William Kenneth Burwood

It is with crushingly heavy hearts that his family announces the passing of Bill Burwood on November 4th, 2012 at the age of 58.

The loving son of the late Kenneth and Ramona Burwood, Bill was born in Kingston and grew up in the Gananoque area, where the man known as “Mouse” developed countless lifelong friendships. Graduating through the Gananoque school system and earning a diploma from Algonquin College, Bill's professional life ranged from selling tickets for the American Boat Line to selling rivets for Thomson, all which eventually led to his move to the Toronto area. It was during his time in Toronto that he came to marry Darlene, and together they raised their sons in Bolton for nearly 20 years. In 2007, Bill returned with his family to Gananoque.

Bill was never known for who he worked for or what he did. Though he may have worked long hours at times, his job never dictated who he was as a man. Bill was a master at the art of conversation: a veritable comeback king, his witty repartee, disarming charm and uncanny breadth of knowledge, trivial or otherwise, all ensured scintillating conversations regardless of who you were. Bill was an eminent storyteller; the kind where, if you happened across him spinning a yarn, you were best off to seat yourself down for the night, and hear tales from an often fantastic and rich life led.

But above all else, Bill was a devoted friend and family man; doggedly loyal to anyone who found their way into his inner circle. A man who gave his all for those closest to him, only to turn around and give a little more. Though he could be stoic in his ways, there was never any doubting of the love he felt for those closest to him. It is for these reasons, if not countless more, that Bill be remembered with nigh-infinite love, fondness and regard immediately by his wife, Darlene, sons Benjamin William of New York City and Paden Graham Kelsey of Gananoque, brother Bob (Sally) of Oshawa, and favorite sister Cyndy (Jim) of Ottawa. This is to say nothing of the cousins, nieces, nephews, and known as Uncle Bill to the children of his closest friends, who all undoubtedly feel the loss of Bill just as harshly; such was the effect Bill could have in the lives of others.

So we extend the invitation to join us in celebrating the life and times of Bill Burwood: in spite of his wishes for little pomp and even less ceremony, a life such as his is one truly worth celebrating. Join us on Saturday November 17th, 2012, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Gananoque. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Gananoque Legion, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Beyond all that, the family of Bill would like to extend a special thanks to all those who helped him through his final months, an exhaustive list that highlighted just how beloved one man can be. If any names have been left out, have our sincerest apologies, as we are truly overwhelmed by the love and support he received. Special thanks to Yvonne, Laurie, Lynn, Bryce, Jimmy, Andrew, Colleen, Elaine, Spencer, Fred and the nursing staff, Diane and Jesse of Homecare and Lisa on Davies 4; and all those that took the time to ensure that Bill's last days were never lonely. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for lessening the load, if only a little, of the man we loved so dear.

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