1938 - 2024

On Friday, January 5, 2024, William (Bill) Irwin died surrounded by his family at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.

Affectionately known as Dad, Papa, Mr. Bill or Uncle Bill, he has left a hole in the hearts of many, especially his wife of 61 years, Marion, his daughters, Kathy Woods (Peter) and Marg Stevenson (Ron), his grandchildren Kate Ingram (Caleb), Jeff Stevenson (Michelle) and Naomi Woods, and although she will only hear stories of Papa, his adorable 3 month old great granddaughter, Sophie Stevenson, his step-grandchildren Sarah Otter (Mike), Michael Stevenson (Amanda) and Jennette Lobban (Steve) and his six step-great grandchildren, Wesley, Evelyn, Nigel, Presley, Victoria and Anne.

Bill lived his entire life in Whitby, growing up ‘on the farm’ at Red Wing Orchards.

He met Marion in grade 2 and they were destined to be together when he spent a whopping $0.75 in grade 7 at the ‘box social’ to buy the lunch Marion had strategically decorated with cinnamon hearts. Marrying in 1962, they quickly became a force with which to be reckoned, making a difference together in everything they tackled.

Bill practiced law in Whitby, touching the lives of many long-time Whitby residents and working closely with the Town of Whitby for many years on town files. He was an active member of the community, serving on the Whitby town council, on the Whitby Arts Board of Directors, and in The Rotary Club of Whitby.

Rotary was a huge part of Bill’s life. He contributed tirelessly as president, treasurer and secretary of the Rotary Club of Whitby, and was a champion for many community initiatives. Beyond Whitby, he was involved with international Rotary efforts, including the Polio Plus campaign, Rotary Foundation (Canada), and the District 707 International Service Committee, among others.

Bill took his role as a Rotarian seriously, always showing up to volunteer his time, whether it was flipping pancakes, helping to clean up Consumers Road, or even just visiting the Food Truck Frenzy when his health prohibited volunteering. He lived the Rotary mottos – “Service Above Self” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best”. He also gained lifelong friendships through Rotary and talked frequently of the difference it made in his life.

Bill made an impact on everyone he touched and was known for his intelligence, quick wit and especially his generosity. He loved nothing better than to share his home with global exchange students or to have friends join him at his cottage where he spent hours teaching them to waterski, taking them on sunset cruises, and making his home theirs. He willingly shared his time and resources, with quiet, generous support to the charities he most valued and to individuals who needed assistance.

Challenged most of his life by depression, Bill became an advocate for mental health. In the days when nobody discussed it, Bill courageously spoke publicly and privately about the realities of depression and the importance of recognizing it as a health challenge as real as diabetes. He was an inspiration for others dealing with their own mental health challenges.

Finally, when we think of Bill at his happiest, we think of him water-skiing at the cottage, driving his 1960 Pontiac or another old car, being a ‘Mr. Fixit’ and tackling a new project, enjoying a home-cooked meal, or scratching the ears of a beloved dog.

Most of all, though, we think of Bill with his family: as a loving father who was patient, doting and always there for his girls; as a grandfather who took his grandchildren for golf cart rides, played games with them and taught them to drive the boat, and; as a husband who loved Marion deeply and wanted nothing more than to be with her.

In the past few years, Bill’s physical and mental health declined, and it made life incredibly challenging. While we already miss him deeply, we know that he is finally at peace, free of the suffering he experienced daily.

We would like to extend our thanks to the incredible staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.

Under the trying circumstances of a holiday season and staffing shortages, their attention, care and professionalism was exceptional and they treated Bill and us with love and respect.

On Friday, January 19th there will be a time to visit with family and friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Whitby Baptist Church, 411 Gilbert St. E.

On Saturday, January 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Whitby Baptist Church, a celebration of life will be held followed by a reception with more time to visit.

An accessible entrance can be found at the back (south side) of the building.

For those who wish, there will be a time to share stories of Bill, either written for later reading, or verbally expressed with us all at the reception.

You are also welcome to bring photos to leave behind for all to enjoy in remembrance.

If you prefer to join via livestream, please contact us via email at mrbill7@bell.net and we will send you details.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Neil Murkar Charitable Foundation at this link.

When making donations, please ensure that you click on “Add Dedication” and make the donation in memory of Bill Irwin so that the funds are directed as Bill wished.

Arrangements with W.C. TOWN FUNERAL CHAPEL .