Obituary for William Stanbury Kerr
William Stanbury Kerr, BSc., P.ENG., UEL.
November 26 1934 – April 3 2021, age 86 years.
“Bill” Kerr, who loved and lived life to the fullest, passed away surrounded by his children and his beloved wife Veronica “Bonnie”, his soulmate, confidante and best friend for 59 years.
Bill was born in St. Thomas, Ontario to the late John Whitney Kerr and Eleanor Claire Stanbury Kerr. With an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University in 1958 in Mining and Metallurgy, Bill began his professional career at the Canadian Coppery Refinery in Montreal, and then continued in Kitchener in 1964 at Canada Alloy Castings (CAC). While president at CAC, he proudly constructed and operated a subsidiary of CAC in Elmira, Ontario – Canada Investment Castings.
Bill was a foundry man, through and through. He was a director of the Canadian Foundry Association (1992-1995) and also a member of the Canadian Standards Association. He was a longstanding member of the Kitchener Westmount Rotary, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was awarded by the Rotary Club as “Mr Bingo” for all of his fund raising efforts. After his working years, Bill joined the Kitchener Probus Club where he served as President (2008-2009).
Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie and he is the very proud father of David William (Elizabeth), Mary Elizabeth (Frank) and Laura Lynne (Roy). He is also survived by his 8 cherished grandchildren, Allison Christina, Matthew David, Joshua Ryan, Katherine Louise, Stephanie Lauren, Jessica Michelle (Mike), Rachel Catarina and Emily Nadine; and the apples of his eye, his “little ones”, his 3 great-grandchildren, Aurora Eliana, Ava Carina, and his namesake, Oliver William. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Joyce Fabes (Grant), Rosemary Malone (Robert) and his brother-in-law, John Hachey (Ann), along with nephews and nieces who are greatly saddened by his passing. His childhood memories were brightened by his wonderful relationships with his cousins Peter Stewart(Margaret), Fred Karn (Catherine), Edith Hodkinson (Spenser) and Kristen Andrychuk (Don).
Bill enjoyed his passions which included music and live theatre. He and Bonnie were long-time supporters of the Kitchener Waterloo Pops Symphony, and he himself appeared on stage from his high school years (Gilbert & Sullivan) to minor roles in “Finnian’s Rainbow”, “How to Succeed in Business” and “Carousel”, and also worked backstage as head carpenter with KW Musical Productions.
His family and friends recognized the importance Bill placed on honesty, integrity and generosity. That is the legacy he left for his children and loved ones.
Bill and Bonnie have been dedicated members of St. Anthony Daniel Catholic Church for over 50 years. During this time, Bill participated in the Church liturgies as a reader and was an active member of the Sunday adult choir.
Over the course of their 59 year marriage, Bill and Bonnie explored most corners of the globe. Bill’s most vivid memories were of travelling the Silk Road in China, viewing the temples of Myanmar, exploring the Nile in Egypt, and taking a safari on the plains of Kenya. In later years, his favourite mode of travel was with Oceania Cruises, and he and Bonnie were fortunate to have experienced 60 wonderful cruises together.
The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Kevin Mayer and Dr. Robert Chernish for their care for Bill while at home and to Grand River Hospital staff, Dr Chandni Merchant, Dr Alexander Trussler and to Bill’s nurse Christina who cared for him in his last days.
Bill's family will receive relatives and friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony Daniel R.C. Church, 29 Midland Dr., on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. A private internment will take place at Memory Gardens in Kitchener at a later date.
Please note that if you plan to attend either the visitation or the mass, masks are mandatory and you must RSVP through the funeral home website or by calling (519) 749-8467. Those unable to attend, may view the service via the following livestream link:
https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Ontario Lung Association or Kitchener Westmount Rotary Charitable Foundation ( https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rotary-club-of-kitchener-westmount-charitable-foundation) would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com
November 26 1934 – April 3 2021, age 86 years.
“Bill” Kerr, who loved and lived life to the fullest, passed away surrounded by his children and his beloved wife Veronica “Bonnie”, his soulmate, confidante and best friend for 59 years.
Bill was born in St. Thomas, Ontario to the late John Whitney Kerr and Eleanor Claire Stanbury Kerr. With an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University in 1958 in Mining and Metallurgy, Bill began his professional career at the Canadian Coppery Refinery in Montreal, and then continued in Kitchener in 1964 at Canada Alloy Castings (CAC). While president at CAC, he proudly constructed and operated a subsidiary of CAC in Elmira, Ontario – Canada Investment Castings.
Bill was a foundry man, through and through. He was a director of the Canadian Foundry Association (1992-1995) and also a member of the Canadian Standards Association. He was a longstanding member of the Kitchener Westmount Rotary, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was awarded by the Rotary Club as “Mr Bingo” for all of his fund raising efforts. After his working years, Bill joined the Kitchener Probus Club where he served as President (2008-2009).
Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie and he is the very proud father of David William (Elizabeth), Mary Elizabeth (Frank) and Laura Lynne (Roy). He is also survived by his 8 cherished grandchildren, Allison Christina, Matthew David, Joshua Ryan, Katherine Louise, Stephanie Lauren, Jessica Michelle (Mike), Rachel Catarina and Emily Nadine; and the apples of his eye, his “little ones”, his 3 great-grandchildren, Aurora Eliana, Ava Carina, and his namesake, Oliver William. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Joyce Fabes (Grant), Rosemary Malone (Robert) and his brother-in-law, John Hachey (Ann), along with nephews and nieces who are greatly saddened by his passing. His childhood memories were brightened by his wonderful relationships with his cousins Peter Stewart(Margaret), Fred Karn (Catherine), Edith Hodkinson (Spenser) and Kristen Andrychuk (Don).
Bill enjoyed his passions which included music and live theatre. He and Bonnie were long-time supporters of the Kitchener Waterloo Pops Symphony, and he himself appeared on stage from his high school years (Gilbert & Sullivan) to minor roles in “Finnian’s Rainbow”, “How to Succeed in Business” and “Carousel”, and also worked backstage as head carpenter with KW Musical Productions.
His family and friends recognized the importance Bill placed on honesty, integrity and generosity. That is the legacy he left for his children and loved ones.
Bill and Bonnie have been dedicated members of St. Anthony Daniel Catholic Church for over 50 years. During this time, Bill participated in the Church liturgies as a reader and was an active member of the Sunday adult choir.
Over the course of their 59 year marriage, Bill and Bonnie explored most corners of the globe. Bill’s most vivid memories were of travelling the Silk Road in China, viewing the temples of Myanmar, exploring the Nile in Egypt, and taking a safari on the plains of Kenya. In later years, his favourite mode of travel was with Oceania Cruises, and he and Bonnie were fortunate to have experienced 60 wonderful cruises together.
The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Kevin Mayer and Dr. Robert Chernish for their care for Bill while at home and to Grand River Hospital staff, Dr Chandni Merchant, Dr Alexander Trussler and to Bill’s nurse Christina who cared for him in his last days.
Bill's family will receive relatives and friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony Daniel R.C. Church, 29 Midland Dr., on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. A private internment will take place at Memory Gardens in Kitchener at a later date.
Please note that if you plan to attend either the visitation or the mass, masks are mandatory and you must RSVP through the funeral home website or by calling (519) 749-8467. Those unable to attend, may view the service via the following livestream link:
https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Ontario Lung Association or Kitchener Westmount Rotary Charitable Foundation ( https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rotary-club-of-kitchener-westmount-charitable-foundation) would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com