William Joseph Eldon “Bill” passed away peacefully on Sept. 22nd, 2018 in his 89th year with his loving family by his side. Predeceased by his beloved wife Caroline Winnifred “Winnie” (nee Maguire) and his dearly loved son William Allen. Left to cherish his memory, “Poppy” is survived by his dedicated and caring son Anthony and his wife Catherine. Sadly missed but never forgotten by his granddaughter Jennifer and husband Edwin, great grandchildren Zoe and Zachary, grandson Anthony Jonathon and wife Danielle, great granddaughter Peyton and grandchildren Tyler and Alannah.
Born in Loughgall: County Armagh, Northern Ireland on December 22nd, 1928, “Billy” was raised on the Eldon Family Homestead, in Lederg Armagh. His father Joseph Henry Eldon was well-known throughout the area and was a successful fruit grower, and together with Bill’s mother Elizabeth (nee Richardson) of Gortnaguig, Stewartstown, raised 8 children. “Billy” was the eldest child, followed by his siblings Edith, David, Cecil, Jim, Jack, Georgina and Eric. Bill was pre-deceased by his brother Jim.
Bill immigrated to Canada and landed on Christmas Day, 1957. Prior to his arrival to Canada, Bill spent a few years of what he described as “barely surviving” in Australia. To this day, he could not bear the thought of eating a lamb!
Bill was filled with great pride in all of his many challenges and tasks throughout his working years. He held several jobs at any given time to make ends meet. He was pulled from his formal education in his early years, as he was needed to work on the family farm, however this did not hold him back. Bill enjoyed working for Toronto Hydro for 27 years, Carrier for the Royal Mail and the Globe and Mail.
Bill was a true gentleman, sharp as a whip, an avid reader, loved poetry and had a “mastermind” of World History. “King Billy” also served as President and was a dedicated Member of the 36th Ulster Division Club in Toronto. He was a faithful member of the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
He loved a good story and could tell a great tale. Everyone knew when King Billy was on his way because he loved to drive with the windows down, with his Traditional Irish Pipe Band Music blasting from the cassette player. Bill’s favourite treat on a regular basis was a generous slice of Apple Strudel from his “Secret Bakery”.
Sadly missed but not forgotten by his loving family, dear friends at home and abroad.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday October 6th, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Road Scarborough, Ontario M1K 2B5.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick kids) in memory of William “Bill” Eldon would be greatly appreciated.