Peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, on Monday, November 18, 2024, William Roters, at the age of 95 years. Loving father of Bernie, and Anne and Howard. Cherished grandfather of Jennifer and Jeff, Stephanie and Josh, John and Brit, Joseph and Samantha; Andrea and Kurtis, Brent and Janice, Daniel (deceased), Scott and Ceidre. Proud great-grandfather of Vera, Layla, Finn, Elliott, Audrey, Alaina (Lainey), and Xander.
William crafted his work as a Master Cabinet Maker in Germany and then studied to be a Civil Engineer. After studying and learning English in night school in Germany, William moved to Canada in 1955. He worked in construction when he arrived because his German Civil Engineer degree was not recognized here. This did not hold William back and he wrote all the exams to become a Civil Engineer here in Canada and, after a year and half, he succeeded. William is known as one of the engineers who designed the highways for the 401 and 400 series. At the time, no one believed the highways needed to be that large; however, William and his team moved forward and insisted to keep the original plan and enforced the size.
Honouring William’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Shirley Flavell
Kristi Fassbender once referred to Willi as her Pretend Papa. In reference to him as a grandfather role model. For me he was a dear friend, and a father figure. His cabinetry he called his children that I am honoured to be their caretaker. He often called alcohol “the only truth”!so tonight I will be hoisting the only truth in his honour. Hail and farewell Pretend Papa!
Diane Burton
Jack and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Simmons Family on the loss of their Father/Grandfather.
Steffi Welp
Liebe Familie von Onkel Willy,
so habe ich ihn immer genannt, unser allerherzlichstes Beileid und aufrichtige Anteilnahme, wir hoffen, er musste nicht zu sehr leiden und hat nun seinen Frieden gefunden, rest in peace dear uncle Willy.
Ich bin etwas geschockt, weil wir gar nicht wussten, dass es ihm schlecht ging, er hat ja noch eine Cousine in Metelen, die Tochter seiner Tante Lisbeth, Magdalene, ich weiß nicht, ob ihr das wisst, sag bitte allen ganz liebe Grüße Steph,
fühlt euch alle herzlich umarmt, big hugs and our kindest regards, just a few days ago we looked at our fotobook about our wonderful trip to Toronto and the familiar barbeque with all of you, I´m really sad about these news, but now he will have his next ” little Schnäppschen ” with our father Karl and all the ones he loves, I`m sure – hope to hear you soon
maybe you can send us a card, we send cards if someone has died, I can give you my address via mail,
ganz liebe Grüße aus Nortrup
Steffi & Maria
TRENT COSGROVE
I met Willi over 20 years ago. Our neighbours, Susie and Shirley, invited us over for cocktails. We met Susie’s Mother Lilo and her significant other Willi.
I liked him the first day I met him. He was such a gentlemen, kind and intelligent. When I discovered he was also a woodworker we really hit it off. But, Willi was not in the class of woodworker that I was/am. Willi was a master cabinetmaker, making some very beautiful and extremely complex items.
Every time I visited, I would ask questions about how things were made and the techniques he used. He always took the time to explain the process in detail. I still marvel at his creations; they will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
When he moved in with Lilo, my wife Joanne and I would walk over to visit on every major holiday. Willi was getting older but would always come out to see us – even that cold day he came out with no shoes on, just to say hello.
I remember the last day I visited. He was in a nursing home that allows residents to have their own belongings. As I was sitting and looking around, I saw a beautiful piece of furniture and immediately said “You made that”. I could tell right away from the quality of the work – remarkable and distinguished, just like Willi.
I will miss my friend deeply.