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 deepest sympathies. What a beautiful tribute to Bill. It was a pleasure to work with Bill on my property. I wish you comfort knowing you had a relationship for the ages that would be admired by all that came in contact with you both.
Dear Lynn,
My heartfelt condolences to Lynn and all of Bill’s family.
Deborah Kline
Sutton colleague
Dear Lynn
My heart goes out to you and your family on Bill’s passing. He was a real stand up guy…most enjoyable to do a real estate transaction with (you both were), a gentleman, and a generous caring man. His beautiful obituary made me realize that I knew only a small part of him….what a life he lived and all his accomplishments. I have some wonderful memories of Bill….geckos, your fish tank, sharing your marvelous homes over great food and beverages plus plenty of laughs. Bill made a difference to the countless lives he touched. I feel blessed to have met you both a few decades ago. Hugs, Bobb Hamilton
Sending my most heartfelt condolences to you Lynn, and your family. I didn’t get to know Bill but as a colleague at Sutton starting back in the 90’s I remember him as a man full of life and joyful whenever I saw you two at the office. My best memory of him is his huge smile as I’d see him driving his convertible around town! What a guy!
Dear Lynn, my sincere condolences to you and all of Bill’s family. I know how the two of you were a real “team” not only in real estate , but in life. No words can describe my feelings of loss for you are as I can’t imagine how deep your loss must go. I always admired both you and Bill and always felt you were two of the most upstanding fun people around. What a wonderful obituary of Bill, I didn’t know many things about his vast past experiences and accomplishments. I just knew he was and upstanding successful person in every respect of his life. My thoughts are with you Lynn … and Bill, may you rest in peace, Love, Colleen Novak
Dear Lynn,
My sincere condolences to you and your whole family. I will always remember Bill as a very kind and caring man. I feel fortunate to have known you and Bill over these years. Bill, rest in peace…..
Lynn, we were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We didn’t really have a chance to get to know him, but in reading this tribute to him e realize what a great guy he was. He seems to have led a full and interesting life and we know he will be missed by many – both friends and family. Our deepest condolence.
Dear Lynn,
Joe & I are truly sorry to hear of the loss of Bill.
We will never forget his kindness when we met a few years ago in Victoria.
You now have an Angel watching over you !
Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Diane & Joe Tedesco
Montreal, Qc
So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing.
Deepest condolences to Lynn and Bill’s family.
Bill and Lynn introduced us to Victoria and Gyro, and we enjoyed every minute spent with them over many years.
Hopefully, Bill is enjoying his passions in a better place.
Dear Lynn:
Anne and I are sad to read about Bill leaving us. We have a great respect for his courtesy and professionalism that was a trademark of your team, and we were honored to share business and social moments with you both.