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LOYENS: Bill of London, formerly of Lucan
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On February 6, 2026 @ 3:04 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 39 Comments

Bill came to Canada from Hilvarenbeek, Nord Brabant, The Netherlands, the oldest of six children and the only one who spoke some English. He worked with his dad at the Centralia Airport as an apprentice bricklayer.
Around 1986 and in 1990, he served on the London Airport Board of Directors and served three terms with Canada Housing. In the late ’50s, he bought his first horse, and in the early ’90s, he built Windsong Acres starting his standardbred breeding and training business. Paulette and Bill married in 1994 and they were happily married for 32 years. Bill continued to develop his subdivisions and promote his horses. His most happy times were spent cooking for his hunting friends in his cabin at Windsong Acres. Summers in recent years were spent in Temagami on their island with family and friends. Winters were spent in France with Paulette’s family nearby. Bill enjoyed his Saturday morning breakfast meetings with Vito Frijia and Jack Sousa and a few wonderful friends. He always had a smile and a zest for life. He was a kind and gentle man.
Bill passed away peacefully at LHSC – University Hospital on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife Paulette, son Ron (Karen), granddaughter Chloe, sister Nell, brother Tony (Jacquie). Fondly remembered by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his first wife of 33 years Violet (1992), brothers Frank (2013), Eddie (2018), Harry (2023), brother-in-law Albert (2025), and sister Atonnette (1943).
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the PSWs at home and all of the nurses and doctors on General Medicine and Palliative Care at University Hospital.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Saturday, February 14th from 12 – 3 PM with words of remembrance at 1 PM. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the William and Paulette Loyens Fund through St. Joseph Health Care Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Bill was larger than life & our visits were always animated & full of laughs with some crazy story telling & a touch of advice! He will be missed. ❤️
Wayne, Tina, Luke, Zach & Will Parry.
Paulette and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Bill was loved by a great many and will be missed by all.
During our residency in London, we attended many wonderful times & parties with Paulette & Bill.
We were invited for brunch – Paulette was in charge of making the crepes & Bill was in charge of the wine selection and apple slicing.
Spending time with the horses was like being transported to another world.
At the pond, Paulette called the swans & they always arrived at the sound of her voice.
We arrived to see the new family pet. He was a fabulous Boxer puppy and he was named”Tax” after the tax examiner left the property.
Bill invited me to hunt pheasants at the back of their property. His rifle collection was renowned.
21 years ago we moved to B.C. and had the good fortune to have Paulette & Bill visit us in Vancouver.
Grace & Jack.
Bill was a great man. Lots of talent and kind to everyone. My father worked with him and never had a bad thing to say about Bill. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences are with your family.
Sending our condolences to Paulette and the family with healing prayers and hugs.
Bill’s love for life, his sense of humor and making the best any situation will be missed and remembered forever. Our family grow up with the all the Loyens as close neighbours and dear friends of Mom (Alice) and Dad (Frank) and the rest of us. Still have memories of the tails told of those fishing trips to northern Ontario with Dad. We will miss Bill but will never forget. Betty and Jim De Block
With sincere sympathy, we extend our condolences. May cherished memories bring you comfort now and always.
Shirley Dykstra and Family
So saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He did indeed live a full and happy life. Always a kind and caring man. Thinking of him fondly and holding all of the family in my heart at this very sad time. Hugs.
My sincere ‘Sympathy’ Paulette ……Anmarie Hoffman
Dear Paulette & Loyens family,
We would like to offer our condolences on the death of your husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
We wish you a lot of strength with this great loss. May he rest in peace.
Richard & Henriëtte Matthews
The Netherlands
Sincères condoléances de la part de la famille Muller Justine Thomas Francis et Annie.
Bill laisse dans notre mémoire plein de beaux souvenirs.
Nous envoyions des pensées de soutiens à toute la famille.
Wow! I can’t believe that he didn’t reach his dream of living to 100! He truly was larger than life. Old Bill (as opposed to me, Young Bill at “74!”) will live on in Temagami in spirit.
Bill Introduced me to Temagami in June of 1973, staying at his island on our honeymoon. He and Bill Van de Loo joined us on the second day.
