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GILFILLAN: Bill of Exeter

Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On March 30, 2017 @ 1:56 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 95 Comments

GILFILLAN: Bill of Exeter

Passed away peacefully, at Stratford General Hospital, with the love of his family on March 29, 2017, of Exeter, at the age of 83.  Loving husband and soul-mate of Grace (McLeod) Gilfillan for 62 years.  Proud father and hero of Randy (Quinn) and Carolyn, Wendy Gilfillan, Sherry Penhale, Rick and Dody, and Tracy Gilfillan-MacVicar and Colin Campbell.  Cherished grandpa and papa to Chad and Kristine Gilfillan, Scott and Cara Gilfillan; Jody Hodgert, Amanda Hodgert; Austin Penhale; Ryan (favourite golfing buddy), and Cassie Gilfillan; Blake, Mason and Lane Gilfillan-MacVicar.  Great-grandpa to Mia, Elise, Rhett, Maryn, Declan, Cole, Denver, Lilly Grace, and Billie.  Bill will be joining his “favourite” son-in-law Brion Penhale for a round of golf.   Survived by siblings Donna and Harvey Smith, Larry Regier, Marion Plunkett, Barb and Rick Elliott, Donna and Bob Lavery, and Dianne and Wayne More. Uncle Bill was loved and will be missed by many nieces and nephews.  Fondly remembered by many friends in their winter home in Saddlebag Lake Resort, Florida.  Predeceased by his siblings infant Ronald, Grant, Jean Mahar, Barbara Regier, Pearl Kirk, George McLeod, and Betty Lang. It was obvious to anyone that knew Bill that his family was his pride and joy.  Many people witnessed his generosity and kindness.  A successful businessman, volunteer fireman, Legion member, coach, Sunday School teacher, and participant in many volunteer programs in the community.  Bill loved to cheer on his Chicago Blackhawks, and was anticipating the upcoming Cleveland Indians season. 

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will be held at the R. E. Pooley, RCL Branch #167 (Exeter Legion), 316 William Street, Exeter on Sunday, April 9th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.  Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter entrusted with arrangements.

Donations to the RCL – R.E. Pooley Branch #167 (Exeter Legion), the Salvation Army, the Stratford General Hospital Foundation – Critical Care Unit, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. 

 


Condolences for the family of “GILFILLAN: Bill of Exeter”

Condolence from Jim & Teri Fletcher on March 30th, 2017 2:54 PM

We are sorry to hear Bill has passed away, I have known Bill since our days at Tuckeys , he had a wonderful personality and was fun to work with, he truly will be missed.

Condolence from Don & Edith Lewis and Family on March 30th, 2017 4:50 PM

Dear Grace and Families, Donna & Harvey

We are sorry to see that Bill’s journey has ended. Cherish his lovely memories and he will be close to your heart.
Bill was a wonderful guy, they don’t come any better always a smile and Hello. Bill will be missed by his many A&W friends too. Rest in Peace Bill. You will be remembered as a great guy.

Condolence from Carole Jackson Bonnie Baynham’s aunt on March 30th, 2017 4:56 PM

Sherry and family. Your Dad will be missed. Remember all the happy times.

Condolence from Harv & Evelyn Vincent on March 30th, 2017 5:24 PM

Grace and family,
so sorry to read of Bill’s passing. He was such a kind, generous man and will be missed by so many.
Praying for comfort and strength for each of you during this difficult time.

Condolence from Cy & Eleanor Blommaert on March 30th, 2017 6:08 PM

Our depest sympathy .Bill was very kind and friendly person.He will be truly missed by many

Condolence from Jack triebner on March 30th, 2017 6:13 PM

Grace and all your family.

Sorry to hear of bill passing ,I have known bill for many many years . We always bet on horses at ,

Clinton racetrack in the summertime on sunday I wont forget the times we had at the track .

Jack Triebner & My best friend Betty Blue .

Condolence from Jack triebner on March 30th, 2017 6:23 PM

Grace and family

Sorry to here of bills passing , Ihave known bill for many many years.We used to bet on horses at ,

the Clinton race track on sunday afternoon in the summertime Iwill not forget.

Jack & friend Betty.

