It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Bill Somerville’s passing on Saturday, July 12th. Bill left this world peacefully, surrounded and comforted by family.

Bill was the beloved husband of April (née Grieve), his partner for an incredible 64 years. Together, they built a beautiful life, emigrating from Scotland and raising their family in Canada, travelling the world, embracing new adventures, and collecting countless memories along the way.

Bill was the devoted father of Dawn (Mark) and Steven (Diana), and he carried a quiet grief for his late son Paul, whose sudden loss last year left a hole in his heart. Bill was a proud and adoring Grandpa to Erin, Jamie, Lauren, Connor, Megan, Cameron, Harrison, Carly, and Mia, and a loving great-grandfather to Mathilda, Rosie, Peter, and Callum.

Bill was a man of profound kindness, quiet strength, tremendous energy, and boundless generosity. He had an extraordinary gift for making everyone around him feel valued, loved, and supported. His family was his pride and joy. He never missed a chance to support and cheer on his kids and grandkids at many recitals and sports activities. Some of his happiest moments were spent in the stands, camera in hand, capturing the action to share with family.

Family gatherings were where Bill’s playful spirit shone brightest. He delighted in donning a Santa suit at Christmas to surprise his grandchildren, passing around the “birthday hat” for every celebration, and raising a beer in a heartfelt toast, whether for life’s significant milestones or its simplest joys. As the family’s beloved archivist, photographer, and videographer, Bill preserved these moments with care and love, leaving behind a priceless collection of memories.

Bill’s career in broadcasting began at Scottish Television, continued at the CBC, U of T, Bellair Communications, and Queen’s Park, and was marked by professional achievement and lasting friendships. His creative spirit shone brightly; he studied screenwriting, sold a screenplay, and in retirement, continued to pour his heart into writing poems and short stories.

Proud of his Scottish roots and his adopted Canadian home, Bill gave back generously to his community. He helped establish and grow the West Rouge Soccer Club (currently West Rouge Storm), was one of the founding members of the West Rouge Blues Oldtimers (meeting his teammates monthly long after retiring from the field) and co-founded The Scottish Company with April to celebrate and share Scotland’s rich culture. He was especially proud to help establish the Scot of the Year award and Tartan Day Gala, which supported Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph.

Bill loved life and lived it to the fullest. He believed in finding joy, sharing laughter, and gathering loved ones close. In that spirit, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life on July 23 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Village Loft, Bayview Village Shopping Centre, south lot, above Parcheggio Restaurant, 2901 Bayview Avenue, Toronto (Sheppard Avenue East and Bayview Avenue).