​

William (Bill) Thomas Heron

October 13, 1922 - April 2, 2020

​

Heron, William Thomas-  The family of Bill Heron announce his peaceful passing at his Richmond Hill retirement home, on April 2, 2020 at the age of 97. Bill is now reunited with his wife Margaret (nee Bowman) who predeceased him in 2012. Much loved father of Pam Heron (Garry Conway) of King City, Wendy Harvey (Peter) of Penetanguishene and the late Richard Heron. Doting grandfather of Adam (Jessica) and Lisa Harvey (Daniel), Nicholas Heron (Victoria) and Christine Gilmore (Sean) and delighted great-grandfather of Noa, Mossie and Isabel. Favourite uncle to John (Patti),  Kevin (Beth), and Tom Juffs (Anne Garrett-Ward) and proud great uncle to Rob (Jessica), Brad, Stephanie, Brock (Lyndsay) Abraham), Curtis and Kelsey Juffs. Lovingly remembered by his daughter-in-law Jennifer Collie (Ali Metel). Predeceased by his parents, John and Grace Heron, his mother-in-law, Etta Dukes, and his sister and brother-in-law Eleanore and Murray Juffs.

​

Bill grew up in Scarborough, became a Spitfire pilot in World War II and married his beloved Marg after the war. He worked at General Engineering (Geco) and Burroughs Business Machines as a technician. He and Marg were early supporters of Thornhill United Church, where he was an elder and managed the Thornhill Church Hockey League. He and Marg held many parties at their homes in Thornhill and Richmond Hill - weddings, wakes, staff parties and large family gatherings on every major holiday, birthday or anniversary.  They were happily married for 66 years. He made many friends when they moved to Richmond Hill through the local Curling Club, golf, and bridge. Bill helped build houses and a cottage, did many renovations, and maintained his own garden into his nineties. His love of life was also shown by the hosting  of neighborhood baseball and football games and fireworks, cottage activities, camping trips, and travel all over the world.

Many thanks to the support and medical staff at Sunrise of Richmond Hill who filled Bill's final years with comfort, affection and humour. 

​

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bill's life will be announced at a future date. If desired, donations to Mackenzie Health (Hospital) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com.