William (Bill) Eldred
May 28, 1954 - August 27, 2022
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Bill had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and died prematurely due to complications. He passed away at home with his family by his side.
After a 45-year career in commercial aviation, Bill had finally begun to enjoy his first few years of retirement. His love of golf and the many wonderful friendships he made throughout the years brought him tremendous joy. For those fortunate enough to be in his foursome, with his 20+ handicap and a wicked slice, it was endless entertainment.
Bill was a true friend who freely offered his help and advice. His concern for others always came before his own needs. So many will remember his incredible sense of humour. After a 14 hour wait in the emergency department he tried to explain to hospital staff he had semi-private “hallway” coverage.
His greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a fiercely proud and protective dad who was often overcome with emotion when he spoke of his children and six grandchildren. His wife Carol was the love of his life for 40 years. He has left a larger than life hole in the family, but his legacy will live on through the values he instilled in those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Jordan (David), Jamie (Leath), son Bill, granddaughters Harper, Quinn, Georgia, Delaney, Lucy and grandson Jack. He leaves behind his sisters Trudy (Garry) and Dawn, as well as his aunts Linda (Lorne) and Elyse.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the London Regional Cancer Program. At Bill’s request there will be no funeral. The family will be having a private memorial to honour his memory.
“In one of the stars
I shall be living
In one of them
I shall be laughing
And so it will be
As if all the stars
Were laughing
When you look at the sky at night”
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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I am very sad to hear of Bill's death. I remember him fondly from my time in the north. I was flying for Buffalo Airways in Fort Smith in the fall of 1982 when Bill came back to work for Joe McBryan. We did some flying together in the Beaver on Skis. I left Fort Smith not long after but ran across Bill many times after that as our career paths crossed at Canadian Airlines and Air Canada. I hadn't seen him for many years but I remember his humour and his kindness. A great person. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Carol. I owe a great deal to Bill for his friendship and stewardship over my career. Bill was intelligent and kind with a great sense of humour who will be sadly missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have know him. Keep the "Orange Side Up" my friend... Bradley Chivers
Great memories of that grin and smiles and laughs around Bill at work talking about any number of things. Climbing out of the lake on my birthday a few years back I see Bill and Carol who happened to be visiting a friend on the lake who mentioned my name and they knew me and dropped over. What a special afternoon! Carol we are saddened by your loss and we wish your family well in this difficult time. Take care all
Our deepest condolences Carol to you and your family on Bill’s passing. We were friends and neighbours for 48 years, joined CP Air together in 1974, lived in Caledon together, raised our children together, helped and aided each other while the other was off on trips, and attended each others children’s wedding’s. Our family will always cherish the memories we made with Bill and his family. Bill was a wonderful man and will be missed. Ken & Angie Moore and family
We are so sorry for your loss and still have a hard time believing Bill has gone. He was smart, kind, caring and always generous with his time. The true definition of a friend. The time spent and memories he created with our boys while you were living here in Caledon is irreplaceable to our family. With all our love to Carol, the girls and family. Doug, Erica, Owen and Liam
Such a kind and funny person. I had the opportunity to fly as his First Officer on a couple of occasions on the B767, and they were memorable. A true gentleman Aviator. Blue skies and tailwinds to his family Mike
Carol, Jordan and Jamie. We were so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful husband , father and grandfather. I remember doing many layovers with both of you during our early CP Air days. Hold on to your many memories of Bill, true love lives forever... even beyond the grave. Bill has moved to a different dimension but his love abides in your hearts forever. Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Dear Carol We are saddened to hear the news of Bill’s passing. Bill was a big part of so many people’s lives and will be missed by all. May your happy memories give you, and your family, peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sending our deepest condolences.
Carol, so very sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. Such a beautifully written tribute. Our deepest condolences to you and all your family. Sincerely Chuck & Debbie
Carol, you and Bill made a great team together and together a great family. We will always cherish our times with you, Christmas, birthdays and for no particular reason. His sense of humour, loyalty to friends and concern for others before himself is what is foremost in our memories of him. He will forever be in our hearts.
Bill was one of the great ones. We were fortunate to be invited for dinners @ Bill & Carol's Sun City hideaway and spent many evenings drinking pops and discussing world events. Bill was an avid listener of various podcasts, and imparted his wisdom to all his friends. He was an amazingly funny person who often regaled us with stories from his flying days... Watching Bill golf was a treat and a tribute to his hero Bryson DeChambeau. We fondly remember having all the golf carts honoring him at his retirement from Air Canada, shooting water guns over his cart. Carol, our hearts are broken. We're here for you, whatever you need.
I know he will be missed by all the members of the Canadian Club in Sun City. Such a tragic loss. I echo Jan Bradley's comments that we will all be there for you. Together we can start to heal. Stay strong.
I met Bill this past year in Palm Springs but we had a shared Australian experience, I’ve a holiday house in Jervis Bay and my nieces and nephews went to Vincentia High School, we would chat about his kids experience in Oz and how much Bill enjoyed his time down under. Bill was a classy guy and welcomed me and my wife Pam into the Canadian Club and our golf group. I’ll miss his easy smile and friendship.
Dear Carol We heard about Bill's passing. Our hearts ache for you and all that you have gone through. Please know that we all care very much and that we are thinking of you. Bill was so fortunate to have such a wonderful family. Love from Laura and Wayne
Carol, We are saddened to learn of Bill's passing and extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. The SCPD Canadian Club has lost another exceptional member and friend to all. May the love and support of family and friends be of comfort to you now.
Your beautiful obituary is a lovely tribute to your much-loved Bill. We will miss having him as a member of our Sun City family and we'll be there for you, Carol.
So sorry to hear, just found out. We have many fond memories of fireworks, bonfires, motorcycle rides, travelling pool parties and many many more.
~ Bunny & Lynne Lamoureux