William “Bill” Stiles
Died: May 24, 2020 | Place: Parkwood Institute, London
Obituary
STILES, William “Bill”….
Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London, on Sunday, May 24, 2020, William “Bill” Stiles passed away in his 78th year after a lengthy battle with esophageal cancer. Predeceased by his parents, Edward and Melba (nee Hodgson) Stiles, and his infant brother, John. Beloved husband of the Rev. Joan (nee Weir) Stiles of London. Loving father of Michael (Donna), Kimberley Ewing (Kevin), Brett (Sarah) and Heather Nadon (John). Cherished “Poppa” to his grandchildren Julia, Gabriel, Johnny, Lily, Charlie, Caighlee, Jack, Luke, Daysha, Faith, Korben, Matthew and Liam. Dear brother of his sister, Melba Park (Larry) of Lucknow.
During high school, Bill worked with his father in the funeral business. Upon graduation, Bill worked full time and obtained his Funeral Director’s licence in 1966. The highlight of his life was meeting Joan, coincidentally at her grandfather’s funeral which he had arranged for her family. Bill and Joan were married the following year.
In 1982, Bill chose to leave the funeral business to focus on his family, and they moved from Goderich to London. Many years later, in 1996, Bill started working at the first London Costco on Wellington Road, five years after it had opened. He earned the nickname “Costco Bill” and enjoyed 18.5 years of fun there before he retired. He has many cherished friends among his former coworkers.
He spent a good portion of his retirement as a spectator of the various activities of his grandchildren and could often be seen at minor league football games, choir recitals, hockey games, school plays, dance recitals, and soccer matches. He was an avid sports fan who really hoped that the Leafs would win one more Cup!
The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to many who assisted Bill in the latter part of his life including Drs Inculet, Lanting, McManus, Parent, Sanatani, Yu and each of their respective staffs; the Victorian Order of Nurses and the excellent care home care that they provide; the staff at Hamilton Pharmacy – Dr. Chawla and staff; and the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Institute.
A private family interment has taken place at Colborne Cemetery, Goderich.
Donations of sympathy in Bill’s name may be made to the Thoracic Surgery Division, London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or to the Victorian Order of Nurses, 100-2315 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8.
Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I will truly miss Bill’s power grip handshake of welcome that I had the privilege of receiving for many years. A valued member of St. George’s Lodge No. 42. He will be missed.
Joan and family – thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Cherish the good memories.
We would like to express our sincerest condolences to Bill’s family. We are thankful for the opportunities we had to spend time with Bill at Luke’s football. He always had funny jokes and enjoyed giving me (Alyson) the play by play. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and always had a little sparkle in his eye when talking about Sarah. He will be dearly missed and will always be welcome to sit with me in spirit at the next game. May God bless the family and welcome Bill into heaven where I know he will look over his family with love and pride.
May memories keep Bill close to you in spirit and thought so he will always be in your heart.
Thinking of you,
Linda and Dennis
It is with heartful sadness we learned of Bill’s passing, He was a treasured friend for over 43 years and will be deeply missed. He always had a smile, hearty handshake and considerate to all. We knew he was not well but it is always sad to realize one is gone. Deepest sympathies to Joan, Michael, Kim, Brett, Heather Dawn and the extended family. Our prayers are with you.
To Joan and family:
We send our sincere condolences to you all. May Bill rest in peace and we will keep you in our prayers.
Doug & Judy Croden
Remembering good and happy times together. Miss ya’ Bill!
Heart felt sympathy. Sorry for your loss.
We wish to express our sympathy on the passing of Bill. We used to see him a lot when he worked at Costco with his great smile. He will be missed by all of your family and know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan, I am so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I know you and your family will find strength in knowing he is with his Lord now.
Our deepest condolences to you all, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill was an awesome person, and we’ll never forget how positive and warm he was. He always remembered who we were (Kim’s friends), and every time we saw him at Costco, greeted Mike with a “hello young fella”, along with that strong, sincere hand shake ??. He will always be remembered.
Dear Joan;
I was sorry to read about Bill’s death in the paper. It is not easy to lose a spouse and my prayers are with you. Until we get through this pandemic, I am sending a virtual hug. I will give you a real one when it is permitted.
With love and prayers,
Brian
Bill was so important to me especially in my younger years. It was on his bicycle that I raced cars and winning going around the square in Goderich. His Dad and Mom bought me a really neat motorboat when I was 10 y.o. I was suppose to wait until a got back home in Toronto before I got the batteries to run that boat, but Bill came through and gave me the 50 cents to get those very important batteries. Boy did I get it for that. I miss you Bill and your calls on family business. RIP bro.
Dear Joan and Family,
Our sincerest condolences to you all. Bill always had a friendly hello and big smile for us. We both worked with him at the London South Costco. We have many happy memories of our interactions with him. God bless you all. Phil and Shona Sanders
Dear Joan and Family,
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Bill.
I became good friends with Bill while he worked at Costco. We often had lunch together. I have added a picture of Bill, George Meek and I to your picture gallery. The picture was taken at Tim Horton’s at one of our recent gatherings. We referred to each other as Larry, Curly and Moe. I’m remembering the many happy times we spent with Bill and will miss him greatly.
Joan and family, our deepest sympathies in the loss of Bill. I will always remember him for his friendliness and genuine interest in people. Wishing you peace.
We were sorry to learn about Bill’s passing. We crossed paths many times over the year. The Haskett family extends sympathy to his family.
Dear Mike,
I’m sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. Please accept my condolences to you, Kim, Brett, Heather and your Mom. You know that my favourite memories as a young boy in Goderich were made with you in our little corner of the world at Albert and Nelson streets. Your parents, like those of all the neighborhood kids, were a kind of constant background presence while we went about the serious business of playing in the streets. To this day the thought of your family brings a smile to my face and a rise to my spirits. I send my best wishes during this sad time. – Chris
Joan
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peace and Love
Nancy