William (Bill) Elwood Bradford passed away peacefully at his home in Mississauga, Ontario on Christmas night December 25, 2022, his favourite day of the year. He was the only child of the late Elwood Joseph Bradford and Jessie (nee Murray) Bradford born in Montreal on October 14, 1933. He married the love of his life, Dolores MacDonnell on November 6, 1954, and together they welcomed children Michael (Heather), Gary (Cathie), Sandra (Sonny), Maureen (John), Laurie (Tim), Joseph (Leanne) and Janet (Mark). He also leaves to mourn 17 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Daphne Bradford and infant daughter Mary.

Bill was a great listener, always on budget, and highly respected in his business endeavours. From humble beginnings in Montreal, Bill first worked at his grandfather’s print business before starting his education at Concordia University (FCGA). From Northern Telecom (Audit) he then joined Reynolds Extrusion (1962 – 1966 Assistant Controller). As Vice President and Controller Brinco and Churchill Falls Labrador Corporation 1967 – 1974, he was an integral part the team that successfully completed the 2nd largest capital project in the world - $1 billion Hydro electric plant on time and on budget. Moving to The Bank of Montreal (BMO 1975 - 1987) he served as CFO, EVP Domestic Banking, and President, and managed leading-edge projects (BMO purchase of Nesbitt Burns) and the BMO expansion into the USA (Harris Bank Corp). Bill completed his career as President and CEO at North American Life (NAL 1987 – 1995). He held several Board of Director roles including BMO, NAL, Sunnybrook Hospital, and Rio Algom until retirement.

He was passionate and competitive in his sports activities including golf, tennis, and even windsurfing. Bill enjoyed hosting the men for the annual Bradford Invitational Golf Tournament. At the age of 62, he earned his pilot license and loved flying his C-182 airplane. His lasting legacy is what was most important to him, what he loved the most, his family. Starting in 1967 he would retreat with Dolores and their 7 children to his cottage in St Donat, Qc where the family would gather. The cottage and the memories were a rich gift the entire family still enjoys today. All the grandchildren and great-grandchildren still give thanks to “Papa Bill” for the joy of the cottage experience.

Bill was an active fundraiser for various community causes such as Sunnybrook Hospital and St Christopher’s Parish among others.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care given to Dad at home by Violet Shaheen, Cathy Jalos, Roza Wakgera, and the nurses from the LIN, especially Fawzia.

Visitation at Turner and Porter Neweduk-Erin Mills Chapel, 1981 Dundas Street West in Mississauga from 5 – 8 pm on Friday, January 6. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Christopher’s Catholic Church, 1171 Clarkson Rd N, Mississauga at 2 pm on Saturday, January 7, followed by reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Sunnybrook Hospital.