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
Mary MacKinnon
Paul Guindon
We have lost a great human being and a leader. He was so much appreciated as a board member and Chair of Commissionaires Ottawa.
Susan Steeves
Jen, give my condolences to your family. Your Dad will be greatly missed, I’m sure, but what wonderful memories he left for all of you. Prayers for you all. God bless!
Diane Allan
My deepest condolences to you Merril and your family.
Don Purdy
You were my CO of 4 Svc Bn,
RIP SIR
We served together in Vienna in the late 90’s and loved Fran and Bill’s company and enthusiasm for life