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The Memorial Candle Program has been designed to help offset the costs associated with the hosting this Tribute Website in perpetuity. Through the lighting of a memorial candle, your thoughtful gesture will be recorded in the Book of Memories and the proceeds will go directly towards helping ensure that the family and friends of Fr. Bill can continue to memorialize, re-visit, interact with each other and enhance this tribute for future generations.

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Joanne McKenzie (LaFlamme)

It was with deep sadness that I learned of Fr. Bill's passing. To so many he was their parish priest--but to me and my sisters he was my dad's (David) brother, our uncle and an integral part of our family history. The old adage 'time waits for no man' couldn't be truer right now as three out of the four of us sisters are out of the country and unable to attend Father's funeral. This is very difficult for us. I can assure you that if we could attend--we would all show up with a penny stuck to our foreheads! That was who Fr. Bill was to us when we were young--the ultimate uncle who "shanghai'ed" us away to Lion Safari and Niagara Falls without our parents and was the master organizer of backyard fun and games. The greatest challenge being who could cross the finish line with the pennys we licked still stuck to our forehead! When I look back at those times now I realize how much he loved kids and all the crazy antics because he too had a fun and crazy side. Over the years he was stationed far away from us but always reconnected on the holidays and showed great interest in how our lives were evolving. it is hard not to think of my dad as I mourn Fr. Bill's passing. Recently, Fr. Bill allowed us to hang on to the 'connection' with our dad for just a little bit longer. Father Bill was such a great story teller and loved to share tales of he and his brothers/sisters, of how he became a priest, what life was like on Major Street, and about how Grandma ended up cooking for the priests at St. Louis. I secretly think he wished he was one of those priests she cooked for because he so loved a good meal! He left us with many expressions that we sisters still use today --none so popular as his infamous greeting "Hello Friendly". We will miss Fr. Bill and will cherish forever his part in our family lore. He lived a long and healthy life and was a faithful disciple, but most importantly, a cherished uncle who has left us with many fond memories. My eldest son was born on Fr. Bill's 60th birthday and will be missed by all three of my children (see condolences below). Our loss is heaven's gain---let the games begin! Rest in Peace Fr. Bill. With love, Joanne
Thursday February 1, 2018 at 7:48 am
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