WILLIAM LAWRENCE COOLING

1940 - 2021

COOLING, WILLIAM LAWRENCE Early on Sunday morning, April 25, 2021 in his 81st year, William Lawrence Cooling peacefully left this life as he entered it; at home surrounded by love. Born June 25, 1940 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Bill moved to Toronto at the age of 2 and forever after maintained a deep love for the water and tall ships, especially the Bluenose. Bill attended George Harvey Collegiate Institute where he met the love of his life, June Toffoli. June and Bill were married on August 19, 1961 at St. Hilda's Anglican Church in Toronto. Together they travelled the world where opportunities for adventure abounded. Most times a man of few words, Bill relished the chance to regale others with tales from a lifetime well- travelled. In their retirement June and Bill wandered the highways in their beloved RV where they stopped at every flea market and antique mall along their route, eventually arriving at their home in Florida where they would winter alongside friends. A successful businessman, Bill was also a highly skilled man of many trades who built a gorgeous home in Kleinburg utilizing architectural salvage long before it was "cool". He was the first to offer help with the latest renovation or building project. If you knew him, you knew he had a project or 3 on the go at all times. Family was everything to him and he spent many hours scanning and archiving family photos and researching family history. Bill was a true gentleman who loved quietly and deeply, lived his life with integrity, was generous with his time and money and set a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren. We were so lucky he was ours and we were his. Survived by his cherished wife June, daughter Shawna and her children Justin (Paige), Brodie (Ashley) and Olivia (Brett), son Christopher and his children Brandon and Jade, sisters Freddie (Peter) and Joan (Jack) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Frederick, his sister Lynda (Archie) and granddaughters Victoria and Delaney. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral. When loved ones and friends can once again gather there will be a Celebration of Life, so polish off your best stories. In Bill's own words "I lived a good life". Selfishly we wanted more. More time, more travel, more stories, more memories. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in his memory would be appreciated by the family should anyone desire.