Condolence from Donelda Sturgeon on March 30th, 2017 6:59 PM

Our Deepest Sympathy Grace & Families .Bill was an Amazing Man always so kind & generous to all who knew him .He will be missed by many .You are all in Our Prayers .Hugs & Love to you all Cousins Phyllis Parsons & Susan & Wayne Pridham & Lloyd Lostell & Donelda Sturgeon & Families

Condolence from Brian & Janet Wedlake on March 30th, 2017 7:43 PM

Please know we are thinking of your family at this very sad time.
Bill was one of a kind and will be truly missed.
Brian and Janet Wedlake

Condolence from Ray and Betty Weston on March 30th, 2017 7:47 PM

Dear Grace & Family. ~

There are no words….so very sorry for your loss. Bill was an amazing man so kind, gentle and giving. He truly was one of the good guys! Some people come and go but others leave footprints on our hearts. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Please know that you and all your family are in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our prayers. May God cradle you gently in His arms and give you HIs comfort and peace.

Condolence from Ron and Marlene Moore on March 30th, 2017 8:13 PM

Sending our deepest sympathy from Saddlebag . Prayers for all the family during these sad days. May our good Lord give you strength and peace to carry you through these days ???? Ron and Marlene Moore

Condolence from Trevor Boyle & Suzanne Dykeman on March 30th, 2017 8:30 PM

Dear Grace and Family,
Bill was our true mentor – very wise with a kind heart.
He will be sadly missed.
Trevor Boyle & Suzanne Dykeman

Condolence from Doug & Joyce McBeath on March 30th, 2017 8:31 PM

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. So glad he was able to get back to Canada. Thinking of Donna and Harvey as well

Condolence from Dianne Johns Gerstenkorn Weber on March 30th, 2017 8:32 PM

Dear Grace and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remember Bill will walk beside you unseen and unheard. Your memories will keep him alive in your hearts forever. Dianne

Condolence from Jim Pfaff on March 30th, 2017 8:33 PM

Remembering with kindness one of the best bosses I ever worked for, He was fair and treated his employees with respect. I was only 17 years old and working for Bill at Tuckey Beverages but he gave me more than employment….he taught me by example some of the most important lessons that I would carry forward for a lifetime.

Condolence from Yvonne & Jim Barnetson on March 30th, 2017 8:48 PM

So sorry Grace. He was such a nice man. He will be missed by you and family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family..
Yvonne (Fisher) Barnetson.

Condolence from Elaine Baynham on March 30th, 2017 8:53 PM

Dear Grace and Family, Words cannot express our deep sadness for your loss. Bill has been a wonderful friend to all our family and a wonderful boss to Steve at Tuckey Beverages. He was so admired by everyone who knew him and will be missed and remembered. Our deepest sympathy. Elaine Baynham and Family

Condolence from Brenda Mohr on March 30th, 2017 8:59 PM

Heaven gained a wonderful man. Uncle Bill you be missed by anyone who ever met him. I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful man who I got to call Uncle. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. Brenda, Gary and family xo

Condolence from Diane Ellyatt on March 30th, 2017 9:23 PM

We are to hear of Bills passing. Lorna, Diane Patty Ellyatt

Condolence from Ed, Karen, Nicole and Brandan Willis on March 30th, 2017 9:31 PM

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Cherish the memories. Thinking of you all.

Condolence from Roxanne Bloomfield on March 30th, 2017 9:32 PM

The best of the best dear , sweet, wonderful “one of a kind ” Uncle Bill. I assure you, you will live on forever in our hearts and minds. To my Gilfillan family, we are heartbroken right along side you. Please know you are all in our thoughts, we hate that distance separates us at this sad time. Wishing you strength and sending so much love across the miles. May you rest easy Uncle Bill.
With the sincerest condolences, Roxanne, Jason, Josh and McKinley Bloomfield ????

Condolence from Linda & Bill Soldan on March 30th, 2017 9:41 PM

Dear Grace & family…Our sincere sympathy in the passing of Bill. He was a kind & gentle man and will be missed.

