It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Bill Clare. He passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023, at 89. He will be tremendously missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Margaret, his children, Brian, Ian, and Marlene, his two granddaughters, Megan and Jillian, and his precious great-grandson Jaxson.

Bill first caught Margaret's eye when they were both 14 years old. He was leaning on a lamppost, surrounded by his friends, with his burgundy bomber jacket hung on one finger over his shoulder and a trumpet in his other hand. He flicked his longer blonde hair back, and that was the start of their long life together.

Bill was a hard worker from the start and began his career as a stone carver back home, hand-engraving tombstones and plaques. Most notably, he carved the massive Last Supper Facade for the Sion Mills Parish. In 1972, Bill and Margaret emigrated from Northern Ireland to Canada with their three children. In Canada, Bill continued engraving stones by hand as one of his many hobbies.

Aside from his dedication to his work, Bill was also a loving man and a great listener who was always ready to help a stranger or crack a corny joke to make you smile. He loved to tend to his garden and had a love-hate relationship with the critters who came to snack and dig. An avid tinkerer, he spent many hours in his garage working on his car, fixing things around the house, and experimenting with designing different tools to improve household chores.

Family and friends are welcome to join Bill's family for a Celebration of Life at the Elgin Mills Funeral Centre on Friday, March 24, 2023, between 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Address: 1591 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill (SE corner of Elgin Mills and Leslie)
Phone number: 905-737-1720

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mackenzie Health Foundation, Palliative Care to honour the wonderful care every healthcare provider gave to Bill and his family in his final days.