Bill ranks up there as one of the few genuine newsmen that defined the profession. I was Bill’s friend and colleague of over 35 years and respected his talent, accuracy and fairness. We had a relationship that stood the test of time. He was one of a kind and he definitely made the world an interesting place. For that alone, I will miss him dearly.

This is a tough one. Bill was a stand up guy. Hard working, kind, fair, highly intelligent, as reliable as they come, all with his just as reliable sense of humour. Beth and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Gone far too soon. He truly adored you. He will be so missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Beth & Family,
I was so very shocked hearing of Bill’s passing. Having worked along side Bill for the last 3 years, I got to know him as a kind, easy going gentleman always happy to share a joke or two. His dedicated hard work will definitely be missed. But not as much as he will be missed by you and everyone else in and around the community. May you find comfort by cherishing the wonderful memories Bill has left with you and all of us.

Beth and family…Len and I are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He. was a true champion in his fair, dedicated and unbiased coverage, for the Caledon Citizen, of the happenings in the Caledon community. His face was truly one of the most recognized around town. Sitting next to him quite often at the media table in Town Council Chambers it was Bill who’d often bring a smile to my face with his quick insightful take on so many situations. And there was rarely an event you could attend without seeing him there, notepad and camera at the ready. He was one of the good guys and such a great asset to the whole Caledon community. He will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences.

I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My warmest, heartfelt condolences to Beth and the family. A very good, kind, honourable and integrity filled man has been taken from us and far too soon. Rest in peace Bill, I will not forget you.

Dear Beth and family, to say to you sorry for your loss of Bill, is almost frail words, but I am at a loss of words. Bill and my late son Brian they went to school together, they were drift apart due to lives events, but they always drifted back together..
I was personally honoured when Bill gave Brian such heart warming and emotional Eulogy at Brian’s Memorial service at the PAMA , Reference Archives..
Beth , you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers as this very difficult time of your times.
Audrey Gilchrist.

I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a tireless community advocate that you could always count on to cover what matters to all of us. I am not sure how he had the time to cover and write about events and editorials, all the while with a polite smile and a witty comment. He was definitely a talented top-notch community newspaper professional. He made a huge difference for the local food and environmental organizations to get our stories out. He will be truly missed by all. Beth – he would always talk about you when you weren’t with him and I always felt that you were never far from his thoughts. I hope that you feel comfortable turning to all of us as you process this loss that was way to soon.

On behalf of everyone at Caledon Meals on Wheels I am sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Beth and family. He will always be remembered and truly missed by all who knew him.

We were so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a dedicated journalist & worked tirelessly to report the news to his community. On behalf of the Caledon Parent-Child Centre, I am sending our deepest sympathy to Beth, the family & Bill’s co-workers. RIP Bill, you were one of the good guys, and you will be truly missed.

Beth – so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. Rembering him from my time working at the Town of Caledon.
Condolences to you and your family. Maureen

Beth, words cannot describe the shock and emptiness we are all experiencing at Bill’s passing. So much humour (often at your expense with his tongue in his cheek!), and one of the last reporters to actually have no need for fake news to tell a compelling story. Heck, he even spell-checked his work, unlike most these days! The Scognamillo family sends you our deepest sympathies – you are in our hearts at this difficult time. We will miss bumping into Bill at all sorts of community events, but hope we will still see you about town, given time. I will be making a donation in Bill’s memory to Volunteer MBC’s 2018 V-Oscars Volunteer Recognition Awards Gala on April 19th, an event that Bill covered for us in the Caledon Citizen annually, right from it’s inception a few years ago. The donation will go directly back into the community that Bill so dearly loved, Caledon. Take care, sending you hugs until I can give you one in person. Jane x

Beth and family, Mr. Bill Rea was a community builder like no other, always tireless in his efforts to keep us all in the know about Caledon, balanced on everything but when it came to editorial, a gifted writer always with a touch of dry humor. He would always take the first few pictures and then tell us that he now had to take the real ones once he put batteries in the camera. Same corny jokes again and again and with them came the same professionalism and steady reporting for which he was so deeply respected. I had the good fortune of knowing Bill as an editor/reporter and as a husband to you. He wore both hats with grace and humility, he certainly loved both roles dearly. Our entire organization yearns to see you back in the CCS fold soon, we will embrace you as we always do but now just a little bit warmer. Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of such a great Caledon resident and such a kind and loving husband.

