WILLIAM KITCHING

Kitching, William Thomas (Bill) passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, on November 13, 2025, in St. Joseph's Hospice, with his loving wife, daughter and granddaughter at his side. Dad was a quiet, kind and loving man, who valued family above all else. After living in several places across Eastern Canada as a child, his family returned to Port Arthur. Dad, along with his mother and his three younger brothers, settled into living in the Laprade Hotel, owned by his grandparents, Thomas & Edith (Radke) Laprade. When dad met the beautiful blonde, blue-eyed Helen Vester in his late teens, he'd found the love of his life. Dad and Mom married in 1956, and over their 69 years of marriage, they welcomed four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Dad left high school early to work at the Prince Arthur Hotel, first as a bellhop, then night auditor, and eventually accountant. After years of studying every evening to become a Certified General Accountant, dad and mom flew to Toronto in 1974 for his graduation, a very proud moment. After more than 25 years at the Prince Arthur, he left to become the comptroller of the Airlane Motor Hotel, where he worked until retirement. Dad had two passions in life: the Laprade family camp at Shebandowan and genealogy research. In the mid 1960's, his grandmother granted him permission to build his own camp on the property. Together mom and dad built their small camp, with several additions to accommodate their growing family. Camp was their happy place, where they watched generations grow up surrounded by their cousins, aunts and uncles and spent summers with their grandchildren. Many evenings were spent enjoying magnificent sunsets from the front deck. Dad loved to share his many stories and cherished memories of 70+ years at Shebandowan. Mom did manage to tear dad away from Shebandowan for some family road trips with their tent, then trailer. Later, dad and mom continued travelling, going on many road and bus trips, and taking their grandchildren to Disney World. For their 60th wedding anniversary, their girls surprised them with a trip to Toronto to see a Blue Jay's game, where a high fly ball bounced off the top balcony and landed between them. The ball is displayed in their curio cabinet. Dad spent many years doing genealogy research for the Laprade and Vester sides of the family. He eventually had his research printed and bound into four large volumes. Bill lived at home with Helen until he was nearly 88. He resided at Southbridge Roseview for the last 3 years, being cared for by some very special people. Bill leaves behind his wife Helen, four children-Melanie Peterson (Bill King), Cheryl Kitching (Bernie Ouellet), Linda Plank (Fred Plank) and Stephanie Kitching; five grandchildren-Miranda Kusznier, Nick Kusznier, Jordan Peterson (Noelle) Kelowna, Michael Kitching (Tia) Ireland, Rebecca McKillop (Mitchell); two great-grandchildren-Sophie in Ireland, and Beau McKillop; sisters-in-law May Kitching and Marie Kitching (Montreal). He leaves behind numerous other relatives. He was predeceased by his father William Kitching Sr., mother Marguerite Perry, stepfather Harry Perry, brothers Rene (Buddy) Kitching, Jim Kitching and Michael Kitching; and close cousin Dennis Laprade. Helen's parents Ralph & Thelma Vester, and siblings and spouses - Donald Vester, Nonie & Marvin Rowe, Russell & Ruth Vester, Margaret & Albert Mayer, Norman Vester, and Janis Shaw. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street with Rev. Steven Lowet presiding. A private interment will take place in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of one's choice would be appreciated.

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