Obituary of William "Bill" Girard

GIRARD, William David, “BILL”

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday August 26, 2022 at 84 years of age.

Bill was born in Windsor, Ontario on December 18th, 1937 to William and Mildred Girard.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Liza) with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Cherished father to Tara Kettlewell, Mandy Dionne (Yvon) and Bill Girard (Terri). Brother to Bob Girard (Luanne), Ken Girard (Pat) and late sister June Girard (2021). Brother-in-law to John Falls (Nancy), Cameron Falls (Susan) and the late Jane Wright (2021).

Loving Papa to Jacie Taylor (Joel), Sydney Janek (Andrew), Tyler, Braeden and Dylan Kettlewell, Spenser Dionne, Larissa, Haley, Michael and Sean Girard. “Great” Papa to Blake and Max Janek and Reese Dionne.

Bill will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Time with family truly meant everything to him.

Bill was a member of the Windsor Essex County Association of Realtors and has been a pillar in the Real Estate industry for just shy of 50 years. He is often referred to as “The Legend” of his time by many colleagues. He was honoured to be a part of the Manor Windsor Realty Family for over 35 years and was a leader, a mentor and a friend to many.

For over 36 years, Bill exemplified a passion for children with physical disabilities in Windsor-Essex County, serving as a volunteer with Easter Seals Ontario. He was deemed “Windsor’s Telethon Angel” for his devotion to the organization and was granted the prestigious Yvonne Alexander Award in 2021 for demonstrating exceptional support and outstanding achievement.

Bill was a member of the Windsor Yacht Club for 37 years where he made many lifelong friendships and enjoyed Tuesday Euchre nights.

Bill was known for his love of sports. Whether he was cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Windsor Spitfires, Detroit Tigers or expressing his love-hate relationship with the Detroit Lions, his passion for the game was always evident. Every year he looked forward to the American Thanksgiving Day football game and the Superbowl.

He prided himself on working hard, taking care of his family and striving for growth and success. Over the years, he was a staple in local gyms such as Vic Tanny’s, Gold’s Gym and Good Life, until recent health challenges. He always strived to be an example of health and wellness.

A tremendous thank you to the ICU team at Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus. An extra special thank you to his “Super Nurses” Melissa and Destini. Your genuine care and support to our family will never be forgotten.

Visitation to take place at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel), 11677 Tecumseh Rd E, 519.253.7234, on Friday September 2nd, 2022 from 2-9pm. Funeral service to take place on Saturday September 3rd at 11am in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, we would be honoured to continue Bill’s commitment to Easter Seals Ontario, Windsor-Essex division as well as support our local Hospice Services. Donations can be made in memory of Bill Girard. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com.

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, he can achieve”

- Napoleon Hill