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J. WILLIAM SHELDON
SHELDON
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J. WILLIAM SHELDON

J. WILLIAM D. SHELDON

J. WILLIAM D. SHELDON obituary

J. WILLIAM SHELDON Obituary

Died peacefully in Edmonton, surrounded in spirit by family near and far, and with his beloved Mary holding his hand. Bill was the husband of Mary Ellen Sheldon (née Gould); the father of Tess (Raja), Claire (Craig), Mia, Jay (Inbar), Signy, Toby (Jyotsna), and Tori (Erick); and "Gramps" to Liv, Finley, Sabi, and Suki. He is survived by one sister, Catherine Lazier; and was predeceased by siblings, Juliet, Jim and David. Married in 1968, Bill and Mary shared 57 years of marriage and laughter. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. A canoeist, soup-maker, and expert silly-walker, Bill approached life with inventiveness and a confidence in figuring things out - most often with duct tape. When words failed in his later years, he reached for Mary's hand and did not let go. Bill leaves behind a legacy that reminds us that life, like any well-designed HVAC system, depends on many parts working together. A celebration of life will be held in Edmonton in the spring, close to what would have been his 83rd birthday. A second celebration of life will be held in Toronto in June. Donations may be made to Engineers Without Borders Canada.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 3 to Jan. 7, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for J. WILLIAM SHELDON

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14 Entries

Inbar

January 8, 2026

I will always be grateful to Mary and to you for raising the man I love, and his remarkable siblings. I am also thankful for your acceptance, your open heart, and your resounding optimism.

We will think of you often-every time we manage to remove an obstacle from our way, but also when we raise a celebratory stogie, crack a vintage joke, or pull off the perfect parking job. We´ll say, "somebody call Bill Sheldon," and hope you´re hearing this.

Here´s to you, and to everything you managed to accomplish.

All our love,
Inbar

Jay

January 7, 2026

Miss you so much, Dad. Your smile, your silliness, and your style will always inspire me.

Tess

January 5, 2026

Gramps!!

Raja

January 5, 2026

Thank you Bill for co-producing one of the finest broods of 7 (!) kids ever. Like you and Mary, they are all special to me, and I am proud to be a part of the incredible family you helped build. You will be missed dearly. From your #1 son-in-law, both literally and figuratively! (sorry Craig)

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tesS. sheldon

January 5, 2026

You always loved going for coffee! Here we are at Remedy!

Lindsey M. Oriente

January 4, 2026

Our condolences to Aunt Mary, Tess, Claire, Mia, Jay, Signy, Toby and Tori and to Uncle Bill's extended family and friends. I really liked the memorial you shared. It was really nice and positive, showing how much you all loved and cared for Uncle Bill. I wish I got to know him better - since we lived so far away from each other, it was hard. But, we saw each other on trips and shared happy memories. I shared a nice photo from our trip to Edmonton, Alberta. That was an amazing trip. It was when the Elliotts and the Sheldons really connected and got to know each other. The other photo is from 2009 - for the Sheldon-Elliott (SHELLIOTT) "reunion."

We are thinking about you, Aunt Mary, Tess, Claire, Mia, Jay, Signy, Toby and Tori.

With deepest sympathies,
Lindsey and Louie

Christianne Smith

January 4, 2026

Mary and family

I am so sorry to hear the news about Bill. I know you will miss him terribly. He was always friendly and laughing and helpful--especially to my mother Vonda who lived next door. She loved you all dearly. As do I.

My heartfelt condolences
Christianne Smith

Bill Paulsen

January 4, 2026

My condolences to Mary, kids and extended families. I worked with Bill for a number of years. He was a true gentleman and had a fine engineering, innovative mind. I still remember him coming up with a solution to a problem on site, then sketching it out for the contractor with a felt pen on some ductwork. I always enjoyed working with Bill and will miss him.

Kelly Harrington

January 4, 2026

What a fitting memorial you all shared, completely capturing the intelligence, light, and humor that is so central to your family, and, of course, to Bill. I am sending you all love. With deepest sympathies, Kelly, Parker, Jackson, Cailin & Riley

Mary

January 4, 2026

I will always love you and miss you.

tess sheldon

January 4, 2026

I´m thinking about the backyard skating rinks you made! I picture you in blue, with pens in your pockets and your unmistakable grin. We miss you so much!

Erick

January 4, 2026

I´m grateful to have known you and to have been welcomed into your family. Your warmth and humor made every moment brighter. Those memories will stay with me.

Tess

January 3, 2026

We will miss you so much Dad! Thank you for everything you taught us.

Jay

January 3, 2026

Miss you very much Dad.

Thank you for always showing up and getting the job done, and for teaching us how to be silly while still TCB (taking care of business).

You taught me a form of endurance that could raise seven children, solve complex engineering problems, and face the cruel labyrinth of dementia - while always making room for a smile, a joke, and a nice cigar.

Love you Pa,
Jay

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Memorial Events
for J. WILLIAM SHELDON

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