Paterson, William Douglas “Bill”.
Peacefully, at Royal Victoria Health Centre, Barrie, on Friday, January 5th, 2018. Bill was born and raised in East York, attending East York Collegiate Institute (EYCI) where he played football and track, and met his best friend and future wife, Lynne (Sale). He went to Ontario Agricultural College (OAC – Guelph) for a BSc. He was the first in his family to have graduated from University. Upon graduation in 1965 he married his high school sweetheart, Lynne. The couple then moved to the East Coast for his first job with Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a Microbiologist. In 1966 Bill and Lynne returned to the University of Guelph to complete his MSc. Immediately after graduating in 1968, Bill began a doctoral program at Oregon State University in Corvallis, obtaining a PhD. Bill and Lynne then returned to Halifax, Nova Scotia for a postdoctoral position at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, developing vaccines for fish. Between 1972 and 1976, Bill and Lynne had their three children, Deena, Drew, and Scott – all the while Bill was publishing scientific papers. Bill returned to Ontario with his family in 1979 as a research scientist for Connaught Laboratories (Toronto) to continue researching fish diseases and developing fish vaccines. Bill then launched his business, “Aqua Health”, from Connaught Laboratories in 1984. He moved the business to Charlottetown, PEI – while remaining in Adjala, Ontario. There were many world travels between 1984 and 1993 – highlights include Scotland, Norway, Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Hawaii. He returned with many souvenirs – everything from a heated toilet seat to a blow-dart gun. He would probably be on the no fly list today! Bill retired to his hobby farm in 1993, where he would eventually become “Tractor Grampa” in 2001 with the birth of his first grandchild, Riley. More grandkids followed in 2003 with Kyra, 2005 with Lilly, 2007 with Aidan – and finally Aaron in 2009. (Both Riley and Lilly are looking at biologist roles, just like their grandfather). Bill and Lynne moved to Tecumseth Pines in 2009 where they continued to make new friends, and have more adventures.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham, 905-936-3477 for a Celebration of Bill’s Life on Friday, January 19th, 2018 at 1:00 pm. then to Tecumseth Pines Clubhouse (Varga Court and Tecumseth Pines Drive) for a time of fellowship and refreshment. wwwRodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Nancy Scollard says
I knew Bill when he was at Connaught. He was a very special person always willing to help. I am saddened to hear of his passing more than 2 years later. I feel for his wife and family. I am sure they must still miss him.
Tod and Donna McGoey says
So lucky to have had the Paterson Family as our neighbours!
Such beautiful memories were made in that neighbourhood!
Bill will be missed by so many!!
Love, Tod, Donna, Mitch and Chad
McGoey
Patricia Miles says
Thinking of Lynne and the entire family. The world will be a lesser place without our Bill.
Bill became a great friend very quickly. Between Bill and Lynne, I learned how to grow a new lawn, great cooking and conversation, lessons in proper seafood preparation, a touch of philosophy
and a great deal of humour.
When ‘My Bill’ came along the four of us fell into wonderful adventures of dinners, pubs, theatre, beer flights, wine tasting and great stories.
The world will be a lesser place without him. It was a greater place with him in it. We will miss him so much. So sorry for your loss.
Doug Chute & Family says
For many years we were blessed to have Bill and Lynne and their family as neighbours and friends. We discussed ponds, fish, and roses and living in the country. Bill will be missed.
Harold & Barb Bunker says
Our condolences to Lynne and family on Bill’s passing. We will always remember Bill’s great mind, wonderful sense of humour and his generosity to all. Love to all of you.
Fraser Ashton OAC '65 says
Bill and I spent four years together in Microbiology at Guelph. I came to know him as a sensitive and kind person with a wonderful sense of humour. We spent many hours playing handball to give us a break from studying. Bill was a highly accomplished Microbiologist. My deepest sympathy to Lynn and the family.
Miriam Krieger says
So very sorry for your loss Lynne. Bill was such a lovely person.
