William L. Anderson

          While it doesn’t seem possible that someone so vital and alive is no longer physically here, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Lorne Anderson ‘Bill’, beloved husband to Jan for 63 years, and awesome Dad to Sue (Brian) and Vicki Lynn (Duncan).  He is also survived by his three siblings, and the extended ‘outlaws’ Bergey family.

          The essence of Bill was that a stranger could become a friend in one meeting; he met each day and person with wonder, mischief and curiosity, and could look beneath the surface to find someone’s hidden strengths.  He never stopped learning and trying to make things easier and better for us.  With a challenging youth, he learned with Jan’s support how to build a strong and loving family. 

          Bill lived in the Sally Creek Community in Woodstock for the past 20 years, where he was instrumental in a men’s golf league and many other activities that brought people together.  He started playing pickleball at age 82.  The depths of his friendships and support in this community remain a precious gift to his family.

          Prior to retirement, Bill taught Geography at Aurora High School from its inception in 1972, and remembers his students and colleagues with fond memories, including the variety of teams he loved coaching.  He and Jan raised their family in Keswick, enjoying boating on Lake Simcoe, curling, and downhill and cross-country skiing in the area.  He and Jan enjoyed an active retirement, wintering in Myrtle Beach for years with a strong group of friends.  They travelled frequently all over Europe, touching Asia and to the Amazon and Peru with Globus tours.  They also enjoyed cruises, many road trips to the States and out West. They always included family when possible, and every gathering included fun and games and teasing, especially rowdy Thanksgiving events at Carriage Ridge playing ‘off road’ bocce and dance parties.  An active outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, paddling, boating, and hiking in nature, and showing us all how to appreciate the signs around us.  In the last year, he also became a Facebook Marketplace virtuoso, selling anything to anyone, enjoying all the folks he encountered in this endeavour.

          Even in the hospital in what were to be his last days, he remained interested in every one of the staff he came in contact with, and truly remained relentlessly loving and cheerful even when he knew there was no way out of this corner (and he had escaped many tough ones!).  He was tremendously well cared for in the Woodstock Hospital, they made him feel valued and as comfortable as possible.  We are so grateful to have had his example of living every moment to the fullest.  Most sincere thanks also to Dr. Binh Vu, whose dedication to his physical and emotional care meant the world to us all.

          Bill did not want a service, so please celebrate him in the way that feels most appropriate to you.  Donations in his honour to the Woodstock Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice, are appreciated. 

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca