In memory of

William (Bill) Rhodes

December 24, 1941 -  February 6, 2021

Peacefully at home on February the 6th, 2021, much loved husband of Wilma, brother of Jim, brother-in-law of Janie and Bob, Eileen and the late Bill, uncle of Kirsten (Allan), Alice (Mark), Billy(Megan), James(Ruth), JD, and Mara. In the last years of his life, Bill faced Alzheimer's disease with courage, dignity, and grace.
He will be remembered fondly for his kindness, sense of humour, and quick wit. For those who knew Bill, they understood that he conversed in quips. No one knew that better than his high school sweetheart Wilma, who spent over 60 years at his side, laughing and rolling her eyes.
Bill had a long and successful career in film and video production as the president of MPI Productions. In this capacity, he traveled far and wide throughout Canada and the world bringing a sense of joy and commitment to all he met, His travel and work allowed him to indulge his passion for scaring people, both young and old in creative ways. With his sense of fun and his Mr fix-it skills he had a knack of making himself at home wherever he was.
Bill loved summers at the family Cottage on Lake Simcoe and later at "his favorite place in the world" Pointe au Baril, ON.
Many thanks to our wonderful PSW's, especially Zoraida, Carolina,Graciel, and Elizabeth and Kate from Home Instead for their kind and compassionate care.
Because of covid, there won't be a funeral service but those who wish to do so can post memories, pictures or comments at www.etouch.ca
Donations in Bill's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care or to a charity of your choice.

Guestbook 

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Elinor Rush (Friend)

Entered February 10, 2021 from R.R. 1 Battersea

Billy had a big presence with his sense of humour and fun. A competent and willing helper whenever a project was underway. Loved spending time with Billy and Wilma at Pt. Au Baril, boating on the shimmery water, picnicing on the rocks and of course, the daily visit to the Ojibway

Rebecca and Barry Middleton (Friends)

Entered February 10, 2021 from Ajax

Bill's quick wit and gentle ways will always be remembered. His love of film was evident in the many productions that we had the pleasure of viewing. I remember the excitement and the love that burst out of him when he had filmed Edie Bruckland for his film about Point au Baril. He truly loved his sweetheart from high school, Wilma. It showed everytime he looked at her. We will think of him often and smile when we do. Bill was a kind and gentle man. Rest in Peace Bill.

John Carr (School friend)

Entered February 12, 2021 from Toronto


As an original Bennington Boy Bill kept us all in stitches and his gags got us into plenty of trouble from time to time.
His fix-it skills got my Halliburton cottage electrically wired with only one inspection.
He kept his love, Wilma, busy with plaintive calls of “Wilma, butter my toast,” as if he was helpless. They said they didn’t need any more kids after Billy. Wilma had enough to do with Bill, and school.
Around our place he became uncle Billy, and maintained that title by scaring the wits out of them over and over again. Usually from a dark closet with a ghostly growl.
He told us stories of travelling professionally with Ann Murray, both “North of 60°”and internationally, and led us on bicycle rides to lake Simcoe, promising that our goal was “just over the next hill”

We’ll miss him!

Jim Mercer (Long time cameraman friend.)

Entered February 12, 2021 from London, ON

In the days prior to video cameras, everything from 'spot' news to features was recorded on film. If the item only required a couple of minutes, the unused part of the standard 10-minute roll of film was discarded. Bill and his friend Ted McConville saved these 'short ends' and made funny little joke films. When the time came for Bill to form a ligament company his lawyer asked what name his company should have. Bill thought of his little joke films and said, "Call it Mini Pix." When the lawyer said that wasn't serious enough, Bill said, "How about "Mini Pix International". Thus MPI was borne. Ah... Those were the days.

Bruce Boyd (Richview C.I.)

Entered February 12, 2021 from Etobicoke

My condolences to all who knew and loved Bill, especially Jim. Bill had the most deliciously droll sense of humour of anyone I have ever known. Despite the sadness of his passing, I find myself smiling as I remember him.

Photos 

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