Bill James Gillespie

WILLIAM "BILL" "G" JAMES GILLESPIE - May 31, 1942- March 11th, 2016. Surrounded by his family at Woodstock Hospital, Bill Gillespie of Woodstock, passed away after a valiant journey with cancer, at the age of 73. Born in Woodstock, to parents James Gillespie and Margaret (MacDougal) Gillespie. Devoted husband to Nancy (Ward) for 50 years. Proud and loving father of Rob & Nancy Gillespie, Jamie Gillespie, and Chris Gillespie & Tara Mackay. Adoring grandfather of Michael, Rachel & Colin, and enthusiastic and grateful "BPa" to Ollie. Beloved brother of Bruce & Val, and valued brother-in-law to Karen & Jack Riddell and Allan Ward. Cherished uncle of Cathy Ward and her son Parker Mason. Loyal human companion to Etta the Bouvier. Bill met his truest love, Nancy, over 50 years ago when he made the wisest decision of his life and crossed Riddell Street to ask her name. After completing his university education at Waterloo Lutheran University and University of Waterloo, Bill and Nancy moved back to Bower Hill Road where they would stay and raise their three boys, maintain a meticulously beautiful property, and host numerous family picnics and parties- including their granddaughter's wedding. Bill was a Lifetime Achievement member of the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame, which reflects his life as a dedicated athlete and coach, holding two world championships for basketball in Canada and having coached Huron Park Huskies in basketball and track and field for many years. Bill dedicated much of his life and passion to teaching at HPSS, and retired into an active lifestyle of property maintenance, continued dedication to the Terry Fox Run, membership with the Lion's Club of Woodstock, and providing occasional pro-bono moving services to his children and grandchildren with the help of his big green truck. Bill was a pillar for his family, a man of the community, and never forgot a name. The family would like to thank the Palliative Care team at Woodstock General Hospital for their dedication to Bill in the final weeks of his life. Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation or the Palliative Care Unit at Woodstock General Hospital would be greatly appreciated. A visitation will be held at Brock & Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, 519-539-0004, on Monday March 14, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. A private funeral is planned. Online condolences may be made through www.brockandvisser.com

Visitation Details

Monday, March 14th, 2016 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Brock & Visser Funeral Home