Bill was born and raised in Montreal and predeceased by his parents, Walter and Jessie MacDonald and his nephew Graeme McEwen. Bill leaves behind his wife Lynn, his daughter Kirsten MacDonald (Jesper) and his grandchildren William and Theo, his sister Boo McEwen (Wesley) and their children Tina McEwen, Cameron McEwen (Karen) and his twin sister Wilma Donald and her children Bill (Sandy), Jeff (Anita) and Joanne and many grand nieces and nephews.
As a young boy watching the Canadians play at the Forum in Montreal, Bill developed a lifelong passion for sports. He played football and became an accomplished skier and an avid sailor but, as his need for speed developed, automobile racing entered his life. Bill competed on tracks in Canada and the eastern USA winning a Quebec Sedan Championship and was twice named Canadian Driver’s Association Champion. He went on to become a Senior Racing Instructor for Canada, helped design the race course at Mont-Tremblant, and then became involved in Formula 1 racing.
Bill met Lynn in Toronto in 1980 and they married shortly thereafter. They were inseparable. Bill especially adored his grandchildren William and Theo and although they lived far away in Hong Kong, then Connecticut and now Denmark, he loved to hear about all of their activities. He introduced them to motor racing by sending them to a professional driving school – even though they were only 12 and 7 years of age!
Bill also was so extremely proud of his daughter Kirsten’s business accomplishments and respected her ability to balance her business life with a successful marriage to Jesper and raising two wonderful boys.
Bill took his dedication and enthusiasm into the business world. He was one of the original 25 employees of Petro Fina in Canada, however, his interest shifted to office equipment. As the branch manager of AB Dick in Montreal for many years, he was then recruited in 1976 to O.E. Ltd., the Canon business products distributor in Toronto where his team-building and leadership skills were welcomed and respected. Many of those he hired and mentored are still with the company and maintained contact with him over the years, even after he retired to Victoria in 1990.
Retirement didn’t suit Bill, so, in 1992, he transferred his vast energy into a successful real estate career with his wife Lynn at Sutton Group West Coast Realty and they became top realtors.
As a loyal friend, Bill maintained connections going back to his childhood, yet he still cultivated new friendships and made everyone feel equally valued. Bill enjoyed 25 years with the Gyro Club of Victoria where, during his tenure as membership chair, he introduced many people to the club. Bill and Lynn loved to entertain and hosted many a great party, whether it be a small dinner party, an F1 race party, late night drinks on the deck, or an impromptu party for 100 friends complete with a live jazz band that would usually end with Bill shooting off his cannon! Bill loved to welcome people to share their home overlooking Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour!
At the end of a day, Bill liked to settle back with a cognac and a touch of jazz. It would take him back to the clubs of Montreal where he hung with the likes of Oscar Peterson and Louis Armstrong. So, if you knew Bill or would have liked to have known him, take a moment to pour a libation of your choice, sit back and remember our friend…. Cheers!
Until the very end, Bill was enthusiastic and positive. He held Lynn’s hand as he gently passed away with a peaceful smile.
His family doctor, Peter Meyer, truly went above and beyond in the loving and compassionate care of Bill. His dedication is deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, Bill wishes that you donate to the Children’s Wish Foundation, BC Lupus Society, Parkinson’s Society or the MS Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
Dear Lynn, My thoughts and prayers are with you. He fought a grand fight. It was a pleasure working with you both over these many years. He had the best smile. You were a remarkable team, and I look forward to seeing you in the years ahead. May he rest in peace.
To our dear friend Lynn, family and friends of Bill. We are so sorry to have lost a truly great friend and gentleman. We will always remember Bill as the consummate entertainer and host and will always cherish all the laughs and fun times we had together.
Sharon and I send our sincere condolences to Lynn and the family.
Bill was an inspiration to anyone lucky to have met him
Although I didn’t know Bill, I can see from the tribute that he had great magnetism, generosity, graciousness and charm. He obviously lived life to the fullest and left a legacy of love – not only in the sky but in the hearts and minds of so many who shared with him.
Love is never lost – he lives on in the legacy of joy he left. My deepest condolences to everyone who loved him.
Cleve and Margaret Patterson
Lynn, we will always be grateful for the manner in which you and Bill welcomed us to Victoria with introductions to Gyro, the Union Club, and most of all, your home. We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and send you our sincere condolences.
Lynn
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband Bill. Reading his obituary in the paper this morning told me what a great person he was.
Lynn,
Michael and I are sending you and Bill’s family our sincere condolences. You made a great team.
Sincerely,
Pamela Schackel and Michael Golden
Santa Fe, NM and Victoria
We have the best memories of Bill, and together you made a fantastic team. Still remember stumbling over to your place in the wee hours of the morning to experience the German Grand Prix “live “, (no PVR for Bill) which included German food and Schnapps! Together you really knew how to make people feel welcome!
Sending you comforting hugs, Lynn, as we remember Bill.
We shared so many good times together. Thank you Bill for introducing Ron to Gyro..
Ron and Marilyn Dinning
My sincere Condolences to Lynn and Bill’s family. He was a friend to my late husband and me. Rest in Peace Bill