William B. Calder

Bernie passed away peacefully in Toronto, Ontario on Wednesday May 15, 2024, in his 86th year. 

He was the dear father of Michal (David Cross) (Toronto), Aaron (Toronto), Allegra (Gabriel Grant) (Seattle), Geoffrey (New York City), and Avery (Toronto), and grandfather of Skye Reid-Calder (daughter of Aaron), all of whom he was extremely proud.  They will fondly remember the times they shared with him enjoying music, theatre, and outdoor adventures. He was predeceased by his brother George (Wendy) and was uncle to Nancy, David, and Philip.

Born in Woodstock, Bernie practiced law and was recognized by the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario) as a Specialist in Civil Litigation.  Deeply committed to community service and life-long learning, he was a decade's long member of the Rotary and Victoria Clubs (Woodstock), and served on several boards in various capacities, including the Woodstock General Hospital Board, the Oxford Board of Education, the Fanshawe College Board of Governors, the Probus Club of Woodstock-Oxford, and Learning Unlimited (Oxford).  

Throughout his life, he was especially passionate about music and theatre. He acted in plays for 25 years with Woodstock Little Theatre and was a chorister for 20 years with the Woodstock-Fanshawe Singers, 29 years with the Grand Philharmonic Choir (Kitchener- Waterloo), and several years with London Pro Musica, the Bach-Elgar Choir (Hamilton) and the Cathedral Singers of Ontario. He was also an avid canoeist, hiker, and traveler, having visited over 70 countries.

Cremation has already taken place, and upon Bernie's request, no service will be held. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Grand Philharmonic Choir (Kitchener-Waterloo) or Theatre Woodstock. 

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