I have spent countless hours fishing with Bill and Harry. I would guide the boat from the front while the “Odd couple” argued lovingly with each other in the stern. Bill and I shared his last summer in Temagami on Porcupine Island where he taught me to enjoy a Martini when we returned to the cottage after an afternoon of fishing. His famous fish salad will be missed by many.
Bill often told me that Temagami was his favourite place on earth, and he had visited most of our planet.
I can hear him arguing with Harry in heaven.
I will greatly miss my second father, I am Bill Jr., and will plant a memorial tree on Porcupine Island.
He was my hero and I enjoyed living in his shadow.
It seems everyone around London knew Bill. He will be sorely missed.
Dr. Bill
Dear Paulette and all the Loyens family, we are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill was such a great guy. Loved by all. My Bill worked for Bill years ago and he said there was no one finer to work for. We will all miss Bill dearly.
Bill and Marilyn Hack
Toutes nos condoléances à tata, Ronan ainsi qu’à la famille de tonton
On le gardera toujours dans notre cœur
Nathalie, Alexis et Ewann
Pilou, Ron, Chloe, Karen.,
Même éloignés nous pensons fort à vous en ce moment difficile, nos plus sincères condoléances. Bill va nous manquer😔
On vous embrasse fort.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Loyens family also.
Nico, Chantal, Lou-Anne and Emy.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk with us everyday. Unseen, unheard and very near. Still missed. Still loved. And very dear.
Paulette and family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Having known Bill my whole life I felt that he was just part of the family for which we are thankful. Ron and I are still on the island on which Bill built his first cottage and were always happy to see the pontoon boat coming in for a visit knowing we would hear old stories of his and my dads adventures. Those stories will go down in history on this island and I’m sure a day will not pass here that his memory will not be mentioned.
He will be missed.
Chère tata, Cher Ron, Chère Karen, Chère Chloé et toute la famille et proches,
Nous vous présentons toutes nos sincères condoléances et partageons votre peine en ce moment difficile.
Le départ de tonton Bill laisse un grand vide mais aussi de très beaux souvenirs. Sa gentillesse et son grand cœur resteront à jamais dans nos mémoires.
Une “grande personne” pas seulement par la taille, une belle âme telle qu’on l’a connue s’en est allée… Après tant de courage, il peut enfin reposer en paix.
Nos pensées vous accompagnent et vous souhaitons beaucoup de courage dans cette épreuve.
On vous embrasse bien fort.
Karine, Laurent, Lilian et Mathis
Paulette Ronan Chloé et karen
La disparition de Bill nous attriste il gardera une place dans nos cœurs
Sincères condoléances ainsi qu’à toute la famille LOYENS
JEANNINE JEAN PAUL GAEL NICOLAS
Affectueusement
Yvette et Bruno le Scanve,
Expriment leurs très sincères condoléances à Paulette,Ronan ainsi qu’à toute la famille pour la perte de Bill.
Nous gardons un souvenir ému de sa grande générosité, tout particulièrement, pour sa invitation un 31 décembre chez Jeanine et Jean-paul où nous avons passé une excellente soirée .
Avec toute notre amitié.
My heartfelt condolences to Paulette and all of Bill’s extended family.
I remember “uncle” Bill fondly as a warm and generous person, gregarious and full of life.
Sending love and hugs.
Kathie (Gorbasew) Madsen
(Violet’s goddaughter)
Paulette and family. So sorry for your loss
Losing Bill feels like losing part of myself. When I sit and think of all the adventures we shared over the years I realize we were much more than cousins, we were best friends.
Bill‘s life was filled with many adventures and I am happy to say that I was lucky enough to share in some of them. Whether we were building something new , or if we were trying to get the boat home after a day of fishing and visiting. We would sit and have a game of gin while we reminisced about the days events. Always with a smile on our face. Thank you Bill and I love you.
To Paulette and all the family.
I am saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I have fond memories of meetings with each of Bill and Harry over the years. May your memories bring you comfort going forward.
