William (Bill) J. Scott passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family early morning May 22, 2020 at the Huron Hospice in his 82nd year, 10 days before his birthday, June 1. Bill was born June 1, 1938, at Scott Memorial Hospital in Seaforth, first child of Grace Agnes (Forrest) Scott and James Muldrew Scott.
Bill had an early love of airplanes as a child sparked by the emergency crash landing of an RCAF plane on the family farm during a winter in the 1940s. He made countless model airplanes as a youngster. Combining that passion with his love of math and science, he studied engineering at the University of Toronto, where he met his future wife and nursing student, Muriel Gwyneth (Gwen) Glen.
Bill and Gwen were married on September 17, 1960 while Bill was pursuing his Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering. They moved to Ottawa where Bill worked for the National Research Council (NRC) in their aircraft division. Their first son Jim was born in April 1963, David followed in June 1965 and Bruce in September of 1967. The cancellation of the Avro Arrow cast a dark shadow on the future of aviation and aerospace industry in Canada in the 1960s. Choices for employment were scarce for aeronautical engineers, unless you were willing to move to the USA in an overcrowded job market with NASA emerging. Around this time, Bill was approached by his father, James M. (aka “Chicken Jimmy”), to return to the growing family farm, which was named host farm (along with the Eckert’s) for the 1966 International Plowing Match (IPM).
Bill and Gwen moved their young family back to Bill’s hometown of Seaforth in the summer of 1965. Bill took over the family business and helped modernize the poultry operation which included layer barns, a brooder barn, breeder barn and modern hatchery.
Even though the 1966 plowing match was known as the “Mud Match,” it left lasting stories and rubber boots plowed up for years in the designated fields. A requirement of hosting the IPM was the construction of an air strip. This rekindled Bill’s passion for flying. In the 1970s, Bill purchased a Beechcraft Musketeer which he enjoyed flying for years and taking his boys to “fly-ins” around the province. His longest trip was to PEI in the summer of 1975. Bill also earned his gliding licence.
Bill became an active member of the Ontario Egg Marketing Board and eventually became the chairman in the 1980s. He was also on the executive of the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency. During his tenure, the successful “Get Crackin'” marketing campaign was launched and lasted for years.
Bill Scott has been a very active member of the Seaforth Lions Club for 35 years. Bill has held the positions of club Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and President multiple times. He has been a keen activist in many of Lions’ projects, including the Santa Claus Parade and the Lions Park and Pool.
Bill is one of the driving forces behind the Lions TV Auction and Elimination Draw, which is entering its 50th consecutive year. Bill has been a member of the Seaforth Community Hospital Local Advisory Council for 14 years. For 12 years, Bill has been on the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation. He has also served for many years as Regional Representative on the Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors.
In addition, Bill Scott owned and operated a small manufacturing business, Axis Air, supplying the agricultural sector with ventilation systems. He has provided employment to many people over the years in Huron and Perth Counties.
Unknown to many was the fact that Bill Scott was to receive the Lion’s Club second highest honour, the “President’s Award”, before COVID scuttled the awards presentation. He won for the district and would have been honoured in a ceremony in Walkerton in April.
Bill was honoured with a Community Award a few years ago for his years of volunteering and contributions to Seaforth and Huron East.
A quiet man, who always loved a project, Bill has built wood-strip canoes, kayaks, a sailboat and even a trimaran and a hovercraft over the years that kept his family and grandkids entertained. He was an active member of the Goderich Power & Sail Squadron and was qualified to administer tests for new sailors.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gwen, and his three sons: Jim (Jill) of Owen Sound, Dave (Becky) of Goderich, and Bruce (Susan) of Edmonton; and six grandchildren: Grace (Scott) of Hamilton, Jake of Owen Sound, Zach (Jen) of Cornwall, Luke (Edmonton), Thomas (London), and Sophie (Edmonton). He is also survived by his brother John (Seaforth), sister Mary (Wayne) of London and sisters-in-law Cathy Collard and Eleanor Cook.
