William Charles THORNHILL

1947 - 2022

WILLIAM CHARLES THORNHILL (born June 28, 1947) Suddenly at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, on September 28, 2022, William ("Bill") passed away in his 76th year. Born in London, Ontario, the son of Charles and Mary Eleanor. Beloved husband of Mary Anne (née Finlay). Devoted father to Rebecca (Nick), David (Amanda) and Amanda (Christopher). Darling grandfather to Graham, Rowan, Brooks, and Sterling. Beloved brother to Jim (Tanya) and Jeff (Kathy). Bill showed an early affinity and love for maths and puzzles, so it was perhaps fitting that he was among the first group of students at Western University to enroll in (what was then) the "new" Computer Science BSc program in 1966. Afterward, Bill took on a job as a systems analyst at Canada Trust, where he met his soon-to-be-wife, Mary Anne. Bill stayed with the company until taking early retirement as an EVP in 1997. In his later years, he put up his own shingle as an investment consultant. Bill was particularly well known for his integrity in financial investment advice and served on the independent review committee for Quadravest. Bill loved sport and games throughout his life, beginning with baseball and, later in life, curling. There was a special place in his heart for Cleveland sports teams, which was owed in equal measure to their perennial underdog status and to his upbringing across from Lake Erie (London). An avid 'card shark,' Bill even grew to enjoy playing with his bridge partners online during the first year of the pandemic. Among the many gifts he inherited from his beloved mother was his love of gardening, wildlife, and, of course dogs. If there was a dog around, it wasn't long before it became joined at the hip with Bill Thornhill (not least because he could be relied on for surreptitious treats). Above all, Bill brought his sense of humour with him, wherever he went. Although he was probably better known by his friends and colleagues as the guy with the razor sharp "way with words," in fact Bill loved nothing more than spending time being silly and clowning around with his kids and, later, his beloved grandkids. A private service for close family will be held this weekend, with plans for a Celebration of Life at a date to follow. Donations may be made in Bill's honour to a Charity of Your Choice.