BARTLETT, William Hedley 'Bill' - After a long and wonderfully well-lived life, Bill passed away peacefully on August 22, 2018 surrounded by family.
Bill was the deeply beloved husband of Sally (nee Rigby), his wife of 66 years, and the father of Jean Shirreff, Bill (Kate Wilcox), Charlie (Felicia Norris) and Mary Bartlett-Keating.
He was the cherished grandfather of Caitlin (Jared), Ben, Erin (Lazar), William, Olivia, Lucy, Will, Belinda, Peter, Jack, Christian, Sally and Charlotte. Great-Grandfather to 3, just missing the birth of his 4th.
Bill was born in London, Ontario. He is pre-deceased by his parents William T. and Gwendolyn (nee Scandrett), and his siblings and in-laws Betsy and George Hendrie, John Bartlett, Jim Colley and son-in-law Duncan Shirreff. Bill is survived by his sister Jill Colley, and many nieces, nephews and their children.
During his education, Bill attended Ridley College (Sports Captain), UTS (Head Boy), and the University of Western Ontario. He was an outstanding athlete, playing varsity football and hockey throughout, earning him the attention of professional teams in both areas. Bill continued his athletic prowess teaching his children his love of sport and camaraderie through his endeavours as a Mooredale coach, founding member of Caledon Ski Club, life-long member at the Toronto Golf Club, and long-standing member and competitor at the B&R, serving at both in many capacities on the boards.
With a successful career in insurance, Bill worked at Confederation Life and Manufacturers Life before co-founding Bartlett Trihey, a fast-growing successful employee benefits consultancy. Throughout his career, Bill was admired for his ability to get the very best from the younger people he managed and mentored.
When not working, Bill was most often found puttering about his passion project “The Farm” that he and Sally bought in 1968, beginning a lifetime of family work, farm parties and trailblazing.
Bill had a huge impact on all that met him. His wisdom and balanced perspective made him the “go-to” guy for family and friends, helping many young adults set off on their paths to success. His jocular personality and larger than life humour kept him surrounded by friends of all ages, maintaining friendships that spanned his lifetime. But most importantly, Bill taught us all that it is easy to love loudly and deeply and to be a good and fair person.
His voice, “Bill Bartlettisms,” nicknames and endearments for those he loved will echo in our hearts.
Should one wish to make a donation on his behalf, please consider the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
There will be a private family interment. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow in the Fall. Details will be announced.
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