William McKay "Bill" Dunlop

William McKay "Bill" Dunlop obituary, Thunder Bay, ON

William Dunlop Obituary

Mr. William McKay Dunlop, ‘Bill', passed gently away from this life, and from us his family on Friday, January 22nd at Toronto General Hospital during surgery to repair a broken heart after the loss of his wife Marlene last year. Adding much sadness - this was his 76th birthday.

Bill was born by the sea, in Halifax, N.S. eldest child of Lowis and Dan Dunlop. The family moved to Toronto where sister Dana and brother Hamish were born. Bill attended University of King's College in Halifax, and later University of Toronto in the Hospital Administration Program. Bill's career saw him working in Toronto, Alberta, and then to Thunder Bay. It was in Thunder Bay, that Bill met the love of his life, Marlene. Although Bill was already a father, his family became much larger as he became an instant step-father and grandfather to many more when he and Marlene married in 1995. Bill was happy to accompany Marlene as they supported and watched her children and grandchildren participate in hockey games, baseball games, golf, downhill ski races, music recitals and concerts, and cheerleading competitions to name a few.

Bill loved and taught sailing for the last 65 years of his life, starting as a small boy in Halifax. He sailed on many different boats over his lifetime, but one of his favourites was “Felucca” which he skippered for 20 years, amassing many trophies. He sailed in 19 Trans Superior Races from Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth. Bill also had the experience of delivering boats for new owners from all over the Great Lakes and participated in a Trans-Atlantic voyage from France to the Caribbean to deliver a new boat to it's new home. Bill even had the distinction to be the subject of a CNN news story as he and a crew sailed another boat over 500 miles off the Atlantic Coast in the US without a rudder. Quite a feat! Bill was responsible for starting and running the ‘New Crew Program' for Thunder Bay Yacht Club which introduced many people to the sport of sailboat racing. His passion was giving people the opportunity to learn about sailing, and share in his love of the sport. Bill was also a proud member of the Westfort Kiwanis, and found great joy in participating in the annual Christmas tree sales.

There is so much about Bill that we will miss. His quiet and thoughtful manner, his positive attitude, head stands, his love of CBC radio, the Tilley Hat and ever present pipe, trifle at Christmas, crossword puzzles, his love of reading and especially - of writing. Bill was happy to live a quiet and ordinary life with his Marlene, believing that it was in the ordinary where our lives flourish. Astonishing beauty and happiness can be found in a bowl of ice cream or being out amongst the many sailboats on a beautiful day sailing Lake Superior with his dear friend Alastair, and in the realization that there is no great secret to life except that life is extraordinary. Life without Marlene, was difficult for Bill - but he was trying to look forward to spring and for the sailing season that will now begin without him.

Family who surrounded and will miss Bill dearly are his beloved daughter Meghan, siblings Dana and Hamish and their children, Marlene's children Kevin (Vickie) Rick (Judi), David (Etsie), Cathy and Jennifer (Gil). 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Should friends desire, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice would be most appreciated. For those who had the opportunity to participate in the New Crew Sailing Program, or to sail with Bill - the family would love to read about those experiences. ([email protected])

A Viking funeral would be a fitting sendoff for Bill, but impossible at present. We are hopeful that the summer will bring the world together once again, and provide us an opportunity to properly say goodbye, and bring him back to the water one last time.

Along the shore I spy a ship
As she sets out to sea;
She spreads her sails and sniffs the breeze
And slips away from me.

I watch her fading image shrink,
As she moves on and on,
Until at last she's but a speck,
Then someone says, “She's gone.”

Gone where? Gone only from our sight
And from our farewell cries;
That ship will somewhere reappear
To other eager eyes.

Beyond the dim horizon's rim
Resound the welcome drums,
And while we're crying, “There she goes!”
They're shouting, “Here she comes!”

We're built to cruise for but a while
Upon this trackless sea
Until one day we sail away
Into infinity.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Feb. 6, 2021.

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Memories and Condolences
for William Dunlop

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12 Entries

Paul and Lois were friends with Bill and Marlene for more than 25 years through the westfort Kiwanis club. We were saddened by the passing of Marlene and now Bill. We last saw Bill this fall when we dropped by to say hello at the door. We miss the comraderie and the happy times getting together at various functions. Marlene and Judy B. Always had their special meeting place at our gazebo. Please keep us in mind if there is a celebration of life for Bill. He was always so generous to offer a boat tour of the harbour for the Kiwanis group and we so enjoyed their company. Fare thee well
Sincerely, Paul and Lois Sebesta

Lois sebesta

Friend

February 15, 2021

i love you and miss you. Love your little Toad Meghan

Meghan Dunlop

Daughter

February 14, 2021

I'm a friend of Dana's and her family, I only had the opportunity to meet Bill a few times when he was visiting Dana. It didnt take long to see how special and kind Bill was
I loved to hear about his adventures, unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to hear them all, I also had the opportunity to design Bill's new kitchen and saw excitement in his eyes for the island he said he did not want (at the start)
I will miss you Bill

Karen Kreplin

Friend

February 8, 2021

A lovely man. Met Bill many years ago at McKellar hospital. He had a smile for all. Was so happy to see him together with Marlene. We worked together at Grandview. He has left mny good memories. Rest in peace Bill.

Susan Shaw

Friend

February 7, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Bill's family. I was saddened to learn of his passing. Bill and I worked together at McKellar, and he was such a kind, generous man. He will be missed and will remain in your hearts and memories.

JoAnne Diakow

Friend

February 7, 2021

My memory of Bill is of a gentle, kind and thoughtful man. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a warmth that made you feel so welcomed and happy to be in his presence. My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family and friends.
Sue Moroney

Sue Moroney

Friend

February 6, 2021

I worked with Bill years ago at McKellar Hospital. He was a great guy.
Reg Arnberg

Reg arnberg

Coworker

February 6, 2021

We met Bill back in the 70's through our best friend, Dana, and spent many special times with Bill and his beautiful wife Marlene. By chance this past year we spent Christmas day together and we did share his delicious trifle as well as his sweet demeanor and special memories about his life. I know that everyone must have a fond story to tell and will always remember his gentle soul. We will miss Bill.
Fondly, Lynn and Richard Biffis

Lynn Biffis

Friend

February 6, 2021

I shall miss you my dear brother but will cherish all of our time spent together. Memories shared will stay with me forever. Your kindness will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.

Dana

Sister

February 6, 2021

I will always have fond memories of both Bill 'Rocky' and Marlene from our several shared Trans Superior races together. Marlene would be their to meet us at the pier in Duluth @ 4am or whenever we docked. A quick refreshment in celebration (not her as the driver) and off we would go back to Thunder Bay.

I always enjoyed Bill's company on these long watches as we sailed through Sun, night or storm.
I will miss both of them even though we had not been in touch for many years.
RIP Bill, happy you have been reunited with you love. Condolences to all you have left behind as we celebrate the good fortune of having crossed paths here on earth.

Barry George

Friend

February 6, 2021

Condolences on the passing of Bill.
I consider myself lucky to have spent some time sailing with Bill and Marlene. During one of those voyages, the story was shared with me about how Marlene spent many hours below deck keeping everything top shape, during storms no less!! Without losing her nerve! And how Bill knew she was the one for him. How lovely that they were able to spend many years sailing. A sailor’s blessing to them both.

Carolyn Cameron

Friend

February 6, 2021

Over 20 years ago Bill shared his love of sailing with us through the new crew programme. We haven’t stopped since and Bill enriched our life. Our condolences to his family and the Thunder Bay yachting community.

Dawn & Stephen Mitchell

Student

February 6, 2021

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