William George DEEKS

1933 - 2022

WILLIAM GEORGE DEEKS February 13, 1933 - March 2, 2022 After a long and eventful life, Bill at 89, leaves behind his best friend Julie, the love of his life of 63 years, and Cleo, the last of a long line of Labradors, he and Julie's ever-present companions. Bill was ever so proud of his five children: Bob (Marie-Anne), Liz (David), Jamie, Adie (Greg), and Douglas (Melanie). Bill adored watching his 12 grandchildren grow: Taylor (Kathryn), Douglas, Ashley, Alex, Hunter, Jake, Annie, Russell, Jillian, Heidi, Liv and Bill and was entranced by new beginnings with the birth of his first great-grandchild, Beckett. He taught them all what unconditional love looks, feels, and sounds like. Born in Toronto, educated at Upper Canada College and University of Toronto, he made lifelong friends wherever he went and as a perennial engineer, was always building, fixing motors, and planning construction projects. He embraced opportunity wherever he saw it and was highly successful at Proctor and Gamble, Canada Wire, Noranda, Charles Tenant, rounding out an exceptional career with roles including EVP, President, Executive Chair and Board member. Bill's heart and will had an endless capacity to give. This was evidenced in his ongoing volunteer and Board work with organizations including the OECD (BIAC), the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and with Pacific Booker Minerals. Bill knew the world was not perfect, but he also knew that being part of the change was in all of our power and our responsibility. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Craigleith and Whistler Mountain Ski Clubs. Bill was a man of passions; he was passionate about his family, his dogs, rose gardens, food, wine and all things tweed. His and Julie's home (whether that be in Toronto, Whistler or Minnicog Island) was always welcoming to all. He believed in elegance and style and their dinner parties were an example of just that. Julie shone as a master chef and the kids (and friends) learned how to serve a crowd. Bill was ever present at the head of the table, in a snappy 3 piece, tweed suit, outfitted with a bow tie and would regale you with (somewhat long winded) entertaining stories, insights and experiences. Bill was particularly pleased to have out lived all of his male Deeks fore bearers. His zest for life and fitness (and Julie's monitoring of his waistline) set him up for success. Although it is unthinkable to say goodbye to such an incredible man, the life that he led, and the legacy that he leaves behind are remarkable. We should all be so lucky to have had him in our lives. We are forever richer. He will be missed but never forgotten! The Renal and CCU teams at the Royal Victoria Hospital were exceptional. You provided the care deserving of an incredible man and for that we are forever grateful. Visitation: Morley Bedford Funeral Home March 17th , 4-7 p.m. Service: Grace Church on the Hill 1:00 p.m., March 18, 2022. Reception: Grace Church Parish Hall. Ceremony: streamed https://gracechurchonthehill.ca/wgdeeks. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Donation to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.