CHARTERS, William Edwin Charters

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of William (Bill) Edwin Charters (age 62), on May 8th, 2026, at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, ON. His partner Vanessa, and children Kimberly and Kyle, were by his side to say goodbye.
Bill was first and foremost a family man. He loved his children and would do anything for them. He got immense joy from the times they spent together and was so proud of the confident and successful adults they had become. Bill was thrilled to be there when Kimberly got married, enjoyed his canoe trips with Cameron and loved listening to live music with Kyle. Bill was deeply committed to his partner Vanessa, with whom he enjoyed traveling, cooking, enjoying a glass of wine or watching a Blue Jays game. He loved the outdoors, and spent much of his time cycling, walking, hiking, sailing, canoeing and camping. Even living in the heart of the city, Bill wanted to feel connected to nature. He always looked out for others, often putting their needs in front of his own. He was a deeply caring and genuinely kind man, who will be missed by many.
In September 2025, Bill was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Though Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, he was fortunate to have access to world-class care including a clinical trial which provided very promising early results. When Bill became resistant to treatment, with great strength and bravery, he elected to turn his focus to spending quality time with family and friends, for as long as he could.
Bill is survived by his partner Vanessa, his father Peter, and his children Kimberly (Layne) and Kyle. He is predeceased by his mother, Betty Jean (Thompson), his brother John and his son, Cameron.
An intimate Celebration of Life will be held for close friends and family. Details will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s name to either the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (where he received the best of care right to his last day) or to Campfire Circle (a charity which sends children with cancer to camp and was very special to his son Cameron). We have also set up a Memory Wall at https://bill.charters.page where the family invites you to share memories, stories and photos so that we can reflect on many of the special times, fond memories and wonderful people in Bill’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name are appreciated at:
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
https://thepmcf.ca/ways-to-give/give-in-honour-and-celebration/
Campfire Circle
https://give.campfirecircle.org/page/169506/donate/1