In Celebration of

William "Bill" Orlowski

June 21, 1952 - October 22, 2016

Passed away suddenly on October 22, 2016. A talented and creative performer, who created Canada’s National Tap Dance Company, as well as his “Shoes with Wings.” Bill had suffered for the late several years with a devastating and crippling disease ‘Dystonia’ (an inherited degenerative form of Parkinson’s) He bore this affliction with courage and humour, turning his efforts to increase understanding of its effects (a particularly cruel condition for this talented and internationally celebrated tap dancer) and trying to raise funds for his treatment. Beloved brother of David (Colleen) McCombs, Jennifer (George) Dannewald, and Michael (Christina) Orlowski. He will be missed by his numerous nieces and nephews, and his many friends in the World of Dance. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Neweduk-Erin Mills” Chapel, 1981 Dundas St. W., Mississauga (just east of Erin Mills Pkwy) on Monday, October 31, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. For those who wish donations may be made to the Toronto Western Hospital for Dystonia research. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca

Guestbook

(5 of 9)

Sherry Sanford Ruttan (Student, employee, friend)

Entered October 26, 2016 from Barrie,ON

Best tap mentor and tap teacher I have ever had! I learned so much from Bill and respected his opinion more than any teacher I had ever met. He was so soft spoken and madly driven. I hope that he is finally at peace and no longer constrained by his illness. It was such a cruel disease for him to have suffered with. He was such a creative soul. He will be missed terribly. He gave tap dancing the elegance, dignity along with a dash of humour it so deserved. I will never forget my experience dancing with Bill and the National Tap dance Company of Canada, I was very lucky to have worked with such greatness.

May he rest in peace.

Sherry Sanford Ruttan

Larry Koo and Randi Weiss

Entered October 27, 2016 from Vancouver, B.C.

We are so sad to hear of the loss of Bill. We met Bill through Barry about 10 years ago in Vancouver at a tribute to him for his contributions to the world of dance. Bill was a talented, gracious and kind person and we enjoyed our time with him. We will always remember him with a twinkle in his eye and smile on his face.

We had many visits while he was in Vancouver and our trips together to New York and La Conner with he and Barry were happy and fun times! We will miss him very much and consider ourselves fortunate to have known him.

Pam Hyatt (Neighbour and fellow performer)

Entered October 29, 2016 from 612-110 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1X9

Bill's smile brightened our halls at PAL Place. He never failed to extend himself to genuinely listen to and engage his fellow residents. It was a great joy and privilege to share the stage with Bill during his final performances this month at Aki Theatre. My heartfelt condolences to all of his beloved family. He's soaring now.

Wendy Paul (Past president Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Toronto Chapter)

Entered October 29, 2016 from Toronto

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Bill years ago at Toronto Chapter Support Meetings and fundraisers. All who met him benefited by his positivity. Watching him dance was a joyful experience! May his memory be for a blessing.