William John “Bill” Vanstone
November 11, 1963 - October 10, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to William John “Bill“ Vanstone, lovingly known as “Brother Bill”, who passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at University Hospital in his 61st year. Bill was born on Remembrance Day, November 11, 1963. From a child’s view, Bill’s birthday was a holiday and Bill loved holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. When planning a party, Bill would say, “it’s all in the lighting and stemware.” Bill was passionate, full of ideas and plans, meticulously organized from a very early age and always ready for the next celebration with themes, decorations and costumes. His collection of music was as diverse as his parties and dance moves.
Bill started out as a little fella attending Huron Heights Public School and made lasting friendships at Montcalm Secondary School. He jumped into retail at Zellers and moved into management at Le Chateau in Toronto, where he loved experimenting with fashion and wearing it to clubs for a night of dancing with friends. He taught aerobics and bodybuilding, changing himself into a big fella. He followed in the footsteps of his father at Wolverine Copper Tubing in London, where Bill enjoyed a decade, but when the weekend worker program started, he took the opportunity to study computer programming during the week. With his certificate in hand, Bill focused his characteristic attention to detail toward IT. He spent fifteen years at TD Bank Head Office in Managerial positions as an IT specialist and working in Compliance. Brother Bill retired to London in 2016, happy to leave the busy work world behind. He spent his retirement with great friends and family, wearing statement T-shirts, cooking, baking, biking, dancing, and a newfound joy of camping with his buddy Bruce. We will all miss Bill’s keen wit and joy of life.
Bill was the beloved son of William and Ruth Vanstone. Dear brother to Allyson Marie Vanstone (Peter Pendl) and Julie Anne Lamontagne (John). Loving uncle to Kristine, Brittany (Fraser) and Ava. Also loved his many relatives and friends, and Stella dog. Special thanks to Bruce Schwass for his love and support.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial reception will be held at Northview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with remembrances to be shared at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery at a later date.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider The Humane Society London and Middlesex or a charity close to your heart.
The family would like to thank the LHSC staff, nurses and doctors, especially at University Hospital, for their care and support of Bill.
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I still remember the day when Bill and I were sitting in our office in Toronto chatting about our childhood. That moment when we realized we knew a whole lot of the same London people. That crazy moment when we discovered we were cousins! We hummed “It’s a small world” every time we saw each other. My world became a better place with you in it. I’ll miss you for always cuz💜. My families thoughts and prayers go out to your family♥️. Rest In Peace 🪽
Condolences to the extended Vanstone family for the passing of young Bill. Bill and Ruth Vanstone were very special neighbour's on Susan Ave. I babysat all the Vanstone children, as did, I am sure, all my siblings did as well. Young Bill was a very cute boy and so enjoyable to spend time with. Bill and Ruth we our so sad for your loss of a special son.
To Bill, Ruth and Family: We were very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
My deepest sympathy From Mack Lawson's daughter Neila
So sorry for your loss.
Bill was a wonderful human that loved everyone he encountered ,I met Bill at farm boy when I hired him ,I knew he be one great person, there was never a dull moment in our cheese and deli department , Bill will be missed by all he knew and I will miss you a great deal especially your messages through FB just to cheer me up" as he would say cheer up sweet pea" always and forever in my heart! To Bill's family I am sorry for your loss. R.I.P Brother Bill!!
I am saddened to hear the news of Bill’s passing. Even though Bill was a few years older, I have fond memories of growing up with Bill, Allyson, and Julie during our childhood. Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead.
My sincerest condolences to the Vanstone family. I'm at a loss for words to express the true sadness of losing Bill. As we all know for certain, Bill will be missed greatly and forever cherished in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace my good friend.
Services for William John “Bill” Vanstone
Memorial Reception will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
October 22, 2024 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Remembrances will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
October 22, 2024 2:00 pm
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Ladies and gentlemen, We gather here today to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man, Bill Vanstone. I had the privilege of meeting Bill over 20 years ago through our dear friend John Profit. It was at a dinner party Bill hosted, and from the moment Tim and I walked through his door, we were welcomed into his family. Little did I know then that this would be the start of a beautiful friendship that would last a lifetime. Bill had a heart of gold. He was someone who effortlessly made you feel at home, whether you were dining together, traveling the world, or just sharing a laugh. He introduced me to Grace and so many others who would become cherished friends as we created countless memories together. From our adventures in Florida, Vegas, Rome, Pisa, Monte Carlo, Tunisia, Barcelona, and Ibiza, to our weekly shopping trips where we spent way too much time and money at the malls and Winners, every moment was filled with joy and laughter. Bill was as funny as Lucille Ball, making us laugh for hours, but let’s not forget he could also be as stubborn as a mule! Okay, a big fuzzy bear! He had a way of bringing light into our lives, and I knew he would be a friend for life. I want to share a couple of stories that always make me chuckle. There was that time in Tunisia when we were on a guided tour. Bill, in his usual adventurous spirit, wandered off to buy a souvenir despite our tour guide’s warnings about civil unrest. I freaked out, convinced I would never see my friend again. I stood in front of the tour van, refusing to leave without Bill, and the tour guide had to reassure me that he was back on the ship, relaxing by the pool after spending time with another tour guide shall we say! Ha ha. I can’t tell you how relieved I was, but oh, the frantic search was unforgettable! And just a few weeks ago, Bill reminded me of another moment from a cruise where he was furious at me for snoring. In retaliation, I filmed him snoring, and he said it still makes him laugh. That’s the kind of friendship we shared—filled with laughter and the occasional playful jab. I’m sure many of you have similar stories that bring a smile to your face when you think of Bill. He was a wonderful friend, and his love, laughter, and sense of humor will be fondly missed by all of us. As we say goodbye today, I want to remind you all that Bill lives on in our hearts and memories. Until we meet again, my friend—love ya.
~ Donnie Dwyer