WILLIAM JOSEPH HANLON

1944 - 2020

It is with heavy hearts that the family of William Joseph Hanlon has to announce that he passed peacefully away at his home on November 21, 2020 at the age of 76. Bill showed great strength over the past three years, facing his illness, never complaining and always thinking more about those around him than himself.

He will always be remembered by us with great love. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Lona (Hickey), three children whom he dearly cherished and five grandchildren who were the light of his life: Tracey (Scott) Wagstaff and their son Liam, Renee (Ryan) Konotopsky and their children Nathan, Rachel and Claire, and David (Kim) and their daughter Nora.

One thing is for sure, Bill loved life. He said it recently himself, “I have everything anyone would ever want.” He loved people and it has become very evident over the past few days that he has touched many lives. The many beautiful expressions of sympathy that we are receiving all have a common thread. Bill treated everyone with kindness and respect.

Over the years Bill formed many friendships. He enjoyed playing hockey for many years. He enjoyed his years with the Kiwanis Club. Most of all though, he loved his work, or what he referred to as “his other families.” He spent 29 years as principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Francis Academy and St. Michael’s High School. He finished his career as an administrator at Keyin College.

Of course anyone who knew Bill would know that he loved spending time at our cabin. Many good times were had and strong bonds were formed with the “cabin crowd” from the early days with lots of children around to getting older and enjoying each other’s company. Bill treasured these times.

Bill came from a large family of strong people and he loved each one of them dearly. He was predeceased by his loving parents Michael and Catherine (Murray), sisters Shirley, Betty, Ann and Patsy, and brother-in-law Vern Carey. Left to mourn are his brothers Tom, Raymond (Race) (Carolyn) and Michael (Mick) (Vera). Also left to mourn are sisters Fran, Barb and Marion and a large number of nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank those who provided help and support during Bill’s illness:

The doctors and nurses at the Cancer Clinic.

Nicole Pitcher whose friendship and knowledge got us through the early days.

Horwoods Home Care, especially Andrea Jacobs, his favorite caregiver.

Ruth Wells and Rhonda MacDonald.

Father Joseph Uy.

Mike Goodyear and Mondella Winsor at Central Funeral Home.

Bill would also like us to thank a number of his very close friends. For fear of leaving one out we will just say, “You know who you are. Thank you.”

Due to COVID we were unable to gather and have a service for Dad and have chosen to now have a service and celebration for them both. A joint memorial mass will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion.

“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” – William Shakespeare