Condolence from Lloyd and Carol Moore on March 30th, 2017 11:07 PM

Our deepest sympathy to you Grace and all your family. Bill was a true friend to Lloyd both at Saddlebag in Florida and the coffee shop in Exeter. Unfortunately we are still in Florida and will be unable to attend the Celebration on April 9. Please pass on our condolences to everyone.

Condolence from Susan Riley on March 30th, 2017 11:27 PM

On behalf of Hensall Legion Branch 468, we extend our deepest sympathy on Bill’s passing…..
Sue Riley, PRO-Secretary

Condolence from Marlyn Wein & Randy Witherspoon on March 31st, 2017 7:12 AM

Quinn & Carolyn

Our sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. May you find comfort in happy memories and one another.

Condolence from Jill Geiger on March 31st, 2017 7:16 AM

Dear Grace & Family,
Altho, I didn’t know Bill for long: I got to know him when visiting (his sister) Barb together .
It was apparent that family meant the world to him!
And very evident of his love for you, Grace.
What a kind & gentle soul.
Thinking of all of you.
Warmly,
Jill Geiger

Condolence from Tammi, Chris and Adrienne Reaburn on March 31st, 2017 7:18 AM

Our hearts are heavy as we think about the loss of Uncle Bill. From the time I can remember, he was such a positive soul in my life, and I smile when I think about my first roller coaster ride at Darien Lake while camping with him, Aunt Grace and Tracy.

Aunt Grace and my dear cousins, thank you for sharing this amazing man with the rest of our family. Those who were touched by him are better for it.

Condolence from Jim & Marg Sweitzer on March 31st, 2017 7:37 AM

Our deepest sympathy to the Gilfillan families

Condolence from Karen Johns on March 31st, 2017 7:48 AM

So very sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathies.

Condolence from Rick & Beth McGee and family on March 31st, 2017 7:48 AM

We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be missed greatly by his family. It is always difficult to accept the loss of one’s family. He was a strong patriarch of his family. Bill and his smile will be remembered fondly by all.

Condolence from Donald and Jean Floto on March 31st, 2017 7:59 AM

Dear Grace and Family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all. Don and Jean Floto

Condolence from Mike and JoAnne Pickering on March 31st, 2017 8:07 AM

So sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was a kind and gentle man. Memories of him working for Pepsi when my parents owned the Huron restaurant which at the time was Betty’s Market and K & B Dairy Bar were of a man with a kind heart and a smile and laugh that made you feel he cared. I am sure you all have so many great memories of Bill that you will hold close at this very sad time.

Condolence from Sonya, Geoff, Riley and Jenna Hicks on March 31st, 2017 8:09 AM

Grace and family,

So saddened to hear of the loss of Bill. It was obvious that you and your family meant the world to him. May you all find comfort knowing you were all loved unconditionaly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! xoxo

Condolence from Brad & Cathy Gregus on March 31st, 2017 8:16 AM

Every once in a while, someone comes alongside us for a day, a time, or a season, that causes us to sit up and take notice, and proclaim “Yes, he made a difference”…….Bill exemplified integrity and leadership in his family, in business, and in how he served this community…….His family can be proud to have called him husband, father, and grandfather, and Exeter is a better place because Bill lived, lead, and served here.

Condolence from Jayne Glenn and family on March 31st, 2017 8:54 AM

Our deepest sympathy to all . Bill was a wonderful man .Treasure your many memories they are what will help you get through the days ahead…

Condolence from Cathie Alexander on March 31st, 2017 9:00 AM

My sincere condolences to Bill’s family at this very sad time. May your memories always keep him close.

Condolence from Don Tremeer on March 31st, 2017 9:05 AM

It was a pleasure to have known Bill. We had many enjoyable visits at the Clinton Raceway in the summer and in the hot tub in Saddlebag Lake Resort in the winter. He will be missed by more than just his family. How much more can this family endure? It has been an unbelievable few months. Continue to be strong Grace. You are needed more than ever. Sherry, I know that you are up to the challenge. Another reason for a BIG HUG. My sincere condolences to all of you.

Condolence from Dan Heywood on March 31st, 2017 9:06 AM

Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
I always respected him. He was a great guy . Im sure he will be teeing it up with Smi!

