William “Bill” Vize
Died: February 9, 2022 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
VIZE, William Alfred…
September 17, 1922 – February 9, 2022
It is with great joy that we celebrate the life of William. A. Vize. A life-long resident of London, Bill married the love of his life, Dorothy Danforth (Leamington) in 1947. Together they carved out a dynamic and gratifying life together for over 70 years. Dorothy pre-deceased Bill in 2020. Those who will continue to embrace both of them include: daughter, Lyn (Vize) Shulha and husband, Dennis (Kingston); grandson, Mike Shulha, wife Erica Wiseman, and great-grandsons, Sasha and Benjamin (Montreal); and grandson, Jason Shulha, husband, Tyler Brown and great-grand-daughter, Phoebe (Peterborough).
Bill was an accomplished drummer by his early teens. During World War II he served overseas as a troop entertainer. Back at home, he accompanied artists such as Oscar Peterson, Peter Appleyard, Stan Kenton and vocalists Bobby Vinton, the Four Aces, Tommy Hunter, and the Crew Cuts. Bill distinguished himself, however, as the original and full-time drummer of the Johnny Downs Orchestra – a big band that entertained London (Wonderland) and South Western Ontario from 1939 until 1988. This band is now enshrined in the Port Stanley, Stork Club Museum, Hall of Fame. A moment of great pride for Bill was when he was able to follow his own father’s footsteps into the drummer’s chair of the Mocha Temple Shrine Band where he played & participated as a Nobel in community projects until 2004.
Bill was also a member of the downtown business community. The Wm. A. Vize Insurance Agency was located in the Wright Building on Wellington Street, making it easy for him to also volunteer in programs offered by the original London YM-YWCA. Another central interest in Bill’s life was the work of the Forest City Kiwanis Club where, for many years, he could be found on duty at the London Life Parking Lot and managing the Club’s food booth at the Western Fair.
His family would like to thank all those who, over many years, made it possible for Bill to live out his life on his own terms, at home. The initial path was cleared by Dr. Stephanie Stocco and Christine McDonald (physiotherapist) who helped establish the direction and continued to guide him along his journey. Bill also looked forward to seeing Miriam Bee, Jenny Clark & Nellie Dimello-Jeffereson when they arrived to support him at home. We are also grateful to our local contact at Veteran’s Affairs Canada, the Complex Team Coordinator of the Home and Community Care Support Services, and the staff from CBI Health, SE Health (especially Hemand), and finally, to his palliative care team. Your efforts over the years, months or days that you helped Dad contributed greatly to his quality of life.
For 58 years, Bill took great pride in being a member of his South London neighbourhood. As a community you inspired Dad to be outside in the garage or sitting on the front step! He savored all opportunities to greet those with both 2 and 4 legs, as you would wave or drop by for a visit. He was always so grateful for the gifts of fresh produce and home baking; but mostly, he loved the opportunities to have a conversation. Special mention, must go to Michelle Gosnell and Bill Russell. Bill was a master at keeping Bill’s house and property just the way he liked it! Michelle’s home management skills, and increasing care and affection over many years added much colour, security and joy to Bill’s life. Great neighbours, great friends, great times.
You didn’t have to know Bill long to see that he was kind, fun loving, and bighearted. He was all this and more with his family, keeping track of and supporting us in all our various life journeys. He was a model of optimism, generosity, and resilience. These traits and his affection have shaped our lives, and give us many ways to keep him with us always. We know Bill’s strength of spirit also stretched beyond our family and so will continue to inspire us all.
Cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. 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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Here comes Vize down the left wing arms and legs flying. He shoots he scores. What great memories of Sunday morning hockey with Bill and my dad along with other members of the Downs band. Plus there were the post season parties. Great times and great memories. My condolences to Bill’s family but take solace in a life well lived.
Saddened to hear that Bill has died. As a fellow drummer, I count Bill as one of my mentors. “Bunk” was a great drummer on the local scene for many,many years and a real gentleman. Several years back, I was playing a gig at the London Hunt Club . Bill was there as a guest and was intently studying my drum technique. When the band took a break , we exchanged pleasantries to which he sagely added “Keep practicing your rudiments!” He’s gone but will never be forgotten,especially by London’s musical community.
Lynn, Denny & Family, Your words are a beautiful tribute to your Dad and certainly point to a full life, well lived and enjoyed. I will warmly remember my visits with your Mom and Dad and the conversations we had, particularly our shared background of our careers in the insurance industry. Our condolences for your loss. Vikki & Mike Searle
It was my sincere pleasure to know Bill
during his time with Mocha Shrine’s Historic Concert Band.
Bill was not only a professional drummer but a gentleman who warmly welcomed others into his presence.
I was blessed to share many musical experiences with him.
My sincere condolences are offered to Bill’s family as they mourn the loss of a loved one,
I was fortunate in taking weekly half hour drum lessons from Bill in his basement studio in the later 1960’s. Repetitiously learning the 26 Basic Rudiments of percussion with a practice pad and metronome wasn’t exactly as exciting as imagining playing a real drum kit like Ringo Starr or Dave Clark. With Bill’s solid drumming knowledge and patience his mentoring encouraged and taught many beginners the required foundations of modern percussion. Good memories of those times. My condolences and prayers to his family.
This site offers a beautiful tribute to an incredible man who contributed so much joy to so many. He lived life to the fullest and inspired others. We are glad to have met him and to know that many of his passions and values live on in his family. A celebration of a life well lived seems like a perfect parting as he joins his beloved wife.