To all of Bill Loyen’s friends and family. So very sorry to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing. He was always a great guy to be around. He loved hearing stories, but he really loved to tell stories of days past. He always made you feel welcome and was a lot of fun to be around. The laughs and memories are many whenever anyone speaks of his adventures, and there were many for sure. May he rest in peace.
Steve, Trish, Vanessa and Samantha Gould.
Condolences to the Loyen Family
I have had the opportunity to know Bill since I was a young man Bills smile was infectious and his kindness was genuine Bill and my father Harry along with Harry spent many hours discussing the horses. Always great fun. Bill will be truly missed.
I was sorry to hear Bill passed away. We worked together many years in the construction industry. Bud Callahan
I’ve known Bill all my life. He was a best friend of my dad. He also was someone I so admired. He was respectful, and very giving,
He made a very colourful comment at our wedding “ May your boat never sink”. (Long story).
Always drove a suburban back in the day.
Temagami was one of our common places. My wife (Andra) and I spent some very good times over the last few years.
Bill will be sorely missed. His passing leaves a hole in our livelihood, but his memory will last forever.
Dear Paulette and family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Bill was a very kind and caring man. He will be missed by many and especially his family.
Love and peace to you all and may his memory be a blessing.
Bill was a fine human being, from hosting boy scouts at his cottage via Jeff Roestenburg, to his involvement with harness racing, I truly enjoyed knowing him.
Our condolences to the Loyen’s family. Bill was a great man, always good for a chat and lots of laughs. He will be truly missed.
My sincere condolences to all the family. Hugs and prayers Paulette. The breakfasts at the cabin are fond memories, as well as the pet deer.
Paulette, Ron, Karen and Chloe, and to all of the Loyens family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a kind, warm hearted giant who always had a smile, kind words, and the best hugs.
We will miss him.
Please know that we are thinking of you and holding you in our hearts.
Dear Paulette and the Loyens family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy for the loss of Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I fondly remember Survivor Gold’s incredible journey and the fun we shared. Bill was such a kind and thoughtful man. May you all find comfort in the cherished memories you hold of him.
With heartfelt condolences,
Our sincere condolences to the Loyens’ family. Bill left his family and friends with many good memories. Thinking of you.
Sending our condolences to Paulette and the Loyens family.
In about 1965 I got a job as a trim carpenter for Wasko Homes. Bill Loyens was the foreman there. I was a skinny kid and Bill Loyens looked like a giant beside me. Bill quickly became my mentor and hero. I had never met anyone so big, but so kind and gentle. Bill and I both left Wasko and started our own companies. Bill’s custom homes and developing took off. I started with a few recreation rooms, then home additions and then some custom homes. While Bill’s company flourished, mine did OK. We would meet for lunch the odd time and I got great support from him. When I started a Millwork shop in London, he supported me by buying the trim for his houses, even his own house. Paulette was very kind in lending my wife a white beaver coat for our outdoor Celtic wedding in February years ago. Thanks for all the kindness from you both. Bill will be missed by so many.
Chère Paulette, cher Ronan et toute ta famille
Toutes mes pensées attristées en apprenant le départ de Bill que nous avons connu et avec qui un lien amical s’était créé , De beaux souvenirs avec Jacques et Bill, Il reste dans nos coeurs et il sera toujours près de toi chère Paulette. L’Amour reste un trésor perpétuel entre deux êtres qui se sont aimés.
Pardon pour ce mot bien tardif mais moi et l’ordi….je ne sais même pas si je vais réussir à envoyer ce message.
Je vous embrasse avec grande affection,
Armelle Boisson
Sincere condolences to the Loyens Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To Paulette and all the Loyens Family.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of dear Bill. Our families once shared a home as fellow immigrants from Holland, and those early years created a bond that time never erased. Bill was a kind and caring person, larger than life, with a presence and generosity that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. May it comfort you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Frank and Maggie Mosher
Our condolences to Paulette and the whole Loyens family. We are so sorry for your loss,
I knew Bill Loyens and did work for him since the 1980’s. He was a good man to work for who treated everyone with respect and his handshake always meant something.
He will surely be missed.
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Sorry for your loss he will missed by many he was kind gentle caring and had many a tall tale of hunting and fishing always made you smile