In Celebration of

Bill (William) Errington Dunford

January 17, 1934 -  July 24, 2022

It is with great sadness that the family of Bill (William) Dunford announce his passing in Toronto in the early evening of July 24, 2022 at the age of 88 from cancer. Bill was the beloved husband of Evelyn Butler, father of Rob (Robert), father-in-law of Nancy, grandfather of Abigail, Jonathan and Olivia. Bill’s family: sister Wilma Alexandra, (George), brothers John (Bonnie), James (Nicole), nephews Paul Dunford and Brian Dunford and niece Shannon Junker as well as brother-in-law James Butler (Gertie Mai Muise) and sisters-in-law the Rev. Gwendolyn Butler and Mollie Butler and the Boyd Family of John and Peggy. Bill leaves a wide circle of friends from coast to coast.

Bill is predeceased by his first wife Jackie (Jacqueline Moore 1994), his son Clayton (1987) and his brother James (2011).

Born in Montreal to Eric and Joy Dunford, Bill graduated from McGill University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Engineering. He traveled to Vancouver and met and fell in love with Jackie, his first wife. They lived in Montreal for several years before moving to Windsor, Ontario where Bill worked for the City of Windsor. Bill left the City of Windsor for a new role as Director of Operations, Public Works Department, City of York in 1967 and retired from the City of York in 1998 as Commissioner, Public Works and Parks and Recreation.

Bill had a zest for life and a presence that filled a room; the boy in the man. He loved people and supported many in whatever capacity that he could. Family and family time was important for Bill. His love of Rob and Clay and his love and knowledge of sports led to him coaching baseball and soccer teams that his boys played with. Summer vacations with Jackie, Rob and Clay were spent with family and friends, in the countryside north of Montreal with brother Jim and Nicki and their boys Paul and Brian at their cottage on Lac Chaud. They also visited with Ron and Pam Warme and their children on their “farm” on Lake Beavin.

After Jackie's passing, Bill met and fell in love with Evelyn and they married in 1997. Bill also fell in love with Evelyn’s “native land”, Newfoundland and they lived there from May to October for the last two decades.

He was very proud of granddaughters Abigail and Olivia and grandson Jonathan. GrandD was always in attendance when his grandchildren were playing sports or on stage.

Never one to sit by while others worked, Bill was an active member of the American Public Works Association, Ontario. As president of APWA, he organized the annual general meeting in Toronto in 1978. In later years Bill was an active member of St John’s Anglican Church, West Toronto and served 3 terms as a Warden as well as a member of the Property Committees and various other roles.

Visitation Service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel at 2357 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P4.

A Visitation time will be held before the funeral from 1 - 2 pm on Saturday, July 30, 2022, immediately preceding the service of Holy Eucharist at 2:00 p.m., St. John's Anglican Church, West Toronto at 288 Humberside Ave, Toronto, ON M6P 1L5.

Memorial Donations in Bill’s name may be made to:

The Primates World Relief Development Fund https://pwrdf.org/

Anglican Diocese of Toronto Faith Works: https://faithworks.ca/what-is-faithworks/

Dorothy Ley Hospice https://dlhospice.org/

Guestbook 

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James Craig (Aquaintance)

Entered July 26, 2022 from Mississauga

Very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Will O'Hara (Friend)

Entered July 26, 2022 from Toronto

Bill was a wonderful friend over many decades and always a joy to be with, whether singing in St. John’s choir or raising a toast to Robby Burns. Lynne and I enjoyed our times together with Bill and his beloved Evelyn. So many laughs. Such great times. Bill was always a gentleman and a fountain of wisdom. He’ll be sadly missed.

Carol Little (Cousin to Evelyn)

Entered July 26, 2022 from Pleasanton, California

Dear Evelyn,
May the love and prayers of your family and friends bring you comfort and peace. ♥️
Carol

Tim Taylor (Fellow Geordie/Engineer/PHN spouse)

Entered July 26, 2022 from Nova Scotia

Thanks for the gift of your friendship and introducing us to St John’s and a wonderful, wide circle of friends.

Your good will and love for all people continues to be an inspiration.

Well done, Skipper! We miss you, but look forward to a CC & Pepsi at the heavenly banquet, watching the Leafs (finally) win a cup. (It IS heaven after all)

Debbie O'Connell (friend and fellow parishoner)

Entered July 26, 2022 from Toronto

I will treasure the memories I have of Bill. He always had a smile and a funny joke and spoke his mind, for sure. He and Evelyn welcomed me into their home on many occasions, along with many other folks. I even had dinner with the Bishop there once! Sending love and prayers to Evelyn and the rest of the family.

Love, Debbie O'Connell

Photos 

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