William Edmond Lavoie was born on August 8, 1997 to Sheila and Elie Lavoie. From birth onward William was a very special young man. His diverse interests included listening to music, especially Shania Twain, entertainment by “Barney” the purple dinosaur, car rides, quadding, tubing, and even two wheeling – he loved the “need for speed”. With Williams’s bright blue eyes and shy mischievous grin, he would always let you know when he was having the time of his life. William began his educational journey at the age of 5 attending the Developmental Education program at Vickers Elementary followed by his high school years at the Independent Futures Program at Carlton Comprehensive High School. He thoroughly enjoyed his bus rides to Prince Albert with the companionship and care of his special bus driver Sonya Wiberg as she always ensured that he was safe and in the best of care. William was quick to make strong connections with those who cared for him including Linda Mackie, Lee-Anne Hood and the support staff members involved. William shared a special kind of love with each of his family members. William and his mommy cherished a strong and mutual love. He was her special gift from God and the two of them shared a very special bond that included their own quiet, calm form of laughter and communication. The adoration he held for his mommy was always evident in the big warm smiles and affection he offered. William and his father shared a strong bond as they spent many hours enjoying each other’s company hanging out in the garage, riding go-cart and the many miles driving around together in dad’s trucks. William will always be his dad’s “Sunday driver”. The special connection that William had with his Grandma Jean and Grandpa Gordon was so important to William and their love and support allowed him many opportunities. Grandma Jean was William’s champion – she was the best grandma for William as she showered him with love and affection, as well as supported him by attending every school meeting to ensure that his needs were met. Grandpa Gordon was his hero and the quality time William had with Grandpa riding on the lawn tractor, playing practical jokes, and having many laughs meant the world to him. William always looked forward to Grandpa’s teasing and returned the favour with the best belly laughs. William was surrounded by love and his Auntie Shelley also played an important part in his life. She was his favorite singer and depending on the song could calm him or make him laugh. Auntie Shelley was also his advocate and a fun loving person who always made time to ensure William was happy and healthy. William lived most of his life in his hometown of Paddockwood until moving to Lakeland Trail at the Herb Bassett Home in May of 2018. To make his transition easier his family also moved to Prince Albert to be closer to William so they could continue their support and daily visits. William made many friends at Lakeland Trail and enjoyed the exercise classes, bible studies, and other events that took place in the home. One special memory for William was the exceptional swing that his father built for him to enjoy in the outside courtyard. His squeals of delight were confirmation to those around him that he was thoroughly enjoying the swing crafted especially for him. His father, jack of all trades, always ensured William was having fun. Williams’s challenges with Autism made him the amazing and unique young man he was. He taught the people around him many things. He taught people the importance of strength, humility, patience, diversity, and most of all the meaning and importance of unconditional love. While William fought to overcome many medical challenges with the help of his family, he always showed incredible strength and courage. Due to unexpected illness William passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 21st with his loving family by his side. His time on earth was special and the world is a better place because of William. He lived a fun filled life with the many wonderful adventures he shared with his family. William will be greatly missed by all who knew him. William is survived by his loving family: parents Sheila and Elie, maternal grandparents Jean and Gordon Goodman; aunts/uncles: Shelley (Cory) Crawford, cousins Meagan and Ryan, Ernest (Frances) Lavoie, Michel (Marion) Lavoie, Therese Paradis, Denise Purdy, Rachel Culloden and Marleen (Lorne) Lavoie-Green; numerous great aunt, uncles and cousins, his friends and caregivers at “Lakeland Trail”, Herb Bassett Home and his special teachers and support staff at Dev Ed and the Independent Futures Program. William was predeceased by paternal grandparents Edmond and Lucienne Lavoie; his uncles Henry Lavoie, Albert Paradis, Dale Purdy, Mathew Culloden; many special great aunts, uncles and cousins. William’s family wishes to thank Autism Services, PA for their years of support and advocacy. The family also wishes to extend special thankyous and acknowledgement to the following: Dr. Lauren Allen and Dr. Breanna Davis for their care, compassion and support for William, as well as the excellent care and compassion provided by the ER, OR and ICU departments during William’s last day with us. Private Family Services will be held. Interment will be held at a later date. Donations in the memory of William can be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, 1200 24 Street West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T4. All the memorial donations received will be directed to Autism Services and Lakeland Trail. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.