Arrangements are entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, 87 Goderich Street West, Seaforth. Honouring Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial donations in Bill’s name can be made to the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation or Seaforth & District Lion’s Club. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date when hugs, handshakes and expressions of love can be shared safely once again.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Wayne Ellis
I didn’t know of Bill’s death until today. I knew Bill since we were kids when we had egg fights in the big barn. Bill was always one of the good guys in our community and will be remembered as a great supporter of the town and beyond.
All the best for the Scott family,
Wayne & Peg Ellis
Jennifer Pate
Extending our sincerest condolences from the Goderich Power & Sail Squadron. We remember Bill fondly as a valued member of our Bridge, Squadron and an excellent Instructor with CPS-ECP. Many members shared memories of his knot tying classes as well as his talent for rebuilding sailboats and other exciting projects such as building a trimaran. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Commander, Bridge & Membership of the Goderich Squadron
Lynn Okanski and Lawrence Lynch
Dear Gwen, Dave, Grace, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Bill. As we read through these condolences, it’s clear his remarkable character, talents, and qualities were appreciated by all who knew him, and some who did not! He will be long remembered, and greatly missed.
Lawrence and Lynn
Alex and Mary Jane Heggtveit
Gwen and family,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill.
Bill was such a fine and accomplished man.
Our deep condolences to you and your family.
Terry Johnston
Wow, what a nice guy. Always enjoyed my quiet chats with Bill. We lived across from the barns for many years and ran into him occasionally when we took the Scott laneway into town. To the family, deepest condolences for your loss. Terry and Jill Johnston
Ken and Jannette Stoll
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Thinking of you at this time.
Jane Jaques
Dear John, Mary, Gwen, Jim, Dave, Bruce and all your families, we were shocked and greatly saddened to hear about Bill’s illness and passing. Although quiet, Bill was such an accomplished man who was so devoted to his family and the community. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and know that – as soon as it is safe to do so – we will come up to Seaforth to pay our respects in person. Take good care, Jane (Jaques) and Mike Gaudet and family
Arend and Janny Streutker.
With deepest sympathy with the passing away of your Loved one!
Jill Calder
Dear Jim, Jill, Grace, Jake and family,
What a beautiful tribute this obituary is. Bill was an impressive man. I see him in his son and grandchildren. Bright, deep thinking, hard working, interesting, creative, quiet, gentle and kind souls. What a legacy he has left behind.
May your special memories provide some peace as you remember and celebrate Bill.
My deepest condolences,
Jill
Kathleen Jaques
I was very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My deepest sympathy to the Scott family.
Gary Alcock
I extend condolences to Gwen, Jim, Dave and Bruce. He was as comfortable on the water as he was in the air and enjoyed any opportunity to share his knowledge.
Jan&Ken Parker
We want you to know we are thinking of you and family as you go through this difficult time.May your Memories of husband ,father and grandfather be your consolation at this time
Gerard (Gerry) Triesman
As I’m only a new member of the Fanshawe Yacht Club – this is my second year – I didn’t know Bill. After having read Bill’s obituary, I wish I had. He was a very charitable man with many God given talents, a great family man, and very generous with his time to better the lives of his fellowman. He truly was a giant. And I’m sure I haven’t listed all of his wonderful qualities.
I pray that it will be a solace to Bill’s family and close friends that his battle with cancer was short. It is a blessing of a particular kind that he was spared a long period of suffering. He would have agonized over his inability, due to his sickness, to offer his deeds of compassion, his unwavering love and support to his dear ones.
Men like Bill leave an indelible mark on humanity. May he rest in peace.
Marie Dignan
Gwen & the Scott Family
So sorry to hear the sad news of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dale & Marie Dignan
Neil & Marie McGavin
To all of Bill’s family,
We send sincere sympathy to everyone. Yes, many memories of IPM 1966 at the Scott farms come to mind – rubber boots included! Bill will be missed by his family, friends and the whole community in which he devoted many volunteer hours. Neil and Marie McGavin
Marc & Jennifer Lacoursiere
Bill was always one of the first people to show up when there was work to be done. Boots on, a smile on his face, and a jovial spirit, he’d be at every sailing club work party with an all hands on deck attitude. His beautiful trimaran was always a joy to see at the club. Bill certainly hid his age well given he was always so active. He will be missed.
