William Duncan Thatcher
William "Bill" Duncan Thatcher of Morrisburg died peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Jan. 26, 2004. He was 72.
He was the beloved husband of Lillian (nee Fitzpatrick). He was loving father of Steven (Pauline) of Black Lake, Saskatchewan; Nancy (James) Perry of Orleans, David (Tracey) of Chesterville; and Brian (Lesley) of Metcalfe.
He was dear grandfather of Billy Jack, Carrie, Mark and Joshua Thatcher of Black Lake; Rebecca, William and MacKenzie Thatcher of Chesterville; Korby and Darby Thatcher of Metcalfe; and Christopher and Matthew Perry of Orleans.
He was cherished brother of Robert (Barbara) of Toronto, and Allan (Gladys) of Kent Bridge; and brother-in-law of Joan Thatcher of Chatham. He will be sadly missed by numerous nieces, nephews and long-time friends Gordon (Nan) Lennox of Ottawa, and William (Bev) Kearns of Clayton Lake. He was predeceased by brother Jay.
Dignified, proud, respectful, Bill always had an appearance that was immaculate. Bill and Lillian met on a blind date and it was love at first sight for both of them. They went to the Beaver Barracks in Ottawa. All the military people went there for movies and bingos and on Saturday nights. It was music and dancing with the Nickelodeon. They dated for one and a half years and then married. They would have celebrated their 30th anniversary this May.
Bill had a sense of humor -- merriment showing in his eyes or with the slight giggling of his shoulders. Bill loved his children and grandchildren and was proud of them. He accepted them for who they were and was proud of what they had done, not what could have been done. His good comments made them feel good about what they'd done. The family always knew they could come to Bill for advice. He'd give an unbiased opinion, whether right or wrong.
This was a family that did a lot of camping in their trailer, travelling to Vermont, Connecticut, and Crazy Horse Campgrounds. Bill loved blueprint design and drafting; military ceremonies, tinkering with motors; woodworking making tables and shelves; reading and crossword puzzles; travelling; golfing; curling; and the Legion. He was a hard worker, even in the kitchen.
Bill was in the air force for 16 years and moved around a lot He got out in 1968 and joined the National Capital Commission in Ottawa for 21 years In 1989 Bill moved to Morrisburg and didn't want to sit around, so he joined the Commissionairs, working in RCA Victor in Prescott, Casco in Cardinal and the Emergency School in Morrisburg. He went where they put him and retired as Head Commissionaire in 2000. Determined and a perfectionist, Bill was a success by the richness of his friendships and family. Everyone had a kind word for him.
A memorial service was held on Feb. 7 at the Lakeshore Drive United Church in Morrisburg with Rev. Jean Udall officiating. Spring inurnment will be at Hope Cemetery in Ottawa. During Bill's memorial service, the Legion paid tribute to Bill with their own service.
The hymns sung included How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. The choir sang Psalm 23, as well as a choral blessing. During the celebration of Bill's life, a poem written by Rebecca Thatcher, age 12, was read by Tracy Thatcher. A poem was also read that had been written by Gord Lennox on the occasion of Bill's 70th birthday.
Memorial donations to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, or Royal Canadian Legion Branch #48 will be gratefully acknowledged.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parker Funeral Home in Morrisburg. Condolences or donations may be made at parkerfh@personainternet.com.