September 15, 1930 - January 13, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” McLeister in his 92nd year on Friday January 13th in Ajax Pickering Hospital with family by his side.

Bill was born in Northern Ireland and immigrated to Canada in 1954 together with his wife Isabel whom he first met at a Floral Hall dance in Belfast.

Bill was the loving husband of Isabel for 68+ years; father to Sandra (Scott), Ronald (Kate), Alan (Vicki), Linda (Bruce) and Karen (Stan); grandfather to Bryan (Kristen), Connor (Sarah), Jessica, Kathleen (Quinton), Andrew, Stirling, Kyle and Shaina; and great-grandfather to Lyla.

He will be dearly missed by his extended family and friends.

He first apprenticed as a mechanic with Inglis Bakery and then worked at the Aircraft Factory in Belfast before going to Toronto where he worked for a short time with International Harvester followed by the Toronto Star for 37 years.

Bill loved attending his grandsons Bryan and Connor’s soccer, hockey and lacrosse games. He was a great fan of Manchester United Football Club and an avid table tennis player in his youth. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and DIY and could fix most anything around the house.

Bill was very kind-hearted, family oriented, and hardworking with a great sense of humour. The McLeister Family would like to thank the 2-North Nursing Team and Dr. Lui at Ajax Pickering Hospital for their wonderful care and kindness during Bill’s stay there.

Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held in the future.

According to Bill’s wishes, his ashes will be returned to Northern Ireland - always his home in his heart.