Obituary of Joseph William Fitzgerald

Joseph William (Bill) Fitzgerald, 66 of Bradford, Ontario, passed away on Monday, November 6th, 2017 at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket surrounded by family.

Bill was born in Timmins, Ontario on August 19, 1951. He worked as an engineer at CN and then Via Rail for more than 30 years. Bill lived life to the fullest and took joy in simple pleasures: listening to music, going to concerts, playing cards with his local seniors group, spending time with family and friends and chatting with perfect strangers. He had an uncanny ability to make a connection with almost anyone, obtain the best bargain in town, and was able to make you laugh with a funny story or two.  

Bill is survived by his wife, Valerie Swaisland, his two children Cory and Holly (Tim), his step-children, Jackie (Manish), Kim (Nathan and Mark (Lindsey). He was a loving Grampy to 12 grandchildren in Ontario, Alabama and Nova Scotia. Dear brother of Ken (Karen) Fitzgerald and Sandy (John) Hartle. Bill will be sadly missed by his cousin Joanne (Wally) Portelance.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 9th, 2017 at Trinity Anglican Church, 56 Church St., in Bradford with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Trinity Anglican Church or to the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. The family wishes to thank Gretchen and Dick Dewhirst, Princess Margaret Hospital and Southlake Regional Health Centre for all of their support during this difficult time.