Condolence from Don Kirk on March 31st, 2017 9:20 AM

Remembering Bill at this time. I played hockey for Bill for many years and enjoyed his smile and laugh no matter the outcome. Also worked for Bill at Tuckey Bev. for many years. My deepest condolences on the loss of a great man and one of my heroes as I grew up.

Condolence from Claire and Winona Hoffman on March 31st, 2017 9:21 AM

Grace and Family,

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.Our heart and prayers are with you all at this sad time

Claire and Winona Hoffman

Condolence from M.J. Chanyi on March 31st, 2017 9:25 AM

You will miss your dad Quinn, Sherrie & siblings, but what wonderful memories you have. He was an excellent parent & for that you have so much to be thankful for. Somewhere, he is enjoying a round of golf.

Condolence from Ferguson Family on March 31st, 2017 9:34 AM

So sorry to hear about Bills passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time

Condolence from Susan, Wayne Pridham on March 31st, 2017 9:37 AM

Dear Cousin Grace & Families Donna & Harvey Deepest Sympathy to ALL . Bill will be truly missed by this family , always a smile and good chats . Phyllis Parsons, Donelda Sturgeon, Suasan,Wayne Pridham, Lloyd Lostell and families

Condolence from Scott and Mary Burton on March 31st, 2017 9:46 AM

We go back a lot of years in our memories of Bill and his family, from working at Tuckey Beverages, the baseball diamond, Saddlebag Lake to the coffee shop.

Years of riding on a golf cart with Quin, playing against Smi at Ironwood and honeymooning at Bill and Grace’s in Saddlebag Lake.

Thanks Bill.

Rest In Peace

Condolence from Susan and Peter Czypyha on March 31st, 2017 10:23 AM

We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He is man who will be remembered for his smile, gentleness and love of his family. Cherish the memories. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Condolence from Ron and Dianne Ducharme on March 31st, 2017 10:30 AM

Dear Grace and Family
Our sympathy to all of you. Thoughts and prayers
at this very sad time

Condolence from Jim & Verla Russell on March 31st, 2017 10:52 AM

Grace and family:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on Bill’s passing.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very sad, difficult time.
Please express our sympathy to Donna and Harvey Smith, we are neighbours.

Condolence from Judy G Hayward on March 31st, 2017 11:17 AM

Dear Gilfillan Famliy,
Please accept this most heartfelt sympathy as I remember this remarkable man. Bill was a man of integrity that only paired to the love for his family. You folks have gone through many trials in the last few months. Remember that our Heavenly Father said He would not leave us comfortless. This family has wonderful memories to cling to.

Most Sincerely Judy (Jory) Hayward

Condolence from Marion McCarter on March 31st, 2017 11:25 AM

Grace and families, Donna and Harvey
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time. Bill left a legacy and some big shoes to fill. He will be fondly remembered
by so many of us. Deepest sympathy.
Marion McCarter Teresa, Diane, Cheryl and families

Condolence from Dennis Ferguson on March 31st, 2017 11:43 AM

My condolences to the Gilfillan family. Bill was my minor league baseball and hockey coach as well as our leader at Pepsi. He taught us a lot about our sport and especially about being respectable to others.

Condolence from Jackie Wilson on March 31st, 2017 11:49 AM

Uncle Bill was a true blessing and gift to us all….he will live on in our hearts…he was so proud of his family, I know I was blessed to have him as my uncle…..we will miss you but will always remember and love you in our hearts Uncle Bill……Sadly missed by Jackie and Larry Wilson (niece)

Condolence from Gilbert and Janet Buxton on March 31st, 2017 12:23 PM

Dear Grace and family,
The world is a better place because Bill passed through.
We are better people because he touched our lives.
You all have our love and sympathy.

Condolence from Ken and Kim Pinder on March 31st, 2017 12:43 PM

Our deepest sympathy to your family. Cherish all your memories of Bill. Thinking of you at this sad time.

