Bill was born at Hills Lake in Robillard Township to George and Janet Thorpe. Bill celebrated his 90th birthday this year. Bill is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, adventurer, sports enthusiast, outdoorsman and self-made man. He travelled many places across Canada from north of the arctic circle to the tip of Point Pelee. In his travels he worked many different jobs like farm worker, miner, mill worker, equipment operator, diamond driller, mechanic and more.
With his love of sports and competition he played and coached hockey, played baseball and broom ball, cross country skiing, biathalon and most of all canoe racing. He is remembered for his community involvement as a volunteer fire fighter, fundraiser for a number of activities and charities such as being “Freddie the Freeloader” during the carnival and other events. He even managed to ply his acting skills as an extra in a few movies. Bill loved telling stories of his many adventures and misadventures, singing, dancing and most of all his passion for life.
Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Helen. He is survived by his children Bernadine (Guy), John (Kate), his grandchildren Melanie (Mark) Ashley (Phil), Hannah (Cody), Jeff (Sidny) and his great-grandchildren Gabriel, Kamlyn, Lillian, Odessa and Avary as well as his sisters Florence (Victor), Margaret and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Kristine. As per Bill‘s wishes there will be no public funeral. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to heart and stroke foundation.
“Storms never last do they baby. Bad times all pass with the wind. Your hand in mine stills the thunder. And you make the sun want to shine.” - From one of Bill and Helen's favourite songs.
My deepest sympathy on your loss of Bill. Bill was one of the nicest men I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He will forever be missed by so many, myself included. My thoughts and prayers go out to Helen and family .
Darrell
Condolences to your family. Bill was a fixture at the Kenogami Biathlons years back and this is where I got to know both Helen and Bill. A great skier who didn’t mind passing on his knowledge . A true gentleman
Sincere condolences
So sorry to see that Bill has passed. He will be missed at Watebeag. He was still pretty active this past summer and it will be strange to not see him puttering around.
Take care, our thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Bill. A huge loss for a man who was full of life filled with so many accomplishments. Always enjoyed taking to him, always had a great story to tell you.
He will be missed, may he R I P!
Pat Kiely and family
Helen and family, we are sorry to hear that Bill has passed. We will certainly miss his wonderful stories of yesteryears. We always enjoyed listening to all his past adventures and experiences. He could sure keep us entertained. Life at the cottage will not be the same without his presence. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sharon and Norman
I knew Bill when he worked at the Kerr Addison Mine. He played on many of the Sports teams in V-town. His involvment in various charties was well known and respected.
Was stunned to hear of Bill's passing. So so sorry for your loss. Will always remember Bill with a smile on his face and a sense of humour no one will forget. Our condolences and hugs. Pat & Bruce
Condolences to Helen and Family. Watabeag will sure miss Bill.
My sincere condolences to everyone, may your wonderful memories of Bill help you through this sad and difficult time. ️
Bill will surely be missed. We will miss his stories but mostly his songs....he had a way of keeping us smiling. He was a great brother-in-law.
Love to you all...Doug and Linda...
Condolences to Bill’s Family. He was never without a smile. May loving memories will keep him close.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will certainly be missed. May he RIP
Bill and Dianne Edge
Loved Uncle Bill. An absolute Legend. I loved sitting and talking with him, and night time walks under the stars where you could see your breath. Some of my best times were at Bill and Helen’s. Love you all.
I never knew Bill personally but did know Helen and John. Since John was such a well known figure in our town and such a competative boater i loved to read up on his many excursions. My heart goes out to all of his family and love ones as i know from experience how difficult this is for all of you. RIP John
My sincere condolences on the passing of Bill.
What a great life he had. His sense of humour was second to none.
Glad I got to know him at the hunt camp with Court and the rest of the crew.
He was a great family man and he will truly be missed.
May your paddle carry you with God's speed Bill until we meet again.
RIP
Rick Barker
Condolences to you all at this very sad and difficult time. Bill has left a Legacy and tons of Memories to remember him by, he was one Special person. So sorry for your loss.
Bill taught me how to fish at Hills lake when I was a child . He taught everything you want to know about the outdoors. He was an accomplished canoeist, beating younger paddlers well into his senior years. We will miss him very much. Love from Paul and Anne.
I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. My memories of Bill go back to meeting him 60+ years as a 6 year old girl that was a frequent
visitor at his lovely wife's Helen's family home. He was such a wonderful person even then as a young man. I met up with Bill a few times over years when returning to the area on vacation and it was like no time had passed. Since relocating to Kenogami about 9 years ago my husband I had the pleasure of sitting with Bill at many of the Jr. K.L. Miners hockey games talking about the old days which I will always cherish. We shared a lot of stories. Our condolences and thoughts are with all of you dur
ing this difficult time.
Susan "Czuis" Condie & Derek Condie
Thinking of all of you at this most difficult time, after reading of the great life Bill had, I am sure you have a lot of good treasured memories, may you keep them close in your hearts.
I must explain, I am the wife of Brian Thorpe ,deceased April 18/20(son of Joe Thorpe) Windsor,Ontario
My sincere condolences at the passing of Bill. May the wonderful memories of your life together help you through this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss. Treasure the memories. Lorraine
So sorry for your loss our deepest condolences to the family and friends.Bill will be missed by all who knew him sending big hugs
My deepest condolences to you and your family! My thoughts are with you.
Our sincere condolences.
Helen McCallum and Family
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to all. Such a pleasant man always nice chatting with him.
I was shocked to read the Bill had passed away mid October. I offer my condolences and prayers to the amity at this time of sorrow.
Ruth and I were saddened to read about Bill,s passing.
Bill and Helen Thorpe lived behind us on Eby Rd,in Eby Township.
Bill would always stop by and have a visit and tell us of his experiances working up North,
as well as other places.Bill was a good man,and a great story teller.
Even though we had to move south we sometimes remember him.
Rest in peace,Bill.
