Obituary of William McGuigan

Click here for directions to Burnt River (WWII Veteran, A/Sergeant) Bill McGuigan passed away peacefully at Fenelon Court Long Term Care Centre with family by his side on Friday October 1, 2010 at the age of 88. Son of the late James and Lillian (née Kellington) McGuigan. Beloved husband of Ruby McGuigan (née Hilyer) for 56 years. He will be deeply missed by his daughter Jennie and husband Larry Junkin of Fenelon Falls and his son Rodney and wife Valentina McGuigan of Toronto. A loving grandfather of Vanessa (Wabasca, Alberta) and Evan Junkin, Adam, Adrian and Ryan McGuigan. Brother of the late Samuel McGuigan, Julia Boates and Jennie Jones. Family and friends will be received at Trinity United Church, Bobcaygeon October 8, 2010 for a 2pm service with a time of fellowship to follow. Interment to take place at the Burnt River Cemetery at 12 pm, prior to the church service. Online messages of condolence may be placed at www.monkfuneralhome.com. If desired, memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Willy was born at 46 Knox Ave., Toronto, May 11, 1922, the third of four children. Life was difficult during his early years. With the onset of the Depression followed by the death of his father when he was only 9 he had to become a man much too soon. But with the deep love and determination of his mother the family managed. They were involved in the church and spent summers at the family farm near Coldwater Ontario, where Bill developed a passion for trout fishing and the outdoors. He left his position as an apprentice millwright at the TTC and enlisted in the RCAF, July 11 1941 and followed Sam (his brother and best friend). After serving as a Fitter11E (aircraft mechanic) for 4.5 years he returned home to arms of his mother on January 6, 1946 without Sam(MIA). The extended family was growing with arrival of 3 nephews and a niece which delighted Bill. He resumed employment with the TTC and was able to return to his favorite fishing holes and having some fun. August 28, 1954 he married Ruby Hilyer, the woman he would spend loving dearly for the rest of his life. The arrival of their two children, Jennie 1959 and Rod 1961 brought Bill great happiness. He continued to work hard at being a great husband, a proud and loving father while enjoying social activities, being a bit of a jokester, enjoying a good laugh, helping family and neighbors. Bill retired from the TTC in 1985 after 44 years as an electrical fitter. He was pleased to see his children marry and decided to retire to Bobcaygeon with Ruby in 1989 and enjoy a bit of travelling. The greatest joy came with the arrival of five grandchildren between 1987 and 1995, each one he regarded as a true gift. Bill enjoyed a long and happy retirement, but was afflicted with Alzheimer’s during his late 70’s. He was a humble man who knew the size of a mountain that could be built one stone at a time or the accumulative value of a few beer bottles collected along the way. The joy of family and having some fun in life meant everything to Bill.