Bill was such a wonderful, honest and smart person.
I loved his wit and was a wonderful poet (“The Mad Poet”)
His death is a great loss to the community and the newspaper world.
We will all miss him so much.

We will always remember Bill with fondness. We greatly enjoyed seeing him out and about in Schomberg and King. He often shared a kind word and insights when he saw us. Much love and deepest sympathy to the family.

To Beth and family: So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Having worked with him for 9 years, he will always be remembered for his dedication and hard work to the newspaper and the community. It will not be the same in the office without Bill.
He will be missed.

Mary Speck

Dear Beth and family:
I was in shock, as I am sure many other Caledon residents were, when I heard of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful and honest journalist – always there covering events occurring in the Town, seemed like 24/7. He reported events accurately and truthfully. If I sent him a press release, I could always count on him to print it. I saw him so many times during the year when he was reporting an event I was attending. Last time was the Easter Sunrise Service. I shall miss him asking me if I want my photo taken. He knew I hated it and always teased me.
He has left a huge gaping hole in this community of Caledon and I shall miss reading his columns and his personal stories. Far too young to be taken from us.
Beth, you and Bill had a happy marriage and so sad your life has been turned around in a matter of minutes.

Rest in Peace, by friend and distant relative. You will be sorely missed by this whole community of Caledon

Dear Beth and family,

I am so deeply sorry to hear of Bill’s sudden and unexpected passing… a shock to many…but especially to you, his loved ones. It will feel strange not seeing him drop by Caledon Community Services to deliver a few copies of the newspaper or reporting on our events.

I am sincerely wishing you lots of strength and comfort during this very difficult time.

Beth, please know that your peers at CCS will do all we can to support you.

Nancy Kopriva

Beth,
I don’t know what to say. I don’t know your husband that well and yet I do from short conversations here and there and from reading the newspaper. We have lost a community treasure! The one of a kind magician who appeared everywhere, did the photography, disappeared and did the writing and editing too. I can’t imagine there is someone else who can do what he did!
He also had such a SHARP sense of humour. He would be walking away while people were still trying to figure out the whit behind the one-liner he had just dropped.
I cannot believe what the community has just lost and then I think of you – and I am just so sorry – I wish there was something we can do.
We are all thinking of you here at work and our hearts are heavy with sadness.
With enormous condolence,
Georgina

I have known Bill for a number of years seeing him covering a variety of community events. I recently talked to him at the Fire and Ice Festival at Alton Mill. He was a great journalist and friend to all Caledon residents. RIP Bill.

Bill was a loyal icon at every Caledon event. He was that familiar face that reminded me that this was a special cause or occasion cause Bill was covering it. My heart breaks for his family. He will be missed.

Bill was one of my first bosses just over 30 years ago, when I started as a “cub reporter” at the Caledon Citizen. I will always remember his first wise words of advice to me, “You may want to double-check the spelling of the editor’s name before you send in your resume.” (I had incorrectly spelled his last name!)
I remember being in awe of Bill’s intelligence, but never felt intimidated. He had a gentle way of giving guidance to a new reporter, so that you felt confident in your role as a new journalist. He also had a wickedly dry sense of humour, which made for some great laughs when the days were long.
I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing and would like to extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family.

To the Rea family, the Caledon Citizen family and all in Caledon – my condolences on the passing of Bill. He was a community hero and huge supporter of all things Caledon. I will remember him at all of our Palgrave Rotary events with his camera ready. He was a steadfast presence in Caledon and will be greatly missed.

Beth,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Ruth & Joyce Wiggins

Sending our Sincere Condolences to you Beth ; Michael Rea and
Early family.
Roy & Edna Wright.

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Bill’s death. What a heartbreaking loss for your family and the entire community. I had the privilege of working with Bill for many years, most of that time for the competing paper, but he was always nice to me and always made me laugh. He was truly one of the most dedicated journalists I have ever met. He will be missed. Beth, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
Angela Gismondi

Many fond memories of our days with the 75th Wolf Cub Pack at St. Paul’s Runnymede Anglican Church – Willard Avenue – Toronto. Seems like yesterday.

The Kinsmen Club of Bolton send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Beth and family. We greatly appreciated all of his support over the years.

