It is with heavy hearts we announce that William (Bill) Victor Truelove, age 85, died peacefully on March 3, 2021 with family at his side.
We take comfort in knowing that Dad is reunited with his beloved Elizabeth to whom he was happily married for almost 60 years. Elizabeth and Bill met while attending Queens University in Kingston, Ontario and lived in Thunder Bay, Kingston and Barrie.
Bill is survived by his children Linda McKenna (Keith), Brad Truelove (Colleen) and Walker Freeman, his grandchildren, Amanda and Stephanie Truelove (Fede Cisneros), Doug and David McKenna and his great grandson, Joey McKenna. Bill is also survived by his sister, Carole Brent (Al) and their children, Kelly Botz (Peter) and their children, Cadence and Andrew, Bill Brent (Tracy) and their daughter, Kayla and Tracy Brent.
Bill was very close to his cousin Fred Knapp (Doreen) and his family. The stories of their childhood adventures were often retold to the laughter and amazement of the younger members of the family.
Bill will also be missed by extended family including Charles Black and Lucie Dionne and their children, Steven Black (Susie) and their daughter, Christina, Karen Black (Andy Thompson), and Nancy Black (Jack Cossette) and their daughter, Mia, Robert Black (Margaret Carver) and his children Roberta Black and Julie Dalla Gassa (Lino).
Bill was born and raised in Westport Ontario. He excelled at both school and athletics while working before and after school at the family cheese factory. While education was a priority, football led Bill to Queen’s where along with summer work at Fort Henry, many lifelong friendships were forged.
Soon after graduating, Bill, Liz and their young family moved to Fort William Ontario in 1962 to begin his teaching career. During his twenty-two years in Thunder Bay, Bill was a Physical Education teacher, coach of countless sports teams, vice principal, principal, and superintendent of staff services. Bill was respected and admired by his students, staff, colleagues and labour leaders for his leadership and his unwavering commitment to fairness. In 1984 Bill accepted a new challenge with the SCDSB and he retired in 1996 as Deputy Director. On retirement, Bill was humbled to be presented a plaque from the teachers’ federation – “Bill Truelove - whose word is golden”.
Bill was a problem solver and self-taught handyman who tackled many renovation projects at home and at Sand Lake. Bill’s sage advice and wide range of skills led to him being regularly called on by family, friends and neighbours to lend a helping hand or an ear. Nothing brought Poppy more joy than spending time with his grandchildren. He had a monumental role in their upbringing, was always a source of encouragement and quietly taught life lessons by example. Our family will forever continue to rely on the creed “What would Poppy do?”
Bill was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be dearly missed by many.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the many health care providers including the staff at the Waterford and Care Partners who provided such tremendous care.
As per his wishes, cremation has occurred and a private family memorial will be held at a later date in Westport, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice or the Royal Victorian Regional Health Centre Foundation.
Online condolences at www.steckleygooderham.com