In Celebration of

William McClain Wilson

July 9, 1936 -  January 26, 2023

Peacefully in Toronto on January 26, 2023. Predeceased by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Mary Manore Wilson. Bill died on Mary’s birthday. Cherished father of Victoria (Karen Lovell) and Mary (Ashley Collier) and adored Gramps to Jack, Katie, Charlotte and Annie. Predeceased by his brother Richard (Barbara) and survived by Mary’s brother Reid Manore (Joanne). He was a fun-loving uncle to eleven nieces and nephews.

Bill was a world-class sailor, adventurous skier and avid tennis player with a killer backhand. He successfully ran his own real estate brokerage and enjoyed making memories and life-long friendships at Caledon Lake, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (and the Poona), the Queen’s Club and the Badminton and Racquet Club. He loved travelling with Mary, especially to London and Paris. He had a keen interest in history, particularly anything to do with Admiral Nelson, and in antiques, from his time working with his mother at her antique shop, Pennywise. Bill will be remembered for his laugh, humour and joie de vivre. He believed every occasion called for a shirt and tie - and treated every day as an occasion. And he never turned down a slice of chocolate cake.

We will hold a memorial service in the spring to celebrate both Bill and Mary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a food bank or the Alzheimer Society.

Guestbook 

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Joanne Lovell (Extended family)

Entered January 31, 2023 from Hamilton

Bill was a fascinating conversationalist with a broad knowledge and experience base. Our two families became one through Tory and Karen, and I consider myself blessed to have known him. Special occasions are diminished by his absence, and also his stories and his laughter. Rest easy, Bill. You will be forever remembered.

Gail and Bob Wallace (Family Friend)

Entered January 31, 2023 from CALGARY S.W.

Fifty years of friendship with your family and many happy memories of
times spent together. So glad that Bill and Mary are together now.
May peace be with them and with each of the family whom he
treasured.

Patti White (Niece)

Entered February 1, 2023 from Lawrenceville, GA

Dear Tory, Mary and extended family,
I was so sad to hear of Uncle Bill’s passing. He was a sweet man who had a big heart. He and Aunt Mary always made us feel welcome in their home, even when it was just a short overnight visit passing through between flights from west coast to east coast. And they both always made a big effort to visit us in New Brunswick growing up. I know he was a great dad to you girls and he was very proud of you both. I will always remember his kindness to me and others and his dedication to Aunt Mary as her health declined. I was not surprised to hear he waited for Aunt Mary’s birthday to go to heaven. What a great reunion. Love and hugs to all of you. Xoxoxo

Emily & D’Arcy (Friend)

Entered February 1, 2023 from Toronto

Both Bill and Mary were such warm and lovely people and will be very much missed. Please accept our very deepest condolences.

Gwen Merrick (Friend of Mary Jr)

Entered February 1, 2023 from Toronto

Mary, Tori, Ashley, Karen, Jack, Katie, Charlotte and Annie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a wonderful, funny man. He and your mum made me feel so welcome when I moved here. I’ll cherish memories of many dinners at their house. We laughed until we cried and of course ate chocolate cake. But not just any chocolate cake…THE chocolate cake. Love and hugs to you all.

Photos 

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