Jim MacKenzie
To the Scott family we want to send our deepest condolences. Bill was such an amazing man with a huge treasure trove of stories which he would share with a quiet, gentle laugh. We greatly valued his insights when he came to help Jim and his late father Doug build our trimaran. We were so pleased that we could be at Fanshawe Yacht Club to help him as he launched his own home built trimaran, Kestrel. Jim fondly remembers when he and Bill toured the Air Force museum in Pensacola where Bill had come to watch Jim race in the Trimaran Nationals. Bill knew everything about each plane there and Jim was blown away by his knowledge. We will miss Bill at the sailing club here in London. He was a great man and a wonderful friend. We are so grateful that we got to know him over the past fifteen years or so. Gwen, and all of your family, you are in our hearts and our thoughts. Fair winds Bill. Carleen Hone and Jim MacKenzie, FYC, London
John Kabel
Fanshawe Yacht Club in London had the good fortune to have Bill as an Assistant Race Officer for many years. He helped me on the Race Barge typically as “Flags” or “Horns.” He was a dependable and quiet volunteer, with a sharp eye on the finish line. He helped me personally with some advice and materials for boat repairs. It was obvious that he had a great depth of knowledge of materials and techniques. His self-built “Kestrel” was a wicked fast boat, though he sailed it only occasionally the past couple of years. We are all very sorry for your loss. Know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. JJK
mark anderson
I enjoyed talking about making boats with Bill at the sailing club. I knew he was an interesting fellow but I had no idea of the depth of his interests. We will certainly miss him at Fanshawe, he was a very nice man. Sad for your loss.
Mark Anderson
Meg Cook
Dear Aunt Gwen, Jim, Dave, Bruce and families
My deepest sympathies to you at this time of loss. With gratitude for the fond and fun memories of the chickens, the sailboat, Seaforth and many stories …
Take good care of yourselves.
Jascquelyne Mitchell
John and Family, On behalf of the Van Egmond Foundation we offer our sincere condolence in the loss of your brother William (Bill) May he Rest in Peace
Alex Veens
Our sincerest condolences to the Scott family.
Alex & Dymphie Veens.
Donna Forrest Pressley
Gwen … my sincere condolences to the entire family.
James and Cheryl-Ann Sampa
Dear Gwen and Family,
We count it as a blessing to have known Bill. We were inspired by his care, concern and creativity. He will be deeply missed. Holding you in prayer.
Brian Moore
My deepest condolences to Gwen, Jim, Dave and Bruce and there families. My memories of Jim go back to my adolescence; I knew him before I’d met his sons in the poultry industry.
Cathy Collard
My Dear sister Gwen, and boys Jim ,David, and Bruce. My sincere condolences on Bill’s passing . He was such a kind and gentle man with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Many memories of family trips, plane rides and lots of adventures .He will be sadly missed .Love and Hugs to you all . You are all in my prayers. Cathy Collard
Sheila Peacock
We are so sorry for your loss Jim and Jill and family. Thinking of all of you.
Love Sheila and Joel
Helen Southgate Oldfield
To the Scott family, with special thoughts of Gwen, Dave, Becky, Zach & Tom , sending hugs and condolences to all of you at this sad time. He was a very accomplished man and shared his gifts with the community in generous ways, leaving an amazing legacy. He will be greatly missed.
Helen & Brian
Janice Murray
Our deepest sympathy to the Scott Family. Our familys have been Neighbors and friends For many years . Please know you are in my thoughts and Prayers ..Janice Murray &Harry Jansen
Ron & Theresa Murray
To Gwen, Jim< Dave, & Bruce! Thinking of you at this sad time in your great loss! Our lads always had fun times with yours!Our deepest sympathy!Love & Prayers from Ron & Theresa Murray & Lads!
John Heggtveit
We are sorry to hear about Bill’s passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time for your family
John and Maria Heggtveit
Bill and Grace
Gwen and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
He will be missed in our community.