Sincerely,
The Kinsmen Club of Bolton

Dear Beth and family:
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have known Bill for many, many years. I have admired his professionalism and his wit.
Hi dry sense of humour is memorable and he was never short of a smart remark for me, I will miss that greatly.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Rest in peace my friend.

On behalf of the Caledon Chamber Concerts’ Board of Directors I offer our condolences to Beth and family for the untimely death of Bill. He was very generous of his time and almost always came out to our concerts to take photos of the artists. He also faithfully published all our press releases about upcoming concerts. There are few journalists today with Bill’s dedication and integrity. He will be sorely missed.

Gordon Morton
President & Artistic Director
Caledon Chamber Concerts

SIT TIBI TERRA LEVIS

I am so sorry for your loss Beth.

Bill was a tireless voice for all things Caledon, speaking with fairness, integrity and balance as a journalist His honest reporting will be sorely missed, It was a privilege to sit with him at the media table in Council, and to glean words of wisdom at his desk at the Citizen. Sincerest condolences to his family. He passed gently and it is fitting that he will be remembered with quiet respect.

Beth, we are so very sorry to hear of Bill’s sudden passing. It is a heartbreaking loss to you, your family, and the Caledon community. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

For quite a few years now I looked forward to my Friday morning visit from Bill. He would arrive at Humberview SS to report on our Athlete of the Week. Students would greet him with an enthusiastic smile as he cracked a lighthearted joke or pun, snapped their picture and made note of their most recent accomplishments. It was an honour to know Bill. He will be dearly missed by the entire Caledon Community.

My deepest condolences!

Bill was the connection between the community and the people. He was the voice of the people and the collective identity of everyone and everything that mattered in Caledon. You knew you were at an event in Caledon because Bill was there. You knew something happened in Caledon because Bill wrote about it. It’s impossible to imagine what community life will be like without him. Bill was an integral part of everything that mattered in our community and will be sorely missed. On behalf of 1st Bolton Scouts, our heartfelt condolences to Beth and family. Bill made it a priority to always tell our community what the youth and volunteers in Scouting were doing. It made a difference, and that difference mattered in more ways than Bill can ever have known.

On behalf of the Caledon Seniors’ Centre we offer our condolences to you Beth and your family, you are in our thoughts.
He will be sadly missed in our community.

The Schomberg Agricultural Society and membership sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Beth and family for Bill’s untimely passing. He was a great supporter of local community news and we saw him at all Schomberg events. He was a truly dedicated professional, an integral part of the newspaper genre, and he will be missed by those who knew him. Our deepest condolences.

Beth and Family: The world has lost a good man – too soon! He was one of the good guys! May this thought help you at this sad time, We, and the whole community, will sense his absence. in our midst.
Donna and Chuck Davies

On behalf of the Caledon East and District Historical Society I send condolences to you Beth, and the family. Bill was such a vital part of our community and always so ready to help us and many other organizations to be known. He was a professional in his calling, but also a warm, friendly, helpful citizen. We are fortunate to have shared in the talents of such a man

Donna Davies

We are all so shocked and sad. I talked to Bill just the Saturday before when he attended our play. He was always a friend to our little community theatre group and we appreciated everything he did for us.

You will be sorely missed in this community Bill.

My Condolences to all of the family. Bill was a great member of the Citizen team and a pleasure to work with. He has left some very big shoes to fill. He will be greatly missed

To Beth and family,
Reporters in a small town newspaper come and go because the job requires you to give up a lot of your personal life. Our area has been blessed with a few reporters like Frank Leavens, Werden and Marjorie Leavens, Bill Whitbread, Mark Pavilons and Bill Rae, that have spent their entire working lives or most of it dedicated to getting the news out . I am shocked by the sudden and untimely death of Bill who on Saturday was out in our town taking pictures of Championship hockey teams and then on Sunday we find out he is no longer with us. Bill was super dedicated to getting the stories of our community out with just the proper spin. Our area was lucky to have such a reporter and our community will feel the loss.

Boy, what a tribute to Bill are all these condolences. And the neat thing is – they’re all true. When my sister Sheilagh told me that Bill had died, like others, I was completely shocked. First were thoughts of Beth and then Mark and then us. What will we do without Bill? I am so sorry Beth.

Beth, please except my heartfelt condolence, I was shocked to find out what happened.
Again, so very sorry.

