After successfully battling heart disease for 34 years, and at the age of 81, William (Bill) Benjamin Doucette passed away suddenly at home, as he waited for his morning Tims Hortons coffee. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Sharon, his parents Blanche Howell and Benjamin Doucette, and his brothers, Ted Thaxter and Robert Jones. He is survived by his sisters Pat Lackie (Curtis) and Linda Dalling (John). He was loved and will be greatly missed by his daughters Lori Ferguson (Ken) and Tammy Jones (Ronnie) and grandchildren, Emma, William, Matthew (Ferguson) and Ryan Peck. He will also be missed by his longtime Cottonwood Cres neighbours.
Born in South branch, NB, Bill grew up in Sussex and left school early after his father died. He found work with Millstream Creamery starting out with deliveries, and progressing to making the cheese and butter. At the age of 17 he left Sussex to join the Canadian Armed Forces, and met and married Sharon four years later when he was posted to Downsview. Bill and Sharon quickly had two daughters, and remained married for 58 years until Sharon’s death. In the course of his 35 years of service, Bill had postings to Toronto ON, Germany (4-wing), Greenwood N.S, Dartmouth N.S, St.Louis Mo, and finally Ottawa. During his career in the service he finished his high school education, and rose to the rank of Master Warrant Officer prior to his retirement. Over the course of his career, he worked as an avionics technician on the Argus, serviced Sea King helicopters on board the Skeena and was posted to St.Louis Mo, for the CF-18 program.
Once Bill retired he kept busy participating in Volksmarches, skating on the canal, and playing tennis. Although he enjoyed a number of sports over the course of his life, racquet sports were his favourite. A self-taught handyman, he completed his own home renovations, and serviced his own appliances and vehicle. Nothing was thrown out until he ‘had a look at it’. A self-appointed yard keeper, he kept his and his neighbours lawns cut, and driveways clear until the last few years, when he finally permitted his Grandsons to start taking over some of that work. He loved keeping busy, could be a grumpy worker and in his own words wasn’t known for his patience, but in a shocking twist, found an endless supply when it came to his grandchildren. Bill was very, proud of all his Grandchildren and followed their educational accomplishments, outside interests and career achievements closely. Easily identified by his ever present Tilley hat, he could usually be found at Tims for his afternoon coffee, and planned his day according to when golf, tennis, curling, or hockey was on the television. He fulfilled his intention of remaining in his own home, and at the time of his death was still completing his own taxes and could predict the total cost of his groceries, down to a penny before reaching the cash register. The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan his family physician for his care over many years, and Dr. Hafez his cardiologist for the attention, support and careful monitoring he gave him. Visitation will take place at Beechwood, Funeral Cemetery and Cremation services (280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa ON) on Wednesday November 16th from 10:00am – 12:00pm, followed by an honor guard accompanying him to his final resting place at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to your local food bank, a cause Bill regularly supported. We encourage everyone who knew Bill to share their memories and condolences by signing the register below.
Digital Guestbook
Linda Dalling
Trena Adair
Thinking of you and your family
Frank and Claudette Somogyvari
Always generously gave of his time, labor and advice. While I was working in Toronto for several years I was always surprised to see my driveway clear of snow or lawn mowed. You did not need to ask for help Bill was always there without asking. Bill always insisted on things being done right and freely let you know when it wasn’t. We will miss him dearly and still look for his silver car leaving for Timmies at least twice a day, or waiting for Lori to leave so he could get on with doing all of those things he was told not to do.
Patricia and Curtis Lackie & family
We would like to extend our sincere sympathies & condolences to Lori, Tammy & families.
Marie Williams
I was one of the lucky neighbours to benefit from Bill's kindness over the years. He cut our grass and blowed our driveway for years. We had one of the nicest lawns in the neighbourhood thanks to Bill who fertilized both spring and fall.
I will miss him dearly, it was always very comforting to know he was next door. He fixed many things in our home and always had the right tools.
You can rest now Bill, I don't think I ever thanked you enough.
Ken Ferguson
Bill was not only my father-in-law, he was my friend. The many things he did for our family are too many too count. But he did them without any fanfare, because he was such a giving and humble person. He also was huge part of our children's lives, going to hockey games, dance recitals, graduations, and numerous other occasions. 'I will miss our chats about sports, including golf, hockey, football, and tennis. Bill, I have nothing but love and respect for you.
Mario & Sylvie Bentivoglio
We were very lucky to have a neighbour like Bill. Summer or winter he was outside cutting peoples lawn or snow blowing their driveway. If I ever mentioned that Mario was not feeling well, he was doing something for us that day. I have often said to family and friends everyone should have a "Bill" for a neighbour. We will miss him dearly.
Bill was my brother of whom I was proud. He loved his girls and was proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. It's fitting to be reading this obituary on Remembrance Day.