McFarlane, William McLean (‘Bill’), P.Eng MTC; DB/HB with the Toronto Argonauts 1954-56
Peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital on Sunday June 28, 2020 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of 53 years of the late Joyce (nee Oswald) (deceased 2007). Loving father of Sandra (Ian) Gardner, Melanie (Tim) Hyde, Will (Ainslie) and John (Alison). ‘Gramps’ will be lovingly remembered by Taegan, Tyler, Mallory, William, Timmie, Michael, Connor, Sam, Sophie, Owen and Ella, and by great grandsons Cole, Bennett and Charlie. Dear brother of Dorothy Hornby, Jack and Dave (all deceased) and fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends.
Born in Hamilton, Bill excelled at numerous sports in high school, where he met and courted his soul mate Joyce. He was recruited by University of Toronto for football where he continued to excel as a Varsity Blues player while earning a Professional Engineering degree. Bill was a member of the undefeated Yates Cup winning 1951 Varsity Blues team which was recently inducted into the U of T Sports Hall of Fame. In 1954 he and Joyce were married and Bill was drafted first overall by the Toronto Argonauts where over the next three years he set numerous team records, two of which he still co-holds today. In 1957 he joined the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications as a Structural Engineer, Bridge Design and moved his growing family to Oakville. In the early 80’s with the help of family he built a beautiful cottage on Allenwood Beach north of Wasaga where friends and family continued to spend many memory-filled holidays together throughout the years. Bill will be remembered for his love and devotion to his wife Joyce, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his love of family, his sense of humour, and his caring and fun loving personality. He and Joyce loved music, dancing and travelling, and hosting get togethers with family and friends. He touched the lives of all he met and will be missed by many.
Private family service and interment was held, with plans for a Celebration of Life to follow when safe to do so. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton-Halton. Condolences may be made at www.dbburlington.ca.
VIA: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/dbburlington/obituaries/william-bill-mcfarlane/51271
Recent Comments