Condolence from George and Sue Wilson on March 31st, 2017 1:27 PM

Grace and family, Bill’s siblings and families,We are very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was always a friendly man. Big smile. Cherish you memories, and I am sure there are many.With hugs and prayers,George and Sue Wilson

Condolence from Craig & Carol Davidson on March 31st, 2017 2:00 PM

Deepest & most sincerest sympathy is extended to all of you in the loss of such a terrific guy. Bill was a true gentleman in every way possible. R.I.P. Bill
Craig & Carol

Condolence from Steve Bedard on March 31st, 2017 2:16 PM

Gilfillan family, please accept our condolences on the passing of Bill, I always enjoyed talking to Bill, Before Rick and I would venture out and about in our younger years. He always took the time to say hi and ask how were doing when passing by each other. He was so sincere and very proud of his family and there accomplishments

Steve Bedard and Family

Condolence from Martin & Lia Vandenberk Grand-Bend. on March 31st, 2017 2:41 PM

Our condolences goes out to you Grace and Families involved , with the loss of Bill !
We have known both of you here at Saddlebag. Fl. and our sympathies are with you.
It sure has been a very hard winter for you, and Thinking of you .
Sorry I have not been able to visit you, because you had enough on your mind.
cannot make it either to the celebration of “Bill,s life” there we are still in Fl. for awhile.

Condolence from Donna Perry on March 31st, 2017 3:46 PM

Grace and Family, Donna & Harvey
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You will have many wonderful memories to hold onto.
With Deepest Sympathy
Donna Perry

Condolence from Jim & LInda Dietrich on March 31st, 2017 5:05 PM

Sincere sympathy to all the Gilfillan family, so sorry for your loss.

Condolence from Nancy Cybulski on March 31st, 2017 6:03 PM

Randy, Carolyn and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Your neighbors,
Ron & Nancy Cybulski

Condolence from Bruce Pfaff on March 31st, 2017 6:26 PM

Our condolences to Bill’s family at this time. I have many good memories of working with Bill and learning so much from him many years ago. He will certainly be remembered for his willingness to help others.

Condolence from Jim and Kathy Stephenson on March 31st, 2017 6:32 PM

Aunt Grace and family,
We are saddened to hear do Uncle Bill’s passing. He was truly one of the good guys. We were all blessed to have him as a patriarch in our family. You had a marriage we all could only hope for. His kids had the best Dad ever, and his grandchildren had the best Grandpa.
May you find some comfort in the memories you have and some peace knowing how much he treasured each and every one of you.
Love from,
Jim and Kathy

Condolence from Sheila on March 31st, 2017 6:34 PM

So sad to hear bill has moved on. Deepest sympathy to all the friends & family of bill. Xoxo

Condolence from Kenley Cooke ( Colin’s mother ) on March 31st, 2017 6:36 PM

Grace and family, I send my sincerest condolences to all of you. Tracy always spoke so lovingly of her dad. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.. Kenley

Condolence from Bill Tinney on March 31st, 2017 7:20 PM

Dear Grace and Family Members,

We were so sorry to hear the passing of Bill. He was a wonderful man and always had time for others.
He taught me how to throw a baseball. That was a long time ago.

I have nothing but respect for Bill. H was always someone to look up to.

Remember the good times because they will last forever. May God Bless you and your family.

Condolence from Rob and Ann Morley on March 31st, 2017 7:39 PM

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Over his lifetime he has positively touched so many lives and gained so much respect he will never be forgotten. He was a mentor for me, like no other.

Condolence from Heather Wells on March 31st, 2017 8:27 PM

Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, I met him a long time ago when I first came to Exeter and worked at Dirk Coolman Real Estate, a generous kind man. Loved to see him also at the racetrack.

Condolence from Marg Prout on March 31st, 2017 10:24 PM

To all of Bill’s family and his friends, we send our sincere condolences. Keep your memories close to your heart.

Marg Prout and Frank Kints

Condolence from Don & Joan Heywood on March 31st, 2017 11:23 PM

Don & Joan Heywood
Our sincere condolences to the entire Gilfillan family. Bill was such a great gentleman. Cherish all the wonderfull memories. Lots of hugs Don & Joan

Condolence from Norm and Kay Tripp on April 1st, 2017 8:41 AM

To Grace and your family ….There are many memories of Bill, a kind and generous man and he will be remembered….many arms surround you all in comfort….we give our condolences..Norm and Kay Tripp

Condolence from Bernice Thompson on April 1st, 2017 9:31 AM

Grace and Family :Donna and Harvey Smith,

Sincere condolences in the loss of Bill.Remember all the wonderful times you had together.
Precious memories–how they linger.

