The family
Sincere condolences to the family.
RIGHTON, William "Bill"
1933 - 2025
It is with great sadness the Righton family announce the passing of William “Bill” Righton on April 22, 2025.
Bill is predeceased by his parents Frederick and Mildred Righton, his siblings Rupert, Keith, Kathleen and Margaret.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Eileen(Casey), his sister Joan Sloan, his sister-in-law Sheila Righton, brother-in-law Robert Shea, his children Pamela (Merle) Tubman, Patricia (Stewart) Carmichael, Penny (Geoff) Cory, Peggy Righton-McIntyre, Peter Righton, Vikki Van Oosten, Patrick Righton, Also left to mourn are Bill’s grandchildren Amy Righton, Matt Cory, Josh Cory, Meg Tubman, Julian Carmichael, Chad McIntyre, Madeline Tubman, Chelsea McIntyre, William Carmichael, Katelyn McIntyre, Will Tubman, Samuel Righton and his great grandchildren Kaylee Cory and Peyton Earl.
Bill was born October 15th, 1933, in Iroquois Falls, Ontario. He lived at 105 Devonshire St as a child. Bill grew up next to the Abitibi Pulp and Paper facility, which was the largest newsprint manufacturing operation in the world. He attended school until the age of 15 when he decided to "jump out the cloakroom window and get on with his life." Through those early years, before marrying Eileen, he held the following jobs: working in the Abitibi Mill drug store and grocery store, helping at the Iroquois Falls Hotel Library, he was an Imperial Oil Company delivery man as well as a White Rose Oil Company delivery man. Bill married Eileen on September 26, 1957. After their marriage, Bill worked for Power Tel as a hotline worker and heavy equipment operator, Arctic Propane with Norbert Grenier, operating the propane plant and servicing, John Wlad where he operated heavy construction equipment, Abe Rosenbaum as a wholesale confectionary supplies delivery man, Al Pierini, repairing pinball machines, juke boxes, etc. and driving Al's band to "gigs" in Ontario and down in the States, he ran the Western Tire Store, which was the supplier of automotive parts and distributor of chain saws and the repair shop for Abitibi Forest Operations, he worked for the Canadian National Express, overseeing freight and express lines as well as the ONR Bus Lines driving highway coach buses on charter trips and local routes.
Bill and Eileen had five children born in Iroquois Falls: twins Pamela and Patricia, Penelope, Peggy, and Peter. Patrick was born in 1972 at the old hospital in Kirkland Lake. The family moved to Kirkland Lake in 1968, Where Dad worked at Evoy McLean as a service man for supermarket, retail and industrial refrigeration at the local hospital, Northern College, Swastika Tree Nursery and the majority of the hotels, motels and elevators in the Kirkland Lake and surrounding areas. Bill and Eileen moved out to Sesekinika in 1969 as Dad had many fond memories of the lake where his parents had bought a cottage in 1934.
Bill had a way with words and loved to name his buildings: the house became the Palace (Ponderosa over CB radio), and the cottage has always been known as Razona, with the second cottage on the property being called Islander. Bill became the unofficial "Mayor" of Sesekinika and always had an open door for his friends and neighbours and many a good story to tell over a "booster shot".
Dad started his own business in the early 1980s, Bill's Service and Repairs, and continued working as a one-man shop servicing the Kirkland Lake and surrounding areas in refrigeration. He purchased his pride and joy, the Blue Bird bus, also known as, "The Blue Bird of Happiness", which stored his parts and shop area, complete with generator, lighting system, television and sound system. Many a good time was had by all! Dad retired in his 80s but always found something to tinker with. Mom and Dad moved back to Kirkland Lake in the early 2000s, where they lived on Woods Street. They recently celebrated their 67th year of marital bliss.
The family would like to send their sincere thanks to the staff at Extendicare and Blanche River Health Kirkland Lake. Special thanks to Kelly Smith and Brenda Madill.
A Celebration of life will be held this summer, which will be announced via the Northern News, Enterprise and Facebook. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Write your sympathies or tribute
16 messages received
The Righton family
So sorry to hear of Bill passing. What a character he was. Always a great conversation and such a quick mind. He was kind and funny and a joy to be around. He will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. Condolences on your loss.
Righton family
Our condolences , many memories of Bill
Peter, Vikki & Samuel
Sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patrick & Kyra Daigle
May my support
warm your heart
Peter, Vikki, Sam
I was so very sad to hear of the passing of Bill yesterday. Our families were good friends, over the many years, at Sesekinika. My earliest memories were of Bill paddling his red canoe and waving as he passed our cottage. When I visited home back in 2023, my cousins and I were fortunate to have him join us for supper one evening. He was, as always. SO very entertaining. . My condolences to all of the family. RIP Mr. Righton.
The Righton family
Sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Peter, Vikki and Sam
Sending our deepest sympathies and our love. We are keeping the family in our prayers.
May my support
warm your heart
The Righton Family and Many Friends
What a Legacy he leaves behind. Met Bill while working at Gordon's, & always had a talk when walking by his house on Woods St. for many years, What a character he was, never without a joke or a story to tell, we also had a few cold ones across the street at the EAGLE Then Peggy I met, as she took my place at Gordon's, and then Vicki thru a friend of ours, & others of the Family as well..So very sorry for your BIG loss, BUT you had him for many years and WHAT memories. RIP my Friend
May my support
warm your heart
Casey and Family
“Wilber”, as John called him, will be missed! He had a soft heart and a ready smile. Great neighbour, cook, and entertainer! My love and prayers go out to you all.
Ursula Van Oosten
Pam, Patricia and family
My sincerest condolences to you all during this difficult time. May his many memories wrap you all with warmth and strength. ️️
May my support
warm your heart
Peter, Vikki and Sam and Families
We were sorry to hear of Bill's passing. With our deepest sympathies. ️
The Entire Family
Our condolences on the loss of a great man.
His wife’s family was great friends with my dad.
In the last year or so he became my brother Paddy’s room mate at the hospital.
What stories they shared.
Thank you Bill for being kind to Paddy and looking out for him.
RIP you both are sharing heaven together I am sure .
I am sure my mom will make you that fudge you so loved.
Hugs to his family and a special hug to his wife
Casey & family
I remember Billy well. He spent much time at our kitchen table sharing stories & meals with my Dad, Norbert Grenier.
RIP Billy!!
My sincere condolences to Casey and family.
The Rightons
Hey guys ! What a loss of one of the greatest fellas I ever knew . I have many great memories of my time out in ses with your family . Many years working around kl and having Bill stop in and give me that big grin and the firmest handshakes. He used to call me the Chef De Pompier all the time . I thought it was a cool chef title . Turns out it meant “fire chief “ lol . Loved Bill . He was one of a kind . I’ll have a booster shot for him from the stage this weekend ! My dad and him are getting into trouble already I’m sure . My condolences to you all . Much Love James Taylor .
The family
On behalf of my parents, Vic and Helen Brown, we offer our condolences to the family.
Casey Righton
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I didn't know him but I remember all the fun times I had with you and all the other Guiders and just wanted you to know I have missed seeing you over these years since Guiding and I am thinking of you. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Linda Glassford
