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Submitted by katrina on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 10:44:AM

Major-General Bill Hewson passed away peacefully on February 3rd 2021, a day after his eighty fourth birthday. His wife Norah was at his side.

Bill and Norah met at a party in Toronto in 1959, where he was a recent graduate from the Royal Military College gaining a civil engineering degree from the U of T.  Norah was a student nurse at Sick Kids Hospital. They said goodnight, but Bill was smitten, and he called Norah the next day to ask her to dinner. Despite postings and deployments across Canada and to Germany, England, Cyprus, Australia and Belgium, he never really left her side again. He married Norah in 1961, and they made homes together around the world. After raising their sons Douglas and Richard, they retired to their property on Calabogie Lake, in the Ottawa Valley.

Bill lived his life with honour, courage and loyalty. His military service began with command of a rifle platoon in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility with the Patricias and in the Intelligence Branch. He served as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion PPCLI; Commander of the Canadian Contingent to the UN Force in Cyprus; Chief of Intelligence at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, and as Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence at SHAPE, the NATO Headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Appointments as the Colonel of the Regiment, PPCLI; Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Branch, and as a Commander of the Order of Military Merit reflected his dedication to his Regiment, his Branch, and his Army.

Bill was promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1985, and retired from the Canadian Forces in 1991. He served as Director General of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) until 2000.

He was a leader to all, and a mentor to many.

As a husband, father and grandfather, he showed us how to live a life with love, humour and integrity, and without fear or regret. At a ski hill or a hockey rink, at a board room table or a carpenter’s work bench, and in all our many different homes around the world, he was the steady presence that inspired us with confidence that no matter what happened, he’d always be there.

Bill is survived by Norah, the other half of the Dynamic Duo. He is survived as well by Douglas (Marisia), of Kanata, Ontario and by Richard (Stephanie) of Vernon, BC and their sons Mitchell and Spencer.

The family is grateful for the care Bill received from his physiotherapist Mr. Ben Wassell, Dr. Kristian Davis, Dr. Tilak Mendis, and the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, including Dr. Sanjay Acharya.

A private service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery in the near future. All of Bill’s family, friends and colleagues will be welcomed at a Memorial Service, to be scheduled and announced as soon as better times return. In the meantime, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 07:46:PM

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Sharon Boone

Norah so very sorry to hear of your husband and best friend's passing. You two had such an interesting and wonderful life filled with happiness and world travel! All the best Norah in the difficult days ahead. Sharon Boone

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 08:52:PM

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Gerhard Hildebrandt

Wonderful memories of him and Norah visiting us in Bosnia in 97. A true gentleman. RIP.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 09:19:PM

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Debbie and Steve Richards

Condolences to Bill’s family. We did not know him very well but the man we did know smiled easily, listened well and had a quiet strength. Steve and I always enjoyed chatting with Norah and Bill. An incredible loss and we are so sorry. Thinking of Norah, Doug and Marisia and their family.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:39:PM

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Bill and Tifany MacLean

We were very saddened to hear this news. While only knowing MGen Hewson and Norah for a relatively short time their impression upon us is long lasting. I fondly remember looking out to those in attendance at the JTFX Change of Command in 2011 and seeing them in attendance. The words of advice he provided are with me today and the words of wisdom that Norah shared with Tifany still are impactful. Rest peacefully Sir and Norah, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 11:16:PM

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Peter Bruneau

Dear Norah, Richard and Douglas,
So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a true gentleman, husband, father, engineer, officer and Canadian. As a friend and neighbour for some 25 years I will most certainly miss him but am grateful for having know him.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 12:30:AM

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Thomas E. Parolin

To Mrs. Hewson, Douglas and (Richard-my former PL Comd) I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had the good fortune of meeting and speaking with Gen Hewson on four different regimental occasions over the years. Although the conversations were not in great length, I will always remember his wittiness but genuine interest and following our first engagement where he and Lady Patricia promoted me in 1995, he never moved on before asking how my wife was. I know other soldiers commented on this as well.
My deepest condolence to all of the family.

Ernie Parolin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 10:37:AM

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Leonard Cook

RIP Bill. A great fellow cadet and leader.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 11:42:AM

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Marie Odile Berard-Sharkey

I am the wife of the late Warner Sharkey I had the honor to be introduce to Mr Bill Hewson at the last reunion me and my husband attended Please receive my deepest sympathy
My prayers are with you

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 12:37:PM

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Col(ret) Hugh and Vallena Ferguson

General Hewson was an inspirational leader and thoughtful mentor to so many in the Intelligence Branch. He will be greatly missed and will remain in our hearts and memories always. To Norah and the family, our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 12:58:PM

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Dominic Goulet

I would like to offer my condolences to the Hewson family. We have lost a wonderful leader, gentleman and friend. Thank you for your service sir - you will not be forgotten.

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