Bill Haight
November 21, 2010
HAIGHT, Bill – Bill Haight passed away peacefully and yet unexpectedly at home on Sunday afternoon with his children near, just the way he always said he would!
Beloved husband of the late Helen (Keating) Haight, Bill will be forever missed by his children, Tim, and his wife Gail of Calgary; Tom and his wife Annette of Eganville and Laura and her husband Ken Corbett of Kincardine. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Peter & Kristin Haight and Mitchell & Samuel Corbett. Born and raised in Aylmer, Ontario, Bill attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated with a Master’s in Bio-Chemistry in 1947. Shortly thereafter he met Helen, pursued her with vigour and finally convinced her to marry him in 1952. They had 55 years together until her passing in 2007. His career was spent as a teacher and head of the Science Department at Central Elgin C. I. in St. Thomas. In retirement he pursued his hobbies and interests; travelling the world, enjoying live theatre, acquiring another piece of art, baking bread in the old brick oven in the backyard of his childhood home in Aylmer and enjoying the cottage on Fawn Island in the St. Clair River. Bill loved many things; his family and friends, classical music, heritage buildings, James Bond movies and single malt scotch. Lately, and much to his chagrin, he found himself devoted to Speed his Brittany Spaniel. After years of tolerance of the family canines, this was the dog that finally transformed him into a certified dog lover. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, November 23rd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road N., London, Ontario. A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Wednesday November 24th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Thomas-Elgin Art Gallery or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences available at >www.westviewfuneralchapel.com
Leave a tribute for Bill Haight
Leave a tribute
(Donated to St. Thomas-Elgin Art Gallery)
(Donated to St. Thomas-Elgin Art Gallery)
(Donated to cancer society)
So sorry to hear about Bill passing l just tried to phone him as l had been putting off telling him of my own mothers departure this year in May, was hoping to send him a christmas greetings card. We, mum and l met he and Helen several years ago in Barbados and young Peter those days! We kept in loose contacct and strangely l ended up myself living in London and so he came to my second wedding and knew my brother and family too. He was also very sweet to visit mum whilst staying in respite care in Rideout for which l was very gratefull. As you see he holds fond memories for me too. A wonderful couple, God Bless them and please accept my warmest condolences
Laura, My condolences on the loss of your father. I remember him as a kind and friendly man. It's so long ago since we played around the house. We were both lucky to have our dad's for so long. Take care. Wayne
Dear Tim, Tom, Laura & Your Families: When I was a new teacher at Central Elgin Collegiate Institute, a little lost and more than a little afraid, your dad - I still see his name William F. M. Haight on the bronze plaque on the Science Department Office - was tremendously kind to me. I remember the invitations to lunch or to dinner at the home on Park Avenue in St. Thomas, and the splendid paintings he showed me, my introduction to local artists. He represented excellence in education; he embodied a kind and gentle heart. I am sorry for your loss. C.P. When I remember Bill, several descriptors come to mind - kind, friendly, gentlemanly, unfailingly polite, and always positive in outlook. When I joined the staff at CECI, he welcomed me warmly, and convinced me to join the Board of Directors of the St. Thomas-Elgin Art Gallery; thence began my long association with that organization. I remember him fondly. The world will be a little less joyful as a result of his passing. L.M.P.
Dear Laura, Tom, and Tim: Please accept our deepest sympathies. Your father was a wonderful man. He and your dear mother were friends of our parents, and your dad remained a dear and loyal friend to us, after your mother and then our own parents passed away. We always loved spending time with him and were looking forward to making plans to see him before Christmas. We are very saddened by his sudden loss - but are glad to hear that he passed peacefully, as he and your mother would have wished. We are going to miss him terribly. We are so sorry that we could not attend the service this morning in London - we know that it will be beautiful - but please know that he is on our thoughts, as are you and your families (and dear Speed). Danny and Mary Beth Ingolfsrud
Dear Tim, Tom, and Laura and families, We are sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He had many talents, which made him an extremely interesting gentleman to know. We always enjoyed his company and with Helen by his side, always stood out in their extremely knowledgeable uniqueness and talents. Jack and Bev Yurek
Dear Kristin and Stephen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Love, Pirie and Ruth.
A true gentleman has sadly passed. May your days andyears ahead be filled with warm and loving memories.
Dear Tom and Annette, I never really knew your dad Tom but i am sure from reading the announcement in the paper that you will have many happy memories. I am sorry I cannot be with you in person but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bob is not well enough to leave alone in the evenings right now and tomorrow he has a Dr. appointment. He can't drive so I am on duty but please know you will be thought of often. Perhaps if you come to London again you can give us a shout and we can get together. Thiking of you Thelma and Bob Perry
So sorry to hear of your loss....you will find comfort from all his memories created with you and yours.
Hello, I didn't know your father, but as another Brittany Spaniel owner and Brittany Rescue (NBRAN) volunteer I wanted to extend my condolences. I'm sure Speed was grateful to have had your father as his best friend. Helen
Dear Tom: All the members of the board of the Ottawa Valley Music Festival, the choristers and artistic director join me in sending sympathies and condolences on the loss of your father. I am so sorry that we did not get to meet him as planned next Spring. Please know that we are all thinking of you at this time and extend our thoughts and prayers to all the members of your family. Lesley Lancaster
Dear Laura, Tom and Tim: My heartfelt sympathies on the passing of your dad, Bill. I will always have a special spot in my heart for Bill. My best memories in my childhood always included your Mom and Dad and my parents getting ready for one of their theme parties. Bill was the only person who ever called me Loribeth-even in school- and I will forever hold that memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Laurie, Jeff and Family
Dear Laura, Ken, Mitch and Sam, Our hearts go out to you in your loss of Bill. It was a privilage to work with him at CECI when I was school nurse and to know him after via his Kincardine visits. He was a true gentleman and will be much missed!
To Bill's extended family; you, Helen, & Bill are in our thoughts and prayers, may God's peace and comfort be yours. Gayle & I remember vividly our architecture-walk in St. Thomas with Bill leading us, supported by Helen (on one of the coldest fall days!) What a knowledgeable, interested, and interesting person was Bill. What a caring friend for Ed. P. A fellow Baconian of excellent standing and repute. Gayle & I regret we cannot attend the funeral. Lois Greaves' is the same day and hour. John & Gayle Smallbridge
We always enjoyed our visits with Bill when we helped with his gardens. Speed was a lovely dog and a good companion for him. We'll miss our chats - he was a true gentleman.
Bill was my first associate teacher when I was at Western in 1974. He was a king and gentle man who gave me great insight into the teaching of teenagers. I will always remember those days in Bill's Grade 13 biology class. He will be missed. Lynda Seeley, Retiree after 33 years of teaching
I celebrate the memories of my tours through his private art gallery and antique collection; each peice holds a story for your families. Our dinners together especially the evening he set the beautiful dinning table in china and silver will be treasured forever. It was truly a pleasure to know Bill through his generosity to my family.
Condolences from two 1960s C.E.C.I. students, Tom Kierluk and Linda Mills. He was a great guy.
I was very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Please accapt my deep condolences. The old guard will always be remembered. Eleanor
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Dear Laura, Ken,Mitch and Sam, We are thinking of you at this time and extend our sympathies to you and your family. We only met your father once Laura but his interest in life and art was evident. He was a real gentleman. We always enjoyed the stories you related of your wonderful memories of times together. These will always be treasures to keep in your hearts. Joan & Bob Houston
~ Joan & Bob Houston