Fitzsimmons, William John 'Bill'
Bill Fitzsimmons passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in his 82nd year.
Born in Euphrasia Township on May 22, 1943, a son of the late Oliver and Hannah (nee Pooley) Fitzsimmons.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley Fitzsimmons (nee Gear) on December 1, 2009. He was also predeceased by his dear friend Ruth Jackson.
Bill was the adored father of Shirley Ann ‘Dolly’ Fulford (Greg Osburn), Nancy Breadner (John Brumpton), and was predeceased by John Breadner.
He was the proud and supportive grandpa of Hannah Fulford (Spencer Wilson) and their daughter Avery, and Travis Fulford (Jessica) and their daughter Jolene. He will be remembered fondly by Greg’s children Sarah, Melissa, and Christine and their families.
Bill was survived by his brothers John Fitzsimmons (Donna) and Gerald Fitzsimmons. He was predeceased by his siblings Isobell Jamieson, Ida Almond, Alberta Freeborn, Dorothy Stewart, and will be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews and their families.
Bill was born and raised in Euphrasia Township. He settled in 1975 with his wife Shirley on a farm on the 11th line. 66.66 acres on land that was part of the original 99.99 acre family farm. The name ShirWill Stables represents the love they shared. In 1976 Bill’s pride and joy Shirley Ann was born on Canada Day. Bill gave her the nickname Dolly because she was born prematurely. They worked side by side on the farm and with the horses. Bill and Dolly did everything together and could often be heard singing ‘Daddy’s Girl’ at 560 Radio Station or at dances. Bill was very well known in the horse racing industry, racing ponies in Owen Sound and racing horses in Orangeville and Barrie. Every Saturday night he loaded up to race at Hanover Raceway. Bill recently recalled that some of his favourite memories with his horses were with Speedy Hedge Wood, Highland Baby, and ShirWill Ego. He was a proud trainer, driver and owner in the horse racing industry.
Bill was a strong, outstanding man who enjoyed a night around the table with his closest friends, family and his guitar. He never shied away from joining the band on a night out. He would often sing for the crowd.
Bill had many skills and talents; plumbing, construction, Beaver Valley Ski Club, eventually working his way up to a management position. He also tackled odd jobs, all while owning and operating ShirWill Stables with his wife Shirley. He looked forward to getting away camping at Scone Campground.
Bill cherished his time with his grandkids and great grandkids. He loved bringing his famous homemade bread and apple pies to our family dinners.
Bill’s family will receive friends at the Ferguson Funeral Home on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 p.m. A service will be held at the Ferguson Funeral Home on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at the Markdale Cemetery.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Markdale Hospital, Centre Grey Lion’s Club (CHEQUES Only), or charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Visitation at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford from 2 until 4 p.m. and 7 until 9 p.m.
Friday, June 14, 2024 11:00 AM
Funeral Service at Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford, with interment following at Markdale Cemetery.
Make a donation in memory of William John 'Bill' Fitzsimmons
Donations: Markdale Hospital, Centre Grey Lion’s Club, or charity of your choice.Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, June 10, 2024
Our sincerest condolences to the Fitzsimmons family. Bill will definitely be missed by the Rocklyn community!
Lori (Red), Scott, Mikaela and Will
Monday, June 10, 2024
Sincere condolences to all his family that he was so proud of. He was a wonderful neighbour to us for the past 7 years. We also knew him when we worked with him and his wife at Beaver Valley Ski Club many years ago. Of course I had also known Bill since High School days. He was also a talented baker of butter tarts. One thing that never changed was his sense of humour. He will be sorely missed by his devoted daughter ‘Dolly’ and all the family member. May we always remember him with a smile on our face and warmth in our hearts.
Monday, June 10, 2024
Deeply sorry to hear this news. Heartfelt Sympathies to all of you. May he Rest in Peace.
Shelley Harakal (Jones)
Monday, June 10, 2024
Sincerest condolences to Shirley Ann, Greg and the extended family as you navigate through this challenging time.
Grey Highlands Parks & Recreation Team.
Monday, June 10, 2024
Sorry for your loss ,,,Bill was a great guy always enjoyed our visits and had the wonderful apple pie one evening with him…..condolences to your families. Mac and Brenda Harvey.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Long time friend of the family. Will be missed by all who knew him. Ken & Bernice Stewart & family
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Sorry to hear the passing of Bill. We knew Bill a long time from horse racing. He always had a smile on his face and loved to have a chat about horses.
Bill was great guy.
Condolences to his family.
Gary and Kim Mahon
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Sorry of your loss of father, grandfather, and brother. Bill was a good friend and always friendly always a smile and few laughs. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bev and Marion Genoe
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Bill was a good friend, known since minor hockey days in Rocklyn and through horse racing and social events.
He was always kind hearted and jovial, enjoying a joke or old memory of yesteryear. Condolences to the family.
John McKnight
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
So sorry to hear of you Dad’s passing. He was quite the character, always enjoyed his humour. He will be missed by many. Blessings to all.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Words cannot be enough for the love Gary and I had for Bill. Bill was a good man with a huge heart. We loved him dearly. We are so proud to have known him, hung around with him and to even chat on the phone. Enjoyed the horse races and going to his camp site for drinks and laughter. Bill touched our hearts. I will miss the simple things, like sending Bill home with my homemade turkey soup. Boy he sure loved it, so I sent him home with more. Everyone loved you Bill . You always will be in our hearts. God Bless Dolly, Greg, Nancy and all the family. Gary and I will always love you
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
So sorry to hear of Bill passing, hugs and prayers.
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Deepest condolences to the family and friends. We are sure he will be missed by all.
From Williamson Garage
Al, Noreen and Scott
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Sorry for your loss, Bill was a wonderful friend and neighbor on the 11th line.
He will be missed when driving past and gave us that wave “hello”
The Hilliard Family
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Sincere sympathy to all of Bill’s family. I know we will all miss his sense of humour and the special way he had of making you feel at ease. I know Joyce and Glenn will miss him as their neighbour. He was one in a million!!!
Friday, June 14, 2024
I remember Bill at many Rocklyn fair events. He always seems like a jolly friendly man. Sorry for your loss.
Monday, June 17, 2024
To all of Bill’s Family and Friends –
We are so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will be so missed here at the campground!
Our sympathies to all of you….
Monday, June 17, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great friend and card player. We always appreciated Bill’s horse stories. There are so many wonderful memories of this great man. He will certainly be missed. Knowing he is with his dear wife Shirley is a comfort.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I so enjoyed our little chats at the Post Office when we would often be there at the same time. I loved to hear Bill call into the CFOS radio station and set everyone straight on the topic of the day, and he was usually correct. We of course always had great chats about the horses, and our stallion John R Rip. Our condolences to all the Fitzsimmons family.
Friday, June 21, 2024
I remember him well, a truly nice man, he will be missed.