WILLIAM A. HACKETT

(February 1, 1933 – May 4, 2025) As we inform you of the peaceful passing of William "Bill" A. Hackett, age 92, family and friends know he would say that he lived a full and rich life by focusing on living in the present and helping and encouraging others. Bill urged us to live in the present, saying "the past is history, the future is not guaranteed" and "my/your tomorrows are today." To Bill, family was everything, beginning with his deep love and respect for his parents, the late Grace and George Sills; and his late siblings, Helen, and George Jr. Bill is survived by his adored sister, Diane Sills. He and his first wife, Kathleen (predeceased), had a special loving relationship and always remained friends. Together they parented and took pride in their three sons, William Jr. (predeceased) (Kathy), Rick (Patti), and Warren (Deborah). His second wife, Lois (predeceased) brought many years of joy into his life. Bill was also very proud and supportive of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loving the time he could spend with them when they were in town for visits, or when they called just to talk to Grampa. Bill was a carefree man until his son, William Jr., who lived his life to help those at the Scott Mission, died at age 26. That was when Bill realized more than ever that "time is the most beautiful and important gift we have," and that "there is greater joy in giving than in taking." In this vein, he quietly began his journey of doing for others without expectation of receiving. He found community and friendships at local churches, at McDonalds (Sherway Gardens), where the manager became a dear friend and staff called him "Uncle Bill," and in the community at large where he would talk to people from all walks of life, and soon enough, many of them became his friends too. It wasn't long into his journey when his service was formally recognized, and he received the Ontario medal for "Service to the Community," which he promptly tucked into a drawer and didn't discuss. He carried on bringing joy and helping others, and because, as he would often say, "I was given two ears and one mouth for a reason," he would listen twice as much as he would talk. Then, with an encouraging spirit, deep faith in people, and a smile, Bill would impart his wisdom. His impact was significant whether he knew you for a brief encounter or many years, because he loved life and he loved people. As a testament to this, several staff at Toronto's St. Joseph's Medical Centre, who knew him for mere days, told us that he had a positive impact on them. To the staff, we will forever remember your kindness and excellent support throughout Bill's end-of-life care. Thank you. To his long-term friends, you know he loved you. The memorial will be held May 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Park Lawn Baptist Church, 276 Park Lawn Rd., Etobicoke. The interment will follow at Sanctuary Park Cemetery, 1570 Royal York Rd., Etobicoke. We extend deep gratitude to Karin Schuett and staff of the Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc., for guiding us in a few short years through the loss of family, with Bill being the seventh. And in closing, we leave you with Bill's final motto on the elements of living a full and rich life, which is to realize "everything has a beginning and an end, so make the best you can of everything in-between." "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul Thank you, Lord, for making me whole Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Memories and photos of Bill may be shared at www.circleoflifecbc.com