It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Reid Waters on January 13, 2025 at age 89. Predeceased by his beloved wife June, he has left behind loving family, Jeff (Trish), Lindsay (George) and grandchildren Benjamin (Jennifer), Jacob, Katie, and Annie. He will also be missed by brother Larry (Helen), his nephew James (Danielle), and niece Helen (TJ) and their families, and stepchildren Sandy (Monica), Leigh (Ford), Craig (Cheryl) and their children Jonathan, Jamison (Christian) and twins Cole & Riley.

Born in Toronto to Russell and Helen Waters, Bill was part of a family with four generations of history in the Canadian floral industry.

He attended Crescent School until grade eight and Upper Canada College (UCC) for one year. After graciously being asked to leave due to winning a drag race down the UCC driveway, Bill decided to venture into the family business.

In 1977 he started his own business, Waterdale Inc. which thrives to this day. Bill was a staunch supporter of two floral associations in North America, had a major influence in the floral industry and cultivated many friendships and acquaintances over 70 years in the profession.

As a child, Bill grew up on Lake Muskoka at the Waters/Shillinglaw clan property. He was the second of four generations to attend Camp Pinecrest, ensuring that all his children and grandchildren had the privilege of those wonderful experiences. Bill knew the lakes like the back of his hand, he was a speed demon in boat racing, and had many stories of young, crazy party days. It was these loves that led he and his first wife Linda to trade in the Chris-Craft Cruiser for a cottage on Packers Bay where family and friends meet alongside the community of cottagers. Bill took his family weekend golfing - and was proud to have shot a hole in one. He snow-birded in Bradenton, Florida where he was an avid golfer, enjoyed fun times with friends at happy hours and early bird meals, and entertained with June’s family who also adored the South.

Because of Bill’s hard work, steadfastness and sometimes stubbornness, he has left a legacy that his family and future generations can enjoy.

The family thanks the staff at Sunrise Retirement Home who took wonderful care of Bill over the past three years and the staff at Trillium (Mississauga) Hospital for their concern and compassion.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Neweduk-Erin Mills Chapel, 1981 Dundas Street, Mississauga from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday January 21, 2025.
A Chapel service will take place at the Turner & Porter Neweduk-Erin Mills Chapel, 1981 Dundas Street, Mississauga at 1:00 pm on Wednesday January 22, 2025 .

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held later in the Spring where he will be laid to rest in a small cemetery in Muskoka.

Bill will be missed by all who knew him. If he were writing this obituary, he would say, “Send Flowers”. The family asks that if you are so inclined, and in memory of Bill, please send flowers to someone you know in your community that may be suffering, celebrating or to simply show you care.