WILLIAM LAURIE WALLACE

1934 - 2025 It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Bill Wallace on August 14, 2025, at the age of 91. Bill was born in Toronto on June 24, 1934, to parents, William and Jean Wallace. He grew up on Gloucester Street, where his parents ran a rooming house. He attended high school at Jarvis Collegiate Institute - meeting his future wife, Joyce, there. In 1956, he graduated from Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Toronto, where he made many lifelong friends. After graduating, Bill began his employment at Dofasco Inc., starting as a trainee on the shop floor and quickly rising to Works Manager. Over his distinguished 36-year career, he travelled the world, built lasting relationships, and ultimately retired as the company's President, Chairman, and CEO. He generously shared his knowledge and leadership as a board member for numerous organizations, including Liquid Carbonic, B.F. Goodrich, Woodbridge Foam, and The Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Bill and Joyce were married in 1957 and honeymooned in Muskoka, discovering a shared love of skiing that became a lifelong passion. They passed this love on to their children and were active members of Tally-Ho and Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Club (now Muskoka Ski Club), with Bill serving on the board and as Racing Director for many years. Huntsville and the family cottage on Fairy Lake held a special place in their hearts, where many countless cherished memories were made. They raised their family in Burlington and were deeply involved in their community. Bill and Joyce also loved to travel - whether it was driving the family station wagon across Canada, walking across England, biking and captaining a barge in France, fishing in Alberta, exploring Tuscany, roaming New Zealand, squiring each of their grandkids around Disneyland, or cruising around Australia and Hawaii with the whole family. Bringing loved ones together and creating shared experiences was at the centre of Bill's life. A passionate supporter of the arts, Bill loved live theatre and shared that enthusiasm with his children and grandchildren. Long drives to the cottage were filled with musical theatre on the 8-track - favourites like The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and H.M.S. Pinafore, mixed in with the selections of his children. He was a devoted patron of the Stratford and Shaw Festivals and served on Stratford's Board for many years. Bill was an active member of the Roseland Club, where he was a keen bridge player and served on the Board and acted as Membership Director. He was also a proud member of the ROGUES, allowing him to enjoy the camaraderie of his friends. Bill remained closely connected to his alma mater, the University of Toronto, establishing the Jean Wallace Memorial Scholarship to support first-year Materials Engineering students. Bill had a lifelong love of cars, owning many over the years, with his beloved Austin Healy now enjoying its retirement in Australia. As an adoring and devoted grandfather to his twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Bill shared his love of reading with them. He would recommend books, share articles, help them to think critically, encourage their pursuits, and delight in their accomplishments. Whether through outings, thoughtful conversations, or simply spending time together, Bill left a lasting mark on their lives. He was a cherished son, beloved husband, loving father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, a treasured brother-in-law, as well as an unwavering friend. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Joyce (nee Hillier); parents, William and Jean (nee Wilson); and his daughter, Laurie Gordon. He is survived by his children, Grant (Barb), Scott (Loretta), Bruce (Marilena) and Beth (Frances); his grandchildren, Lisa (Alex), Karin (Pat), Michelle (Nick), Patrick, Tim, Molly, Liam (Karleen), Ben (Amanda), Emma (Sam), Maia (Emerson), Jasmine (Liam) and Melanie (Julian); his great-grandchildren, George, Henry and Joyce; his brothers-in law, John (Greta) and Gord (Debbie); and his sister-in-law, Margaret (Derek). He will be loved and never forgotten. Visitation will be at Smith's Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), Burlington (905-632-3333), on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be celebrated at Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Drive, Burlington, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow immediately after at the church. Cremation will have already occurred, and a private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favourite charity. www.smithsfh.com