Passed away peacefully at South Huron Hospital on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of the late Kathy Mercer (1994) and Barbara Ann Mercer (2022). Loving father of the late Lynne McDonald (Gord) and Brian and Becky Mercer. Proud grandpa of Wade and Jessica McDonald, Brett and McKensey McDonald, Cole McDonald and Nimi Bassi; Carly Mercer and Reid Oliver, Cayley and Justin Boye, and Cullen Mercer and Megan Dalrymple and great-grandpa of Daxton and Penelope McDonald; Graham Oliver; and Lawson Boye. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Arthur Mercer, and Bernadette Mercer. Predeceased by his brother Bobby. Bill will be fondly remembered by his long-time friends Doug and Marylou Dixon, Dave “Stretch” and Laura Dohnt, and Ray and Mary Perry.
Bill spent his entire career in the corrugated box industry, rising to the level of Plant Superintendent in St. Thomas. Retirement was spent wintering in Florida, watching the grandkids play hockey, baseball and soccer and babysitting when Brian and Becky travelled. He never missed a day of work due to weather or illness in 35 years. His work ethic was second to none and all those he worked with had the utmost respect for him. Over the last three years, Bill lived on the retirement side of the Exeter Villa where he enjoyed the entertainment, bus trips and the wonderful care and friendships of the staff and other residents. So many times, we have heard how thoughtful, kind and what a true gentleman Bill was. He was never one to complain and always had an upbeat and positive attitude. He was a very proud grandfather who cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, November 14th from 2 – 4 PM. A private family interment will be held at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
Donations to South Huron Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
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).
william van bommel
our deepest condolence from the van bommel family
Helen Palmer
My deepest sympathy. I just learned of Bill’s passing. I will miss our monthly chats. Shared many a nightly beer with Bill when he and Barb lived at the condo. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Helen
Mark Heimrich
Brian, Becky and family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dear father. May your wonderful memories comfort you all at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Scott Bogart
Brian, Becky and Family
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Our sincere condolences.
Scott & Lynda Bogart
Jean Mason
Dear Brian, Becky and Family
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We just wanted you to know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
With Sympathy and Love
Jean and Family
Judy Morgan
Brian and family
So very sorry for your loss.
May all of your cherished memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
Helen Thompson and family
Wayne & Julie Pryce & Family
Brian, Becky & Family
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Cherish all those wonderful memories. He was a very dedicated hockey Grandfather, we so enjoyed seeing him at the rink over the years.
Bev Branderhorst
Brian and Becky and family
So sorry for your loss
Barry and Karen Overholt
Brian, Becky, and Family,
Sorry to hear about Bill’s passing; always enjoyed our conversations in the barber shop in regards of the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. Our sincere condolences,
Barry the Barber and Karen
Leona & Dave Morrissey
Brian, Becky & Family
We are sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You have our sympathy.
Tim & Maria Hamather
Brian, Becky & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He will be missed by everyone that knew him and his kindness will always be remembered. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. ♥️
Hugs,
Tim & Maria
Ruth and Cliff Dickie
Our deepest sympathies to you, Art and Bernadette on the passing of your brother.
Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Mark&Judy Cronyn
Brian, Becky, Gord, Carly, Cayley, Cullen and families
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.
He will be missed by all.
R.I.P. Bill
Mark, Judy and family
Frank Kints
Brian, Becky and family. So very sorry for this tremendous loss. My most kind condolences.
Frank Kints
Brian and Nancy Campbell
Brian, Becky and family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Tamara Thompson
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Cindy Fisher Bailey
Brian, Becky and family
I’m sorry to read the passing of your father/ Grandfather. My condolences
May he rest in peace
Michele & Alan Hodgert
Brian, Becky & Family
So sorry to hear of your loss.
We hope you find comfort in the happy memories you have.
We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Brian, Becky and family,
Our sincere sympathy so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
Mark & Sandra Consitt
Brian, Becky & family
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Mark & Sandra Consitt
Sam and Julie Regier
Dear Brian and Becky and kids. Sorry for your loss. I wish I knew your dad because he sounds like a nice man. He will be deeply missed.
Ken and Kim Pinder
Brian, Becky and Family
We are sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You have our sympathy.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Helen Thomson
Brian and Becky… hugs and prayers as you celebrate a well lived life!💕
Greg & Carrie Parsons & family
Brian, Becky and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy on your loss. Please know you’re in our thoughts and prayers as you journey through this difficult time.
Tammy Preszcator
Very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. I did not know Bill until I started working at the Villa. I truly wish I could have gotten to spend more time with this gentle soul. He was exactly as so many have described. When you spoke to Bill, it was like you had been friends for years, he just was that easy to talk to. It was wonderful when I found out that he knew my parents and we had many lovely chats over these last few months. You all are very blessed to have had this special man for your Father, Father-in-law, Grandpa, Great Grandpa. He was without a doubt one of the good ones. Your hearts are heavy now because of your loss but as your lives move forward and you speak his name often, you shall have a flood of great memories that will bring him to you and he will remain in your hearts where ever you go. Knowing this wonderful man has made us all better people. Hugs Tam
Jeff Hoffman
Brian, Becky and family
Condolences on your loss of Bill. He was a true gentleman
Don and Edith Lewis & family
Brian and Becky and family,
We are sorry to see that Bill is no longer with us.
Don and Bill were great friends for years.
Cherish his lovely memories like us.
Deepest sympathy to you all.
Laura and Dave Dohnt
Dear Brian and Becky and family,
Words cannot express how we feel – Bill was a very special friend to us. We enjoyed our many outings together. He will always be in our thoughts.
Dave and Laura
Ann Baynham
Brian, Becky and family,
You will have so many great memories of Bill to celebrate. A good man.
Ann Baynham and family
John Wells
Deepest condolences. What a fantastic uncle. Will truly be missed.
Lori Baker
Our sincere sympathies to Brian and Becky , Carly, Cayley and Cullen and the entire family.
Bill was all those things … and more! He was a true gentleman – kind, happy – always a smile on his face, happy to help anyone out (Marley) when needed.
He adored his family – I personally know what his grandchildren meant to him. He was so proud of their many many accomplishments;
To a life well lived … he will be so missed.
Brad, Lori, Marley, Jenalyn, Luxe and Laken
Bobbi V
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. Caring for Bill was more than just part of my work — it was a blessing to know such a wonderful person. I will remember his gentle spirit and the warmth he brought to those around him. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.