Hugs.

Rest In Peace Bill, there is nothing more to say. God bless.

Dear Beth:

We are so sad to have lost a dear friend so unexpectedly.

There are so many memories of Bill; These are the small things that count:

…His visible tenderness and deep love for you
…His early morning e-mailed “hello” to friends every New Year’s Day (Sh-h-h! Beth is still sleeping!)
…Intelligence? Wow! Bill could out-trivia a whole HERD of Mensa Members
…His unique and dry sense of humour with accompanying steely glare that made us laugh
…His company at Hogmanay dinners

…….BUT our favourite memory will be of him running into the wind to set his kite high over Lake Ontario

Sail on, old friend!

Dear Beth
Reading through the memories of and tributes to Bill provides a glimpse into his wide-spread and positive impact on us as individuals and on Caledon as a community. His shockingly sudden death leaves a gaping hole. I knew that I was in the right place doing the right thing when Bill showed up to record the event. His wry observations were the icing on the cake.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss and may you be surrounded by love and support when you need it.

Bill Rea was a “one of a kind”. He was witty, intelligent, caring and an outstanding journalist, who was fair with immense integrity. Bill and Beth were a model of a married couple, always joking with each other, or at least Bill was always teasing Beth and she would have a big smile on her face.

Bill had so much integrity in his reporting and his life. He was honest and his reporting reflected that. When you would read his articles, it was like really being there at the meeting. True to the core! I personally will really miss him because I have known him since 1988 and have admired him since then.

“Now I will use the camera with film” -” Marolyn take off the sunglasses”! We loved you Bill and will miss you.

On behalf of the Brampton Flying Club, we are deeply saddened for your loss Beth and our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family.
I have had the pleasure working with Bill since 2012 and I affectionately called him “Mr. Caledon” for good reason. He covered so many events and news stories in our community and participated in many of our Clubs’ events. He always had a sincere and genuine interest in the words he put to paper – A consummate professional in every manner!
A smile from Bill was something of a challenge for me, but I fondly remember, with a little convincing, when he had his first flight I do believe in a small plane at one of our events, when he landed, his smile was big and infectious and perhaps a few cherished moments in time he has taken with him.

Rest In Peace, Bill. You will be missed.

Simply said, Bills’ columns were so delightful! Weekly, It was indeed a pleasure to read his fabulous article, in the Caledon Citizen.. Last week’s column titled, “Early to bed, Early to Rise” struck a chord, as this was also 1 of my dear Grandmothers saying.
Dear Beth: With much sadness, We send You our deepest condolences, and may You be surrounded by love, support and huge hugs.

Beth, we are so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts are with you.

It is with a very heavy heart to learn of the passing of Bill, he was a true gentleman who supported the fire services by being fair and respectful. We could always count on Bill to attend our events while promoting critical fire safety information to make the Town of Caledon a safer place to live and work. He shared with the community the many successes and milestones achieved by the men and women of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services.

On behalf of all Caledon Fire and Emergency Services personnel, thank you Bill you will be sincerely missed.

Darryl Bailey
Fire Chief
Caledon Fire and Emergency Services

On behalf of Caledon OPP our deepest condolences to Beth and Bills’ entire family. Bill was always there reporting on policing issues or events held within our community. Bill’s fairness, impartiality and most of all his integrity were attributes most admired. We will miss him at the events, we will miss the many calls for follow-ups and we will miss the photos he always took. From all members of Caledon OPP thank you Bill for your support, dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm for so many years. You will be missed my friend.

Ryan Carothers
Detachment Commander
Caledon OPP

On behalf of our school community I would like to offer our deepest sympathies. Bill was a true supporter of our school and ANY time we called him to attend an event he would be there! We could always count on Bill to feature us in the local news. It is a shock to us that we have lost such an important community leader and we will never forget what he did for us! Thank you Bill.

Such sad news to hear of Bill’s passing. As the former Chief Librarian in King Township I found Bill to be a terrific and thoughtful newspaperman- his attention to detail showed in each article. Bill could always be trusted to present an informative and very accessible story about the most important events taking place in the community. His interest and willingness to cover events related to public library service in King served the community well – he found a perfect vocation for his skills and proved each and everyday how important community newspaper service is in our democracy. Murray McCabe, Chief Librarian
Wellington County

Bill’s passing is a huge loss to Caledon. He was a faithful chronicler of the life of this community. Who now will tell our stories? We will feel his loss for a long time. My heartfelt sympathy to Beth and his family. May the arms of our community embrace you as Bill embraced us all.

