1943 - 2022
Unexpectedly on June 16, 2022. Bill made his home both in Mono and at his cottage on Redstone Lake in Haliburton. He left us at the age of 78 remaining youthful and vibrant until his sudden passing.
Bill was the loving husband to Jody for 55 years. He was also a dedicated father of two sons, Don (Allyson) and Bill Jr. (Jennifer). He was the best grandfather to his four grandchildren; Don’s Emily and Liam, and Bill Jr.’s James and Will, and for many years you could always find a beloved black lab at Bill’s side.
Always the hard worker, Bill started in the trucking industry in the early 1960s, driving for Canada Brick. He opened Rea Brothers Trucking in the late 1960s with his brother and branched on his own with a fleet of trucks with both Riviera Leasing and Blueline Trucking. His final venture was Riviera Truck Sales. When time came for retirement, Bill was having none of it and just kept going.
In a need to keep busy, he focused on his family helping out with many household and cottage projects. He always loved to spend time with his grandkids and was the happiest boat driver for tubing and water skiing on Redstone Lake. He was always a constant help to both friends and family and Bill was always the first to volunteer to help out, and was the first to arrive and the last to leave. When the major storm happened in May 2022 and his son Bill Jr. had major tree damage, he dropped everything, grabbed his chainsaw, and drove 4 hours on the Sunday of a long-weekend to help clear trees and debris.
He was actively involved with the communities he lived in and volunteered for various groups such as the Churchville Heritage Committee, the Churchville Cemetery Board, and the Redstone Lake East Bay Roads Committee. Bill was happiest when he had something to do, especially if it involved motorized equipment and the outdoors. When not outdoors, Bill could be found making wine with his neighbours and later sharing that wine with friends and family! It will now be time for someone else to step up and clear the neighbourhood driveways this winter.
Please come and share memories with the family in a Celebration of Life for Bill at Jones Funeral Home in Georgetown. Visiting dates and times are:
Monday, June 27 7 pm – 9 pm
Tuesday, June 28 2 pm – 4 pm
Tuesday, June 28 7 pm – 9 pm
Internment will take place later this year at Churchville Cemetery after Bill spends the summer at the lake.
In place of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bill’s honour to the Canadian Red Cross or the Upper Credit Humane Society.