SMITH, William Walker “Billy”

SMITH, William Walker “Billy” – Passed away peacefully on Sunday February 8th, 2015 with family by his side. Beloved husband of the late Edith Smith. Dear father of Wayne (Lorna), Gayle (Paul), Glynis (Tim) and Jeff (Sylvie). Loving grandfather to Taara (Geoff), Teela (Jesse), Tyson, Regan, Demitria, Cody (Ange), Wade, Rikki Lee (Randy) and Kelsey. Great grandfather to Anthony, Kendahl, Adrianna and Leigha. Special friend and brother-in-law to Richard Hawthorne and special uncle to Jackie MacKenzie.

Pre-deceased by his parents Joseph and Elizabeth Smith, his sister Ellen (late Edward) Kane, his brother Joseph (Ruby) Smith, his brother Archie. Billy is survived by his sisters Agnes (Huey) and Lilly (late Davie), sister-in-law Bev Hawthorne (late Jim) and brother-in-law Johnny Hawthorne (Edna). He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Belfast, N. Ireland Bill won the amateur boxing title for four consecutive years and went on to win the “All Ireland” and “All England” boxing title in the same year. He also successfully bred and raced purebred greyhounds and was also an avid fan of English Soccer and horseracing.

In 1953 he was discharged from the U.K. Merchant Navy and followed the love of his life, Edith to Canada where they wed in 1954. He worked for Algoma Ore until he retired in the mid 80′s. In the early years in Wawa he started a boxing gym with the late Gerry Russ, this gave the youths of Wawa a chance to learn the sport. He was a lifelong member of the local Royal Canadian Legion who continued to visit him up until his death.

The family would like to extend their thank you to the Lady Dunn Acute Care and Long Term Care Staff for their care and compassion over the past three years. Especially those who went the extra mile with him since the passing of Edith, words of thank you are not enough!!

In keeping with their wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life for both Billy and Edith to be announced at a later date. Memorial donations made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #429, or to the Lady Dunn Health Centre or to the Lady Dunn Long Term Care would be appreciated by the family. As Billy would say, “May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you’re dead.” Thank you dad for the many years we had with you, we love you and know you are now reunited with mom…xo! (Arrangements entrusted to the P.M. Gilmartin Funeral Home, 705-856-7340).