GIVEN, William “Bill” Kirk Given

Passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Hospital, on Dec 9th, 2025 at the age of 90 with family at his side. Bill was born on May 23, 1935 in Toronto, Ontario where he spent his childhood alongside his brother Ted and his parents Lillian May (Barnes) and Kirkwood M Given.

As a young boy he developed a keen interest in all things mechanical, especially cars, but also trains, planes and boats. He purchased his first car when he was 14 years old. Summers were spent cottaging on Lake Boshkung with family & friends. As a youngster he spent time boating, swimming, splitting wood for kindling (his job), & exploring the woods. As a teenager he joined the RCAF reserves where he worked as a mechanic. Bill started his teaching career as an elementary school teacher in North York, later becoming a Vice Principal and then Principal for the same board of education. During his early career he completed his university degree at Queen’s University.

Bill met his wife, Nancy, at Don Mills Junior High School, where they both taught. They were married in June 1965 & moved to Markham where they welcomed twin daughters, Stephanie & Stacey in 1969. He became more heavily involved in the Antique & Classic Car Club of Canada (ACCCC), going on many Tours to Yesteryear and judging at the Concours d’Elegance at the Inn on the Park, while maintaining his fleet & building friendships with other members. A move to a house and 4 car garage in Stouffville was short lived before moving to Sharon, where a larger 6 car garage accommodated more cars, their parts and allowed room for a heated workspace that Bill was able to enjoy when he retired in 1991. This is also where he happily welcomed Steve Simmons & John Kwaka to the family in 1993. Then in 2001 he was thrilled to become the proud Grandpa of Maddy Kwaka & Karen Simmons.

Bill and Nancy purchased a lot in Fenelon Falls in 2004 & built a new home with a large 6 car garage, then added a shed to complement the garage storage. During this time Bill was pleased to have the opportunity to become an early member of the Kawartha Lakes Region of the ACCCC. He began writing the Benny’s Garage series of stories anonymously for the Reflector magazine which he continued to create for 10 years.  He enjoyed many car activities throughout his time there and made some wonderful friends.

Memorable trips were taken to Hawaii, to British Columbia (of course taking the train), many trips to Florida, & a trip to England with 3 generations of family.

Bill was always encouraging & supportive, making it a point to express & recognize people’s kindnesses and deeds.  He was an excellent historian and was able to recall dates and years by remembering the cars that he and others owned. He had a great sense of humour and a set of twinkly blue eyes that laughed along with him.

Bill will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Nancy (Robinson), his wonderful daughters, Stephanie Kwaka & husband John, Stacey Simmons & husband Steve, his loving granddaughters, Madaleine Kwaka & Karen Simmons, by his sister-in-law Lillian Given (wife of late brother Ted), brother-in-law Arthur Robinson & wife Barbara, his nieces Jacqueline Given, Gillian Ogden & husband John, his nephews Mark Robinson & wife Beth, Brett Robinson & wife Amanda, Jeff Robinson & wife Michelle, Jason Robinson & Justine Sanderson, Scott Robinson & Simone Sanderson, step-nephew Gordon Hagan, step-nieces, Janice Hagan & William Sperandei, Katherine Hagan, and  great nieces & nephews, Joshua Ogden and fiancé Becky, Imogen Ogden, Kayleigh Richards, Brigid Robinson, Claire Robinson, Mila Robinson, Tobin Robinson, Ava Yarema, & Skye Robinson.

He was predeceased by his brother Teddy Given, his brother-in-law Frank Robinson and his father and mother-in-law, Oscar and Lillian Robinson. He will be sadly missed by many special friends and neighbours.

Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Uxbridge Hospital and Southlake Regional Health Centre, Dr. J. Green, Dr. P. Lekas, Dr. R. Fernandes and Dr. E. Hanna for their care during the last few years.

Cremation has been entrusted to Low & Low Funeral Home, Uxbridge. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to share memories, express condolences or make donations – www.lowandlow.ca.