Dear Beth and family,
I am so sorry, shocked, and sad. Bill has been such a longtime friend and talented co-worker ever since the days we were working crazy hours covering stories for the Orangeville and Caledon Citizens. Bill kept at it for all these years. Since then, I always looked forward to seeing him at the Christmas Eve services and, over the past many years, at every Alton event – Remembrance Day at the Legion, Alton Fire ‘n Ice, and, just a few weeks ago, when he took a great picture at our school production of My son, Pinocchio. I was sorry I’d missed him as I was upstairs putting kids in costumes but he sent his regards. I appreciated Bill’s quick, funny, wry personality and felt he was the epitome of a real reporter – honest, scrupulously fair, committed, astute, dedicated, and a terrific writer. I admired him greatly. I can’t believe we won’t run into each other again. Although Bill might say, “Don’t count anything out.” My deepest condolences to you all. I think Bill might have been genuinely surprised by this outpouring of grief and love and I hope somehow, someway, it may bring you comfort and solace.

Dear Beth and family, I worked with Bill at the Beeton newspaper offices. At first, I wasn’t sure how to take Bill but I quickly became fond of him. I am very sorry for the loss of such a stand-up guy. He offered his help to me once when I needed it, and I enjoyed seeing him at events and in the office. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Beth and family
Bob and I are so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. It is obvious from all the condolences what a stand up guy and truly a remarkable man in his field and community Bill was. He will be missed by so many.

Beth and family
The directors, members and volunteers of the Albion & Bolton Agricultural Society are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill’s presence will be greatly missed at our annual tractor pull and fall fair. With a quick witted comment and two cameras on hand, Bill was always there to capture the best of our events regardless of how busy his weekend was. We extend our deepest sympathy to you.

On behalf of the Caledon East District Historical Society, a donation has been made to the Toronto Daily Foodbank in Bill,s memory.

Bill was so supportive of the society and we will miss him very much.

Dear Beth,

I was shocked to hear of Bill’s untimely passing.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’ll miss him and his wonderful wit.

Sorry to hear this. I met him in college and would run into him throughout the years. He was a good guy. My condolences.

Absolutely humbled to have been one of the countless people who’s story Bill so eloquently told. His kindness, professionalism and style of storytelling set the bar high on how journalism can and should be done. We will miss your words Bill, but are fortunate to have your writings forever at our fingertips to read and be reminded of your voice.

Bill was just with us on Saturday night reporting on our league championship and charity hockey event, as he did every year. We appreciated his ongoing support of the SNHL – always willing to publish our scores in the Citizen. Our condolences to his family and friends. He was a community icon and he will be missed by all.

Bill was always such a strong supporter of Alton Public School, and was at so many of our events at the school and within the community. He always wrote such positive articles and had fabulous pictures of our students. He will be greatly missed by our staff and students. Our condolences go out to his wife and family.

I was fortunate to meet Bill in my 2nd year of Humber College Journalism when he and a couple of other university grads joined the course mid-stream. I came to respect Bill for his intelligence, integrity, decency and work ethic. He also could be pretty funny and would have a group of us laughing at lunch in the Pipe.
I visited Bill’s parent house once and he explained the correct way to buy real estate was to buy the smallest house on a good street, which his parents did. His point was proven when a limousine sandwiched by a security detail pulled up at his neighbors house. He nonchalantly explained that Prime Minister John Turner was visiting his neighbor Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton.
At Humber, we were taught to be unbiased in our reporting and tell the whole story. This is harder than you would think to do when you are looking through the prism of your personal morals and opinions. Bill excelled at this. I also admired his work ethic and commitment to the community. He did our class proud!! I will miss bumping into Bill and catching up on our lives.

Sincere condolences to Beth, Michael and family. Bill was a strong supporter of Caledon events, and the Albion-Bolton Historical Society. He faithfully printed our notices, and attended many meetings. We will miss his wit, and interesting unbiased reporting. May he rest in peace.

