Loving husband of the late Frances Wray Bawden (née Fisher), father of Lesley (Murray), Jenny (Piotr) and Merril. Proud grandfather of Cameron, Graham, Allyson and Meghan. Dear brother to Mary (James) and brother-in-law to Garry (Margaret) and Jacqueline (Philip).
After a life filled with adventure and romance, Fran and Bill are together again. Bill’s quick wit, combined with Fran’s infectious laugh, could light up any room. Living in six countries and travelling the world, they made treasured friends across the globe. Ultimately, they settled near Ottawa to be close to their children and cherished grandchildren. Whether watching dance recitals or hockey games, teaching skiing or boating, travelling or quietly sitting together, Bill enjoyed any activity that involved his family.
Bill was born in Toronto, Ontario on 14 October 1940. As the son of a soldier, Bill moved frequently, attending schools in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Manitoba before enrolling in the Canadian Army himself. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1963 and earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University.
Bill was an officer in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. He was very proud to serve in the Canadian military for over 35 years.
His nomadic upbringing, marked by moves every 2 or 3 years, continued his entire professional life. He lived in Germany, the United States, Italy, Belgium and Austria, as well as Valcartier, St-Jean, Borden, Ottawa and eventually Ashton.
Bill continued his life of service after retirement, primarily dedicating his time to volunteering, including as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corps of Commissionaires and with the Ottawa Advisory Board of the Salvation Army.
Bill was also the ultimate care giver, looking after Fran for many years at the end of her life. In recent years, he was the recipient of exceptional care from the incredible team at Carleton Lodge.
Bill will be missed beyond measure.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Thursday, August 22 at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) at 10am followed by the burial and refreshments.
Donations to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Ellsworth Wall Aka Al
Harvey Corman
RIP SIR, you were the best CO we ever had. Sincere condolences to your family.
Stephan Labelle
A great Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics Commanding Officer. Great listener and speaker. Will be missed.
Marc Terreau
A wonderful Officer and gentleman who led the Commissionaires in an superb manner. He will be sorely missed but he is back with Fran.
Col(Retd) Doris Toole
An excellent logistician. He helped me set up a conference in Brussels when Canada chaired the NATO Committee on Women in the Armed Foces.
RIP
Valerie Brown
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Andrew & Correy Gervais
Our thoughts are with all of you. Bill and Fran were fantastic neighbours and even better people. God Bless
Lenny Floyd
I express my deepest sympathy. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Susan ( Canham ) Novak
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of a truly wonderful person. Bill and Fran were high school classmates of mine and we accidently reconnected in Ottawa/Ashton , many years later, with several fun and inspiring visits.
Miss you both indeed.
Susan Novak
Ken Thompson
RIP Sir.
Colonel Bawden was Commander 4 SVC BN in Lahr Germany during my time there, he was a Fair man and well liked ...RIP ...