Pearson, William
Pearson, William (Bill)
May 5, 1941 - June 5, 2026William Pearson (Bill) died peacefully at peopleCare AR Goudie LTC, after a series of health issues complicated by dementia. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Peggy Pearson; his sister Barb Machry (John); his sisters-in-law Janet Williams and Carol Elliott; his son Mike Pearson (Janet Arnott); and daughters Kristy Sadler (Robin Hopper) and Pam Sadler. He will also be deeply missed by his loving nieces Patti (Anne) and Kim (Joseph); nephews Paul and Peter; grandchildren Sarah, Danny, Ellen, and Sam, AJ (Sam), Tiffany (Marc), and great grandchild Kolten. He is pre-deceased by his son Jeff Pearson, his brother Denny Pearson, his parents Harry and Betty Pearson, and sister-in-law Kate Ledden.
Bill was born in Toronto, and grew up enjoying trips to the beach, the CNE, and, later, to the horse races with his Dad. Bill worked at the Toronto Transit Commission for 35 years, first as a bus driver, and then as a subway driver, and finally as a driver for Wheel-Trans before he retired at 55 years old. In retirement, he had his own test driving business that involved managing a number of drivers who tested sensors and transponders on new highways, including Highway 407 before it was opened.
As a volunteer, he drove for the Red Cross in Oakville and coached and refereed women’s basketball in the Mississauga/Toronto area.
In 1979, he met the love of his life, Peg, whom he married two years later. They spent 47 glorious years together, more than half of which were spent living in Oakville.
In their retirement, Bill and Peg moved from Oakville to Tiny Beaches area near Midland, where they snowmobiled in the winter, enjoyed Lake Huron in the summer, played golf and bridge, and spent many happy days with friends and family. Bill played on the 55+ “Gray Jays” baseball team in Midland, which he also managed for a few years. In 2012, they moved to Waterloo and lived in the same condominium building as their daughter, Pam.
Bill was the heart of our family. A gentle soul, innately attuned to others’ emotions, he had a wonderful sense of humor, which helped us manage even in the darkest of times.
Bill had a wide range of interests and was ever open to new experiences. He was an avid golfer – a sport he brought to our family – for which his enthusiasm was infectious. He enjoyed watching the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs (when they were winning), as well as golf tournaments and horse races. He was an avid cook, trying out new recipes on us from tv shows and cookbooks. He loved music, singing, and dancing – all activities that he enjoyed and participated in until the very end of his life. He also loved to walk with friends and family and go out for a meal or coffee or have a cup of tea.
Long-time friend of the family, Bijoy, often remarked that “Bill’s superpower is that he brings people together”, which was indeed the truth. He had a winning and welcoming smile, and he readily conveyed his delight in spending time with other people, making them feel welcome, understood, and valued.
In later years, he delighted in hearing about and spending time with his close friends and family, including his children, nieces and nephews, his grandchildren and great grandchild. Their joyful feelings conjured up similar magical feelings in Bill. Even as his hearing and cognitive understandings faltered, he still managed to follow along with conversations as best he could, injecting “yes” at just the right time.
Bill lived a big, beautiful life, and we are so very grateful that he spent it with us. We’ll carry him in our hearts for the rest of our lives and know that he made us strive to be better people, just by being himself. Rest in peace, our Beautiful Bill.
We are grateful to a number of special individuals who made Bill’s home for the last 9 months at AR Goudie (Chicopee Hills) a kind and sympathetic place. Among them are gifted nurses, PSWs, one-on-one helpers and visitors, and sweet residents on his floor.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sat June 27 from 4-7pm in Waterloo at Wildcraft. Although not necessary, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or another charity of your choice.
