October 23, 1950 – January 24, 2022
It is with great sadness that the family announces Bill’s passing on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the age of 71 years. Beloved husband for 37 + years to Loretta of Sudbury. Predeceased by his parents Robert and Margaret Morrison of Toronto. Father to Bonnie of Flesherton, ON, Stepfather to Lynn Fournier (John Hawes), Shelly Larabie (Reg) and Tyrone Fournier (Glenn Evans) all of Sudbury. Grandad to Shelby Morrison, “Uncle Bill” to Barrington, Bradley & Brent Nault, Travis Larabie and Merren & Aidan Nauss. Great grandpa to Abbigail, Noah, Landon, Maddix & Jaxson and” Gramps” to Mason & Colton. Brother to Margaret-Ann Schaal (John) of Toronto, Bob (Kay) of Lethbridge, Patti Goodman (Jeff) of Texas & Jim of Toronto. Bill will be sadly missed by nieces and nephews in Toronto, Lethbridge, and Texas. Bill grew up in Toronto and was a Constable with Toronto Police Service, 14th Division, until his retirement in 1998 when he moved full-time to Sudbury. Bill was the type of man that handled everything with a calm and carefree attitude. He always took time for family, friends, and neighbours, helping wherever he was needed. He spent many hours tending to his garden and sharing his bounty with all. Bill was an outdoorsman, enjoying moose hunting trips way up north with his Toronto buddies, ice fishing near home when he had the chance or simply being outside in his neighbourhood. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by friends and family near and far.
Upon his request, Bill will be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be planned for the spring at the Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses in ICU for their efforts these last couple of days.
If desired donations can be made directly to Health Sciences North Foundation https://hsnfoundation.com/Donate. Please specify ICU or EMS.
My sincere condolences to Bill’s family and friends.
To so many, Bill was more than just a neighbor, he was was friend. Some people might say he was part of the decor here in the neighborhood. Bill was a kind, gentle soul, always lending a helping hand. And you didn’t have to ask, he offered. He always kept a watchful eye on the neighborhood.
When my father visited me, Bill would enjoy talking with him about moose hunting. I will miss having regular conversations with him. He would often end a conversation by saying “Oh, well, I’d better get back to it. ” …shoveling, gardening, etc. He kept his home remarkably well maintained.
The last time I spoke to Bill, he gave me a big, warm hug. Today, I’m so grateful for that. I’m so grateful for having known such an incredible, caring man. The neighborhood just won’t be the same without you, Bill. I know you’ll be watching over the neighborhood from above. Rest in peace, dear friend. 💕❤️💕
Carole Tessier
February 4, 2022
Bill was a wonderful man. He was kind. He was friendly, open and willing to share. You could always find him outside in any weather tending his house and garden or those of his neighbours. He would chat with anyone on the street passing by. We had long talks about gardening, about city politics, about the Leafs. You needed a tool? He would lend it. You needed help, he would offer a hand. A big snowfall? He would be there to help. Your kids were playing on the street, and he would keep a watchful eye. He would ask them how was school today. He gave them extra candy at Halloween. He cared. We all felt tied together through Bill. He gave meaning to what a ‘neighbourhood’ could be. If more people were like him, the world would be a wonderful place. We hope (and we are sure) that his example will rub off on our children. We know he is still keeping a watchful eye, but we will miss him.
Daniel Campbell, Mery Martinez, and sons Santiago and Mauricio
January 31, 2022
So sorry for your loss Loretta. Bill, you were a man of little words but have a humongous heart.
Rest in peace.
January 29, 2022
Thinking of you Mother Goose, Shelly, Lynn and Tyrone during this difficult family loss.
I always enjoyed my time with Uncle Bill, a gentle giant.
January 28, 2022
My deepest condolences to Bill’s family and friends. I had the honor to work with Bill at 14 Division. His calm demeaner even in the most stressful of times put everyone at ease. He had a great smile that gave way to numerous words of wisdom and humor. My fondest memories were visiting him in the back parking lot of 14 Division, where his pickup truck and camper were parked, and where he stayed during the days he worked in the city, far away from his home and family in Sudbury. I still chuckle about seeing him in his bathrobe, cooking dinner in the lunch room and watching hockey on tv with the boys who were working. Good bye Bill, world lost a good man and copper.
George Jurenas retired 14 Division
January 27, 2022
Bruce and I, and our neighborhood, share sorrow for the loss of our neighbor, Bill Morrison, who passed away 2 days ago. He welcomed us into the neighborhood literally the day we moved in 2 1/2 years ago with our huge moving truck, by allowing us to back into his driveway, and helping us guide the truck along the way.
In the 2+ years we’ve lived here, he’s been a constant friend and advisor to us. And by being so well-versed about the neighborhood, people, and local comings-and-goings, he helped us feel a sense of security and kinship that is woefully missing in this day and age in society.
We have marveled at his dedication to plowing snow down our street, along sidewalks, driveways, and in the street itself, when the municipal plows piled it high across driveways (it’s a HUGE job up here in northern Ontario).
We’ve enjoyed many conversations about his advice and techniques when we’ve asked how he and his wife Loretta manage to keep such an amazingly fruitful, healthy, and visually beautiful flower and vegetable garden.
If you were to look across our street to their house in winter, you’d see a well-kept entry with wonderfully cheerful lights strewn across a pergola. If you were to look across the street from our house during the summer, you’d see an equally welcome vision, of painstakingly manicured ornamental plants, flanked by climbing flower vines and herbs (as well as inquisitive chipmunks).
And often, you’ll see Loretta, seated on her stool, tending their vast expanse of blue irises and bedding plants. They have an amazing garden. Last year, Bill shared with us some horseradish roots and kale. He has always been uncommonly generous in sharing his local gardening advice, as well as whatever bounty their own garden has blessed them with.
Bill and Loretta have both always been ready to share a conversation and a smile, and if there was anything we needed help with, they would always be there.
We mourn the loss of Bill, like the loss of a dear old friend we were only just getting to know. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him, and loved him.
We now focus our attention on doing whatever we can to take care of Loretta and show we are there for her.
BRUCE WRIGHTSMAN & LEE BICKFORD
January 27, 2022
I remember Bill from my days at 14 Division on A platoon. I hope he enjoys the happy hunting ground.
Godspeed
January 27, 2022
I worked with Bill for several years at Toronto police’s 14 Division. He was a staple there and was well liked. The last time I saw Bill was at a reunion of our Aylmer class that I had arranged at the Toronto Police Association (which is no longer there) in September 2003. A bunch of old cronies jawing about the past like it was yesterday. Everyone was impressed that he made the journey from “way up North”! When it was done, he returned to the place he loved most.
Rest easy, my Brother.
January 27, 2022
To Tyrone and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. Sending hugs to you, your mom, and your sisters.
Chantal Christensen
(Lina’s sister)
January 26, 2022
My Dear Friend:
A good man, friend and neighbour! How I will miss our talks, walks in your garden and your helping hands. Always looking after me, offering help and unending concern. You touched many people in the neighborhood and those less fortunate. I looked forward to you reminding me to slow down, chat, see the garden and remember what is important. We will miss you deeply. Rest In Peace Billy. I know we will meet again.
January 26, 2022