Condolence from Linda Crerar on April 1st, 2017 9:35 AM

Sherry we extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
The many tributes and condolences certainly reflect who your Dad was, how he touched so many and how he enjoyed life to the fullest! What a legacy!!
Hugs to you!!
Linda and Dan

Condolence from Ken and Shirley (He wood ) Simpson on April 1st, 2017 11:55 AM

Grace and Family,Donna and Harvey… So sorry to hear Bill passed away. I have known Bill all my life … he always had a big smile and wanted to know how you were doing. Bill will be missed by everyone that knew him. Cherish all those wonderful memories.

Condolence from Michelle (Harrison) Smith on April 1st, 2017 6:06 PM

So sorry to hear this Bill was a great guy and good friend to my Dad. Take comfort in the fun times!❤

Condolence from Nancy and Mel Whiting on April 1st, 2017 9:02 PM

On behalf of my wife and myself, our sincere sympathy to the family in the loss of such a great man. I have known Bill since we worked together at Tuckey Beverages, and he really cared about everyone he worked with. His family was his everything.

Condolence from Clyde and Jaye Wright on April 2nd, 2017 6:23 AM

Gilfillan family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of Bill. He was such a wonderful person to many and very giving. Grace and Bill will be deeply missed in SLR. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. God bless you all.

Condolence from Teresa on April 2nd, 2017 7:57 AM

Very sorry to hear about Bill. He always stopped to talk when ever we met. Cherish all the memories

Teresa (McCarter) Hendriks

Condolence from Steve and Nadine Southard on April 2nd, 2017 11:38 AM

One fine gentleman that will be greatly missed in Saddlebag Lake Resort. We purchased our home in the resort from Bill & Grace and were lucky to have them as neighbors and friends for many years. Our prayers are with Grace and family.

Condolence from Brenna and Barry Vincent on April 2nd, 2017 5:59 PM

Quinn, Carolyn and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Gilfillan family. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories that you share. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Brenna and Barry Vincent

Condolence from Shelley Fletcher Tapp on April 3rd, 2017 12:46 AM

I am so very sorry that Bill has passed away and the pain that his absence will leave for you all. However he is still here in your hearts and memories and your big, beautiful family. I will always remember his smile and genuine kindness and extraordinary love for his family. I have wonderful memories as a kid, when you lived next door to Grandma and Grandpa Tinneys and how he always had a treat for us…Thinking of you all. Xxoo

Condolence from Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade on April 3rd, 2017 9:33 AM

To Grace and family:
Sorry to learn of Bill’s passing, he was a gentleman and an influence to many men and women in the Exeter area.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Condolence from Margaret Brintnell on April 3rd, 2017 3:29 PM

Grace & All Your Family & Donna & Harvey
So sorry about Bill. As evidenced by all the beautiful condolences I to knew Bill from out at Pepsi and he was a man of integrity, a real gentleman & a man of so much knowledge. He will be missed by so many people. My son Brad was with Rick a lot so Brad also sends his condolences along with Susan. May God grant you all the strength not only now but in days to come. Wonderful family with so many memories.
Margaret Brintnell

Condolence from Richard and Wendy Jennison on April 3rd, 2017 8:36 PM

Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I will always remember and respect Bill as a gentleman of integrity and class. I feel lucky, and proud , to have known him. Our condolences to all of his family.

Condolence from Ross and Marlene Mathers on April 3rd, 2017 8:43 PM

To Grace and Gilfillan Family: Our sincere sympathy on the loss of a dear Husband, Father and
Grandfather Bill. He was always the same, always friendly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

Condolence from Bob Higgins on April 4th, 2017 8:25 AM

It”s been 50 years since I left Pepsi and started my career with the OPP, Bill was the one man that inspired me and I often thought of him and tried to do what he would have done through difficult times . He was one of a kind?

Condolence from Jim and Linda Ferguson on April 4th, 2017 8:44 PM

Our thoughts are with you.