Bill and Grace Campbell
Katie Teall
To Gwen,Jim,Dave ,and Bruce, John and Mary. We are sending our deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kate and Wink
Ken & Joan Campbell
Our sincere sympathy to Gwen and all the family.Bill was a quiet respected man of the town of Seaforth. His thoughtful advise was valued in many organizations. He will be sadly missed
by family and friends.
Keith Murray
We would like to express our condolences to the Scott family. An awesome family is a great legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Scott family at this time.
Keith, Cindy and families
Gordon & Irma
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gordon & Irma Pryce
Ken Whiting
So sorry for your loss. Will hold you in my prayers.
glen collard
Sincere condolences on the passing of Uncle Bill to Aunt Gwen, Jim, Dave ,Bruce and their familys. Uncle Bill was always admired for the things he could do , things he has done and the knowledge he passed on to others. Glen Collard and family.
Jacquelyne Mithell
My condolence John to you and William’s family May William Rest in Peace
Melissa McEwen
We are so sad to hear about the passing of Bill. Our deepest condolences to the family. Our hearts go out to you.
Melissa, Colin and Emmitt McEwen
& John McKessock
Linda & Wray
Jim, Jill, Grace and and Jake, please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time and sending you are sincere condolences for the loss of your father and grandfather. Linda & Wray, Red Bay
Sylbia Wood
Dave, Becky and the rest of the Scott family
Our heartful sympathy on the loss of your dad. A big influence on the town of Seaforth for so many years.
Sylvia & Eugene
Paul and Joan Spittal
Bill was a wonderful guy! Lots of great memories. Our sincere condolences.
Joanne Shoveller
We are very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing and send our sincerest condolences to Gwen, Jim, David, Bruce and all family members. He will be deeply missed by many. We have so many memories of Gwen and Bill over the years — wonderful parents, good friends of our family, so kind and helpful to Mom these last few years.
Loved the obituary, it brought back so many good memories and a deep appreciation of the impact of Bill’s life.
Sending warmest wishes to you all.
Joanne (Rimmer), Herb, Ben and Aislinn
Pete Martene
Our heartfelt condolences to the Scott family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Pete and Tammy Martene
Stuart Scott
I think so many of us collected eggs or caught chickens for Bill in our youth. Sad to hear the news of his passing.
Connie & Mike Marion
Our sincere condolences to the Scott family for your loss. It was great to work along with Bill on the Lions Park & Pool Committee.
Maureen and Merv Agar
Dave and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Thinking of you at this time.
Carolanne Doig
Dave, Becky and all your family – my sincere condolences at this time. Bill was a respected and valued member of the Seaforth Community. His quiet contributions will not go unnoticed.
Kathie Hulzebos Jordan
So very sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Marie Litt
Sincere condolences to the Scott family at this very sad time. Bill was a very kind and generous fellow, seemed to be a quiet man but a deep thinker. He will be missed.
Jim & Lynda Slumskie
Jim, Jill, and families, our sincere condolences in the pass ing of Jim’s dad. He certanly was a very busy man with all his involvements.
Jim & Lynda Slumskie
Deborah Thomas
Sean and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Bryan and Lynda Vincent
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gwen, Jim, Dave, Bruce and the rest of the family. I certainly enjoyed my time with Bill at many Lions meetings and events. What a great supporter of Seaforth, the Seaforth Hospital and the Seaforth Lions Club! Wow will he be missed by all of us.
Rosie
Sincerest sympathy on the loss of your Dad 💕 and Father in law.
Thinking of you both Dave and Becky.
Hugs,
Rosie and Brian xo
Paul Scott
Thoughts and best wishes to all of the Scott family.
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Rick Kloss
Sincere condolences to the Scott family. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
John Butz
Thank you for welcoming me into the family. Your friendship has been a constant for almost 40 years. You are already missed
Ken and Elaine DeCorte
Dear Gwen, Jim, Dave and Bruce
Our sincerest condolences on your loss. Bill was a man of many talents. Ken always enjoyed listening to what Bill’s latest or next creation would be. He enjoyed many memorable conversations with him while sharecropping your farm.