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KERSLAKE: William “Bill” of Seaforth, formerly of Staffa

Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On March 15, 2026 @ 7:55 AM In Obituary,Seaforth | 60 Comments

KERSLAKE: William “Bill” of Seaforth, formerly of Staffa

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.


Condolences for the family of “KERSLAKE: William “Bill” of Seaforth, formerly of Staffa”

Condolence from Colleen Roulston on March 15th, 2026 9:04 AM

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

Condolence from Anne Marie & Steve McGregors on March 15th, 2026 11:18 AM

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❤️

Condolence from Gordon & Irma Pryce on March 15th, 2026 11:33 AM

To Freda and family;
Sincerest sympathy to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely Gordon & Irma Pryce

Condolence from Susan Pushelberg on March 15th, 2026 12:42 PM

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

Condolence from Martin Flanagan on March 15th, 2026 2:25 PM

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.

Condolence from Joy Ross on March 15th, 2026 2:52 PM

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, 🙏

Condolence from marian smale on March 15th, 2026 2:58 PM

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

Condolence from John and JoAnne Wiles on March 15th, 2026 3:15 PM

Sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences

Condolence from Joe and Mary Ryan on March 15th, 2026 3:30 PM

To the Kerslake family. Our sympathy on hearing of the passing of Bill. Keep his memories close.

Condolence from Tom Laing on March 15th, 2026 3:33 PM

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.

Condolence from Karen Cronin on March 15th, 2026 3:35 PM

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.

Condolence from Donya (Daynard) Dales on March 15th, 2026 3:41 PM

Dear Freda, Kate, Wilbur, Joan, Gerald, Anne and families – thinking of you all and sending my sincere sympathies.

Condolence from Helen Fell on March 15th, 2026 3:46 PM

I am very sorry for your loss. You will miss him very much.

Condolence from Gord & Linda Vivian on March 15th, 2026 4:22 PM

Our deepest sympathies to Freda and her family. His laughter will be missed by many. Cherish your memories.

Condolence from Cheryl Wilkinson on March 15th, 2026 4:38 PM

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.

Condolence from Jean Elliott on March 15th, 2026 5:09 PM

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.

Condolence from John Holland on March 15th, 2026 5:34 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss Freda from an old old friend with shared fond memories of early years sincerely John

Condolence from Sue Riley on March 15th, 2026 7:41 PM

Sending deepest condolences on Bill’s passing.

Condolence from Deb Stanlake(Chappel) on March 15th, 2026 8:54 PM

Deepest condolences to Freda, Katie Wilbur, Joan, Gerald and Anne and family.

Condolence from Don Dodds on March 15th, 2026 11:44 PM

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.

Condolence from John & Janet (Kinsman) Bilcke on March 16th, 2026 1:45 AM

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.

Condolence from Neil and Diana Rapien on March 16th, 2026 6:30 AM

To all the Kerslake family. We send our deepest sympathy. Bill was such a nice man.
Sincerely Neil and Diana Rapien

Condolence from Allan & Karen Carter on March 16th, 2026 8:28 AM

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.

Condolence from George and Joyce Vivian on March 16th, 2026 8:49 AM

Freda and Family: We extend our sympathy to you. Treasure your memories.

Condolence from Pat and Laverne Wallace on March 16th, 2026 9:00 AM

Freda and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you

Condolence from Doug Procter on March 16th, 2026 10:09 AM

My condolences to all of the family on Bill’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Bill and well remember his good-natured teasing.

Condolence from Joanne (Ross) Smith on March 16th, 2026 10:48 AM

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.

Condolence from Laura and Dale Farrell on March 16th, 2026 11:30 AM

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.

Condolence from Barry & Melonie Miller on March 16th, 2026 12:54 PM

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

Condolence from Sandi Leavey on March 16th, 2026 1:04 PM

Dearest Freda and your wonderful Family.
Sending you so much love and sympathy during this time and always.❤️

Condolence from Marg Hedley on March 16th, 2026 1:10 PM

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.

Condolence from Bruce and Sharon Wilbee on March 16th, 2026 1:33 PM

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.

Condolence from Wanda Dietz on March 16th, 2026 2:54 PM

Dear Freda and family, my sympathy to you all i n the passing of Bill. He will be missed.

Condolence from Dorothy Medd/Russ Jackson on March 16th, 2026 3:56 PM

Sending sincere sympathy to everyone. May all your memories help you through these difficult times.

Condolence from Thelma Bode on March 16th, 2026 4:10 PM

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.

Condolence from Karen Ulch on March 16th, 2026 4:34 PM

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

Condolence from Donald Jefferson on March 16th, 2026 5:06 PM

Memories: Bill and Freda gave me so many great ones, He was a great guy and will be missed by all.

Condolence from Deb and Les Falconer on March 16th, 2026 5:26 PM

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

Condolence from Beth & Harold Van Doornik on March 16th, 2026 7:49 PM

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.

Condolence from Ray and Linda McNichol on March 16th, 2026 8:06 PM

Our condolences to each of you…he has left an impact on everyone who had the pleasure to know him.

Condolence from Karin McDougall on March 16th, 2026 10:11 PM

Sorry for your loss, my condolences to the Kerslake family.

Condolence from Cindy Varcoe on March 17th, 2026 10:15 AM

Thinking of you at this time of great sadness.

Condolence from Rob & Elizabeth McGregor on March 17th, 2026 12:01 PM

Our sincere sympathy to Anne, Jeff, Lainie, Macy and the Kerslake families. Cherish your memories.

Condolence from Lloyd Cooper on March 17th, 2026 1:41 PM

Freda and family,

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My condolences to you and your family!

Condolence from Wayne and Denise Matzold on March 17th, 2026 3:31 PM

Freda and Family:

Our condolences for Bill’s passing. Sympathies for your loss.

Condolence from Walter and Sandra McKenzie on March 17th, 2026 4:27 PM

Sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences on Bill’s passing.

Condolence from Kate Lusk on March 17th, 2026 6:38 PM

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.

Condolence from Jen McCaughey on March 18th, 2026 1:39 PM

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.

Condolence from Gerry and Kathy Cooper on March 18th, 2026 4:21 PM

Freda and family
Sending comforting hugs at this sad time.
Gerry and Kathy Cooper

Condolence from Winston and Sheila Jibb on March 18th, 2026 5:39 PM

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.

Condolence from Janice Scott on March 18th, 2026 9:01 PM

Sympahy to all the family .Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Hugh and Janice Scott

Condolence from Keith Butson on March 19th, 2026 9:05 AM

Freda and families, we send our deepest sympathy.

Condolence from Judy Jeffery-Chambers on March 19th, 2026 10:37 AM

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

Condolence from Roger, Jennifer & the Fell Family on March 19th, 2026 10:48 AM

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.

Condolence from Pauline Fell on March 19th, 2026 11:27 AM

My sympathy to all the family. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Condolence from Bill & Marlene Charters on March 19th, 2026 8:45 PM

With deepest condolences to the Kerslake family.

Condolence from Kate Flanagan on March 20th, 2026 12:42 AM

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.

Condolence from Rich and Marg Templeman on March 20th, 2026 10:15 AM

Our deepest sympathy to Freda and the family.

Condolence from Bettyand Larry Schade on March 21st, 2026 4:32 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss Freda, and family, but you can keep the memories in your heart.

Condolence from John & Jane Hoggart on April 1st, 2026 11:51 AM

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.

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