Jeffrey, William

Jeffrey, William Robert Bruce (Bill)

Date of birth: February 16, 1949 Date of death: June 19, 2020

Survived by: Wife and loving companion, Arlene; daughter Sarah; son Matthew; granddaughter Harriet; brother Ron and sisters Dorothy, Judy and Susan; brother-in-law Barry Hoyle (Judy); sisters-in-law Donna Mattison and Donna Jeffrey (Gus); and generations of nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by: Parents Charles and Dorothy Jeffrey; brothers Herb, Paul, Gus and sisters Betty, Pat and Mame. Also, childhood friend Joe Cambria and baseball teammate Gord Osmond.

Bill had a character that was a hard to forget. People often remember conversations they had with him 30 or more years ago. He was best known for his quick wit and one-liners, his Tilley hats and love of golf, baseball, cards, trivia, crosswords and any mind puzzle games. It was a legend in the family that between Bill and his brother Gus, they knew everything in the world – and this was before the time of Google when you didn’t have answers at your fingertips.

Sadly, Bill had Alzheimer’s disease for 16 years.  Luckily in his case it was slow-moving but still eventually took its toll. We were blessed with many who understood the difficulties he experienced and still included him in his favourite pastimes, especially his baseball team. We were forever grateful for his inclusion, even when his health was deteriorating.

The Alzheimer Society and John Noble Day and Stay Program were also instrumental in keeping him healthy and involved for as long as possible. They both gave him safe places to go and be with others who could understand his situation.

Both the Willett Hospital in Paris and Harbour North I Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton gave him excellent care during his last two years. The family is grateful to the staff for their full and extraordinary commitment to his health and well-being.

It’s been a year now, Bill.  It has gradually become easier to remember the man you used to be.  We miss your smile, your laugh, your jokes and your calm, steady guidance and support. But we can feel you near us in so many ways and imagine you doing all the things you used to enjoy so much … making inukshuks, greeting every child and animal on our walks and cooking for all of us.

Be well and safe until we meet again.

We know how much you loved cryptograms, Bill, so here’s one for you:

H’RL NLLP XII YIPL ZIW XII OIPY!