William Calder SPENCE

SPENCE, William Calder (Billy)
Peacefully, at K-Wing, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, on Saturday, March 21, 1998, in his 82nd year. He was loved by his wife Betty, children Stephanie and her husband Brad Hatch; Rand (Calder); and Marian and her fiance David McFadden; grandchildren, Bradley, David and Sandra, Charles and Brittany; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Dear brother of Isabel and husband Reg Fleet and Margaret Chapman and husband Howard, both deceased. He was born and grew up in "The Beach" and attended Malvern Collegiate where he excelled in gymnastics, football, skiing and became a lifelong sportsman. In 1936, with Joe McNulty, he won a Canadian Dominion Paddling Championship for the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. During World War II, he was proud to serve his country as a Flying Officer for the RCAF. Before and after the war, he and his father, Norman J. Spence, designed and built many fine houses in Moore Park, Bennington Heights, Forest Hill and York Mills. He loved cottaging in Muskoka and for many years was an active member of the Bala Aquatic Association and the Canadian Power Squadron. Tenacity, determination and humour sustained him all his life. His courage and will to live inspired everyone who knew him. He will be sorely missed. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 1998. Complete service in the Chapel Wednesday afternoon, March 25th, at 1:00 o'clock. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception in the Leaside Room of the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1920 Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, M4S 3E2. Special thanks to the staff at the George Hees Reactivation Unit and at K-Wing, 2nd Floor West for their care and support. We will always be grateful.