bridges and Roads (he was a part of the main intersection bridge in Grand Bend when it was reconstructed in 1960) and a labourer at PolySar in Sarnia. Bill was involved in the Grand Bend Probus for about 7 years, he has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 498, Grand Bend for 40 years and was a Free Mason with the Lodge in Ailsa Craig for 65 years. Bill also served his community as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Grand Bend Fire Department for over 25 years and he was also the Harbour Master for a few years. Family and friends were important to Bill and Marlene.
“How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” — Winnie The Pooh.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at their home (17 Orchard Road, Grand Bend), on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 1 – 5 PM.
If desired, memorial donations to Jessica’s House, Liver Canada, or the London Health Sciences Foundation – Multiple Myeloma 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).
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