Kelly Simer & Family says
Bill was my father’s cousin. I have a fond memory of Bill visiting us in Hawaii when I was about 8-years-old. Bill took me snorkeling all day down at the reef. He pointed out all sorts of fish to me and took me out MUCH farther than my parents ever let me swim into the sea. We even saw a shark! We didn’t get home until after dark. Bill just laughed when my Mom came running out to tell us how worried she was about being gone all day at the beach. It was a wonderful childhood experience I will never forget. I was so happy to have Bill and Lynne attend my wedding. Bill will be very missed by my family. He was loved by all of us. Condolences and much love to Lynne and the rest of Bill’s family and friends. He will be missed.
Allan & Mary Simpson OAC'65 says
Our sincere sympathy to Lynne and the Family.
Brian Reynolds, OAC '65 says
Bill was a great classmate – dedicated to his class at Guelph, his career and most of all to his family. I remember his smile, friendship and that he was a heck of a wrestler! Bill will be missed by all that knew him.Chris and I send our heartfelt condolences.
Pete & Karol Walpole says
Our deepest sympathies. We have fond memories of an excellent fish dinner after a couple of trout, from the pond, landed on our plates. All thanks to Bill’s generosity. Our thoughts are with you, Lynne.
Shirley and Ross Hyatt says
Our condolences to the family.
Amy Wright says
I am saddened to hear of Bill’s death. My boys remember coming to your “farm” to go fishing in the pond. Rick and I enjoyed your visits to our cottage on Kawagama Lake. I still have the photographs Bill took of the loons in front of the cottage. Thinking you all during this difficult time.
Peggy Stevens says
I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s death. He was an interesting and good person. I am glad that we were able to enjoy a Robbie Burns’ evening with Bill and Lynne last year.
Thinking of you and your family Lynne.
Bill Carrothers OAC 65 says
I always enjoyed talking to Bill. He was a wonderful person. Our sympathies to your family at this difficult time.
Marv Anderson, OAC 65 says
A wonderful Guelph classmate. A wonderful life. Our sincere condolences.
Arend Smid, OAC 65 says
Our sympathy and thoughts are with you Lynne and family
Terry Daynard, OAC 65 says
Bill Paterson was a valued classmate, known for his great sense of humour and infectious laugh. He combined a strong commitment to friends and family with a successful business career. We’ll miss him dearly. Our sympathies to Lynne and her family in this difficult time.
Roger Flint, OAC 65 says
Lynne, Sandra and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our friendship began at Guelph and remains strong. He was an amazing entrepreneur who excelled in his field. He truly valued his family which continued to enrich his life. Blessings to you and your family as you move forward with great memories of better times.
Ann McGuire says
Lynne is was sorry to learn of Bill’s passing – my thoughts are with you.
Ann
Charles Spencer says
I feel like I have lost my Canadian brother. My cousin Bill & I both enjoyed growing up in the wonderful Lake of Bays region of Ontario. My sincere condolences to Lynne, Deena, Drew, Scott, and Ted. My thoughts are with you and all of our Paterson cousins during this difficult time.
Lee & Tim Doyle says
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We will be unable to attend as we will be away during the time of the Celebration of Life. Will catch with later….Lee & Tim
Jan&Ron Tweedy says
So sorry to hear of your loss Lynne. . Ron remembers when Bill arrived at Connaught in 1979. Doesn’t seem that long ago.
Jeannette Ferrie says
To Lynne & Family, So sorry to hear about your loss.
Robin says
Wonderful man, kind with a great sense of humour, I loved visited him and Lynne at the hobbie farm.
Bill will be missed very much.
Janet Alderson says
Deena and family I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Norma Ozard says
Our lifelong friend cherished his family, the simple pleasures, his dogs, and friendships. His devotion and deep love for Lynne , and hers for him, were a true example of what love looks like. We miss him already but will remember him always .