August 21, 1936 – March 20, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we tell you that Bill Beggs passed away at home in Sturgeon Point on March 20, 2025, in his 89th year, after an 8-month battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland to William and Ellen (Nellie) (nee McAllister) Beggs. He was a loving husband to the late Marlyn (nee Watson) (2008), and cherished partner of Belinda Wilson for the past 11 years. He leaves behind his son Rodney of Port McNicoll, daughter Susan Walker of Lindsay, grandchildren Mathew, Patrick, Amber and Emma and great-granddaughter Judith. He is dearly missed by his daughter-in-law Maddy (Port McNicoll), and by his best mate Alan Proctor (Barnsley, England). Bill is survived and mourned by his brother Roy (Toronto) and sister Joan (Preston, England), as well as nieces and nephews and their families.
Bill came to Canada in 1957, having completed his apprenticeship as a painter-decorator, and settled in Toronto where he plied his trade – he was proud of the fact that he was never out of work, always willing to take on a new challenge. He and Marlyn were married in 1965, and they moved to Sturgeon Point in the early ‘70’s. Eventually he became “The Village Painter” and continued to work right up until he became ill in 2024.
He enjoyed golf, tennis, curling and fishing. A proud member of the Fenelon Falls Legion, Billy loved playing darts, shuffleboard, snooker and horseshoes, and he was a dedicated volunteer at the Branch for over 20 years. He and Belinda loved going to the casinos, where the luck of the Irish served him better than most.
He was known and adored as Wee Willie the Leprechaun, taking great pride in entertaining folks at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Legion and elsewhere for many years,
Billy was a people person, and he loved his friends – spending time at the Branch, having a pint of Guinness and swapping stories, shooting a game of snooker and enjoying the company of those around him.
Belinda would like to thank Dr. Sam Babak and the amazing staff at Markham-Stouffville Hospital for their care and compassion over the last 8 months. Thanks also to Ontario Health-At-Home for the wonderful support system which enabled Billy to remain at home until the end. We couldn’t have done it without good friends Tim O’Donnell and Sandy Quirion, and the Boksman clan – Jeff, Kim and Jack – the best neighbours in the world.
Friends and family are invited to the Fenelon Falls Legion on Sunday, April 13, beginning at 1:00 PM. Legion comrades are asked to assemble at 1:15 for a Maple Leaf Service. A Celebration of Life will be conducted by Caroline Fenelius-Carpenter immediately afterwards, followed by a time of music, reminiscing and refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, Billy requested that donations be made to the Fenelon Falls Legion. Donations may be made by cheque by contacting the Fenelon Falls Legion or Jardine Funeral Home, 705-887-3130.
https://www.jardinefuneralhome.com/memorials/william-beggs/5574211