Condolence from Chad Gilfillan on April 5th, 2017 12:30 AM

Our Grandpa / Papa (Great-Grandpa) was an inspiration for all us grandkids and great-grandkids. It’s so nice to read here that others got to experience this great man the same way we knew him: kind, selfless, humble, supportive, friendly, strong, and a bit clumsy or forgetful at times which made him all that more endearing :) I’m sure all us grandkids can remember his firm, hand crushing hand shake followed by a “love ya kid” or “proud of ya”, pulling us in for a quick squeeze. Such small things leave a lasting impression.

I can’t think of any other grandparents when growing up that would frequent the hockey rink, baseball diamond, soccer field, Christmas concerts, graduations etc. to show their support for their grandkids than ours. I remember many times looking up in the stands during a hockey game to see Grandpa leaning on the railing or him sitting in a lawn chair on the sideline at the soccer field quietly observing. Seeing him there made all of us want to give that extra push to make him proud. But the thing is, none of us needed to make that push, because he was already proud regardless and made that known to all of us often.

In my teens I got to see Grandpa interact with clients as a real-estate agent. The way he treated people, putting a buyer’s needs ahead of a quick sale has stuck with me to this day. Working at JMR one summer I was in the shop watching someone teach me a task, standing with my hands in my pockets, I was quickly told my Grandpa wouldn’t like to see me with my hands in my pockets but lending a helping hand – it was clear the respect he had from others and the reach of his influence, as further evidenced by all these wonderful messages.

Most importantly, the way he treated my Grandma with so much love and admiration and his focus on family above all else has been an inspiration for us all.

We miss you so much Grandpa, and are so “proud of ya”.

Condolence from Paul & Beth Anstett & Family. on April 5th, 2017 1:19 PM

Our condolences go out to you Grace and the Gilfillan Family on the passing of Bill. Heaven has gained another Angel.

Condolence from Brenda Dayman on April 5th, 2017 3:55 PM

Grace, Sherry & To All of Bill’s Family & Friends….What a huge Loss to you All…& I’m sure to so many in Exeter & also his Florida home, that had the Pleasure of knowing him. He will be Truly Missed!! Bill was truly one of the Nicest man I have ever met!!! Always a Smile on his face….so kind & a true Gentleman. I feel Blessed to have known him. May all your Beautiful memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely, Brenda

Condolence from Jerry and Alice MacLean on April 5th, 2017 7:33 PM

Grace and all extended family, A good man has entered heavens gates! We who had the pleasure of knowing him and sharing those early morning golf games with all the jokes and poor scores will never be forgotten. when we were not hitting the ball,we always said,it wasn’t about the golf…it was the friendship.Yes…we will always. Remember the friendship.What a great guy heaven has gained. We will miss you Bill.n

Condolence from Marie & Garry Kechnie on April 8th, 2017 5:03 PM

Grace and Family – we are so sad to hear of the passing of Bill. He was always such a great friend and you were so welcoming whenever we visited you at Saddlebag Lake. We will truly miss seeing him and can’t believe that we just talked about Bill on Tuesday when driving around Riverview Estates. Our Prayers are with you.
Marie & Garry Kechnie

Condolence from Cathy Batten on April 8th, 2017 6:45 PM

Dear Grace and Family

Sending my condolences to each of you at this sad time. Treasure all the special memories and photos that each of you have. Thinking of you all.Take care. Xo

Cathy Batten

Condolence from Ron and Betty-Lou Heywood on April 9th, 2017 1:24 PM

Dear Grace and Family

I remember the sadness felt when hearing of Bill’s passing, thinking of the many rounds of golf we played together every Tues. Thurs. and Sat. early each morning for many years. Some days Bill and I would team up and beat the other two guys. Our prayers are with you all. Bill will be truly missed.

Condolence from Michelle and Michael Aube and family on April 10th, 2017 10:45 PM

Aunt Grace, Randy, Wendy, Sherry, Rick, Tracy, and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond childhood memories of fun times at Aunt Grace’s and Uncle Bill’s, Uncle Bill was always smiling. Such a sudden loss of a great man.

Condolence from Don Edgar on April 22nd, 2017 9:43 AM

Sorry to here about Bill.They don’t make many like Bill anymore.

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