Obituary of William Henderson

Peacefully, at Sunfish Lake, Waterloo, on Monday Nov 29, 2010, age 71, as the result of cancer. Bill confronted his diagnosis with courage, determination and complete acceptance. Survived by loving wife Marilyn (Liddle). Son of the late Joseph & Helen (Rieder) Henderson. Brother of Beth Dyke (Tom) of Oakville, Ont. and Bonnie Passmore (Ken) of Port Sydney, Ont. Predeceased by his beloved wife Lizzy (1998). Loving father of Debbie Piotrowski (Les); Jessica Vanderkaden (Ron); Kevin Henderson (Kelly) and Talmon (Tolly) Henderson (Alexa Hodgkinson). Proud grandfather ("Grumpy") of Rachel, Matthew and Joey Piotrowski; Jarrah and Willow Hall and Kai Vanderkaden; Chelsea, Libby, Ava and Rieder Henderson; and Kamilah and Adrienne Henderson. Fondly remembered by his step-children, Kevin (Marie) Liddle of Niagara Falls, Ont. and Brenda Liddle (Michael Varieur) and their children Jasper & Phoenix Varieur of Huntsville, Ont. Bill graduated in 1963 in Honours Business from the University of Western Ontario. He was a long time member of the Kitchener-Waterloo business community and retired from The Mutual Group (Clarica) after celebrating 35 years with the company (Branch Manager, Agency 85, Waterloo). His community involvement included President of the K-W Jaycees, Member of the Kitchener and Waterloo Chambers of Commerce, a founding Director and member of the K-W & Area Visitor & Convention Bureau. Bill was a Trustee of the Public School Board of Education, Past President of K-W Oktoberfest (1983 - 1984), a respected member of the K-W Oktoberfest Advisory Board and a member of the K-W Symphony Board of Directors (1999 - 2002). Bill's lifelong love of Sunfish Lake remained with him until the end. At Bill's request, there will be no formal visitation. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen Street North, Kitchener, at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 5, 2010. Some parking is available in lot adjacent to the church. The immediate family will gather at the Church from 1 pm to 1:45 pm to greet those friends and relatives who will be unable to attend a reception being held immediately following the memorial service. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445. Everyone is welcomed to join the family at Bingemans Convention Center - Embassy Room from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM to eat, drink and share their favourite outrageous stories of Big Bad Bill. The family wish to thank all the dedicated professionals who cared for Bill during his illness: Dr. Andrea Molckovsky; Erin McKenzie R.N. at the GRRCC and their many support staff; and Dr. Rodney Bruce, who spearheaded Bill's medical care. Special thanks to the nurses of CCAC and of Paramed, especially Diane Osborne R.N., for their weekly visits and professional care. Dr. Donna Ward was a beacon of light during some dark days and her care and concern was very much appreciated.