Beth, Michael and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill’s sudden passing. We remember Bill coming to the Bolton Enterprise in February 1984 as a young journalism intern from Humber College, Bill never forgot to remind us of the date. Later, he began reporting for the Caledon Citizen. He was so dedicated to reporting fairly, and covered the Caledon Community like no other. He was one of a kind with a phenomenal memory. We extend our sincere condolences.

He was a real plus to our community, always there with his camera and notebook covering local events. Also enjoyed his editorials. He will be sorely missed.

Dear Beth and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Throughout the past 6 years I worked with Bill. He was a very dedicated worker with a great sense of humour. Bill was a valuable part of our team and will be greatly missed.
I’m sorry for your loss.

Dear Beth,
We can only echo Denise and Brian’s beautiful words; and shed a tear.
Love,
Judy and Robin.

My Caledon includes Bill Rea, it has since day one, and Beth Early-Rea – the aha when I connected those dots. The shared laughs, the smiles and nods across crowded rooms… the whole crane lifting the hall coordination … knowing i could go just about anywhere because you’d see friends – Bill and so often Beth would be there. Beth and Family deepest condolences .. thoughts and prayers and a huge Thanks Bill one last time. I wish i’d seen you on the Pinnacle. 20 not 10 minutes. 🙂

Total shock! That is the only description I can give as to how I felt when I read the email of the present owner of the Caledon Citizen when he informed me Monday morning of Bill’s passing. We hired Bill in the early 1980’s right out of journalism school. He worked for me for more than 25 years and then another nine for the present owner. I had a lot of journalists and a few editors over that period but I can honestly say none compared to Bill. Every description you have read in the above emails describes Bill to a T. The one that immediately comes to my mind is loyalty. Beth, I will be troubled with Bill’s too early death but I can only imagine what you are going through. Be strong my girl knowing that Bill will be forever watching over you.

Dear Beth
We are truly saddened by the news of the passing of Bill. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. We are unable to attend the funderal today, April 14, 2018 due to the ice storm.
You are in our prayers. If there is anything that we can do for you, please ask.
Sincerely,
Brian and Cynthia Riley

Dear Beth,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear Bill, far too young.
You are very much in my thoughts.
Sending you strength and hugs as you journey through this dark and painful time.
Jane xoxo

Dear Beth,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I was shocked to learn of Bill’s passing…you are in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless you during this very difficult time.

With deepest sympathy,
Sandra (CCS)

Beth;
My condolences in the loss of Bill.

We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Beth and family from the Residents, Adult Day Clients, Helping Hands Volunteers and Staff of the Davis Centre. Bill was there when we called for coverage of our many events over the years. He always did an amazing job. He will truly be missed by the Caledon community.

Dear Beth, although we never met, through reading Bill’s articles and editorials faithfully for many years and enjoying the humorous glimpses he provided into both your lives, I feel a kinship with you. I believe Bill grew up in high Park/Swansea and so did I, (he would have been a couple of years ahead of me in high school).

With weekly anticipation, after dinner, with a hot cup of tea, it was always a mini-treat to sit down, open the Bolton Surprise and later the Citizen, and read his columns to see what was top of mind with him about the Town or your married life! I always marvelled at how hard he worked for the paper, how he was present (or is that omnipresent?!) at all events, and how he took such great care in his writings to document the Town’s happenings, each week.

I hope with help of friends and family you can re-strike your balance this coming year. I lost my husband 3 years ago at 59; it’s difficult to soldier on when hit with the shock of the sudden loss and then the realization that you thought you had so many more years together ahead but don’t now. It hurts…

God bless you and your family Beth. My condolences and prayers that you are granted strength and peace to get through this sad season in your life.

Diane Voralek
Bolton Resident

Dear Beth,
I well remember Bill’s presence ‘everywhere’ over the years, especially when I was active in King Municipal politics and attending Council Meetings.
Bill was unfailingly polite, patient, thoughtful and fair minded. And accurate in his reporting. King was so lucky to have him to report local news, for he was absolutely dedicated to community from the Municipal Elections to cleaning up the roadsides for the Communities in Bloom judges’ imminent arrival.

It seemed an event was not really an event unless he (and often you) attended to report the news to those who had not come out. It was a 7 day a week gig, as I recall.

Bill was an early supporter of the newly formed King Township Food Bank; community groups could always count on him to help get the message out.

It was an honour and pleasure to know him.

Deepest condolences
Carol Ann (Trabert)