Saturday, January 25, 2020
So saddened to learn of Bill's passing. What a wonderful, calm and kind man. I returned to Canada in 1990 from England, having spent 7+ years living in England. I had the good fortune to buy a house right next door to Pat and Bill Wheeler on Rougecrest Drive in Markham. They had been there for many years. Bill and Pat, being very kind and welcoming people, were the most wonderful neighbours. I soon discovered that Bill was "Mr. Wheeler" the Art Teacher from when I attended Sir John A. Macdonald High School in the late 60s/early 70s. I had graduate 18 years previously so didn't recognize him at first, as he had grown a beard and had gone grey! My 3 children thought the Wheelers were wonderful. Bill often invited them to swim in their pool, and the kids loved the Wheeler's always increasing bevy of pet cats! I remember Bill brushing the cats with his broom when he was cleaning up the driveway... he was a tender-hearted man. With his workshop in the garage at the top of the dirveway, he was always busy with some amazing project or another, one of which was a gorgeous and majestic wooden Totem. We had the pleasure of watching it come to life. Bill was an ecologist by heart, and had created a 3 part compost system in his back yard. (An amazing thing to see, by the way!) In order to "feed" it, he would often help to rid my large yard of fallen autumn leaves, a act that was very much appreciate by a busy single Mom of three! He used to clear our shared driveway after a big snowstorm with his snowblower, a gift he really loved from his boys. One year, he made me a table out of a cross-section of a tree that I was obliged to take down from my yard. I remember so well the many beautiful paintings adorning Pat and Bill's living room walls, both of them being such talented artists. I remember how loving and kind he was to his beautiful grandchildren when they visited. My sincere condolences to you, Pat, Doug, Chris and to all the family! I was richer for having met him. Blessings to you all. Tricia Bahen (former neighbour from #6 Rougecrest).
