In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather who passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 13, 2014 in his 79th year. Beloved husband of the late Amelia Whitbread, dear father of Stephen, Heather (Reginald), Shirley (Michael) and special friend to Pat Mundt. Loving grandfather of Sarah, Jocelynn, Abigayle, Steven, Amelia, Darian and papa to Ava and Olivia and his furry pal Callaway.
Bill will greatly missed by all his morning coffee buddies. Bill was born and raised in Bolton and took great pride in the place he called home for so many years. He started his career in journalism with the Bolton Enterprise where he continued to report there for over 6o years and maintained a part-time job with Egan Funeral Home. His memory will live on in all of our hearts. He truly was an amazing man and friend to so many.
The family will receive their friends and family at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50) Bolton (905 857 2213) Tuesday evening 6-9 o’clock, Wednesday afternoon 2-4 and evening 6-9 o’clock.
Funeral service will be held in Holy Family Church, 60 Allan Dr. Bolton on Thursday, April 17 at one o’clock officiated by Pastor Darren Mclean.
Reception to follow at Glen Eagle Golf Club, 15731 Hwy. 50, Bolton.
As Bill was a huge supporter in the community and an avid sports enthusiast, he would have loved to know that his spirit lives on in the youth of our town. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Caledon Minor Hockey Association, c/o Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South, Bolton L7E 2C6.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Michelle Haynes (Wile)
Coach Green Jeans!!!!
You will be so sadly missed by so many people.
Your sense of humour, your smile and your encouragement will never be forgotten. Hope you keep on watching us from up there. Love you and will miss you xo
Katherine Bulpit-McGillion
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Mr. Whitbread has been a part of many lives in Bolton.
When I was child playing ball in Bolton, when I coached children playing ball in Bolton, when my daughter got her first goal on an all boys team Bolton and when his daughter pitches on our woman’s, he was always there. Will be missed.
John Smillie
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great friend to my mother (Judith). Bill touched so many people he will be greatly missed
helen & Greg Manion
We are very sorry for your loss. Bill was a one of a kind and a very special person in the Bolton area . We enjoyed the many years that we knew him and listening to his many stories . I had a blast coaching girls softball with Bill
Kristen Raymer
Steve and the Whitbread family. I am shocked and saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. So sorry.
Justine
Shirley and family,
What a wonderful man, your father. He will stay in our hearts forever.
Here’s to a special, one of a kind man.
My deepest condolences.
Tracey Jackson
My condolences on the loss of a man who was known to everyone. He was key in keeping the history and spirit of Bolton alive and will be sadly missed.
Helen & Rick Salway
A major light has certainly gone out in Bolton and the
surrounding area. He will be dearly missed. Our
condolences to all of you.
The Roy Family
Such an overwhelming sadness on hearing of Bill’s sudden passing. A true “Boltonite” that always left a smile on your face every time you spoke to him. May his family know how much he was loved by everyone who knew him and have confort in knowing mom and dad now rest in peace together.
Glen McArthur
Our sincere condolences on the passing of a great man. I always look forward every week reading Bill’s column, Days of Yore. Bill was also a fixture around the baseball diamonds and the hockey arena. Bill was also a good friend of my dad. I enjoyed talking and joking around with Bill everytime we met. Bill was a clown. He will be missed.
The McArthur Family
Jeanne McLeod
Bill was truly one of a kind. He was a great help to me many times when I needed it. I enjoyed his wry sense of humour and admired his dedication to our town. We will not see his like again. My sincere condolences to his family. I will never forget him.
Pat Mundt
Bill was the best dad and grandpa you could ever wish for. He loved you all very much. He will be in your heats forever. Bill you were the best thing that ever happened to me. We laughed together and you brought me so much happiness. I will love you forever and you will be in my heart always. Your the best Hun and I was glad we found each other.
Love Pat (mrs P)
brian & carol moffatt
sorr very sorry for your loss – he was an amazing man
sincerely
Chris Vernon
My deepest sympathies. Bill embodied community passion, was a great newsman, and an inspiration on my career journey in journalism.
Bruce & Mary Armstrong
Bill will be sadly missed.
We generally join Bill for coffee most mornings and have grown to admire and respect him. With a lifetime spent in the Bolton area he knew most everyone and had endless stories to tell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with tthe family during this sad time.
Michelle Bassett
I am so saddened to hear of Bills passing. Bill was such a loving man and a wonderful father and grandfather. Always up for a good party and loved to laugh. His sense of humour along with many other amazing traits will be missed by all. Rest in Peace Bill
Jane & Don Chapman
Our neighbourhood will never be the same.
Such a character with always a word to make you smile and laugh.
Hope you are hugging the “Bride” Bill.
Val Grogan
Condolences to Bill’s family and extended family at the Enterprise.
Bill had such a wealth of knowledge and stories about people and
the Bolton community. It will be hard to find someone to carry on
his legacy. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Val Grogan and family
Diana and Bob Romanyk
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your dear father. I will miss reading his ‘Days of Yore’ column in the Caledon Enterprise each week – and also chatting with Bill each Tuesday when he delivered our newspaper to our front door. We first met Bill and Amelia 30 years ago when we moved to Bolton and our daughters became good friends.He liked to tell me about visiting his best friend at our house when he was a small boy – and playing together out in the yard. He was a wonderful man with an amazing sense of humour. Bolton has lost a good friend and an icon of the community.
Pat Shaw
My condolences to Bill’s family. He was a special friend to me, my siblings and my parents – Keith and Doreen Wallace. He will always be remembered for his kind words and always being there for those who needed him. I am deeply saddened. Thinking of all of you at this time of sorrow.
Al & Millie Squires
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Whitbread family at this sad time. Bill and I shared many stories and much information over the years especially when I worked at Humberview S.S. where he spent much time gathering info. about the school sports. He will be greatly missed in this area.
Kelly Flood
The town of Bolton extended family are a wee bit sadder today with this news. And a wee bit more nostalgic today as well. Memories shared keep us strong. Mr Whitbread, you did so much for so many and we are grateful.
I do hope that you are enjoying that beer with my dad now. The “Highwater” family will miss your smiling face!
Peace to the Whitbread family.
xo
Kelly Flood
Heather Egan
I am deeply saddened since hearing the news this morning on the passing of Bill. He has been a major pillar of history for the town of Bolton and in my own life. I was at Zehrs this morning and already felt the void of not seeing him pushing his grocery cart through the aisles. Whenever he saw me, he would share stories about my childhood that I had long since forgotten. We would always end up laughing about those stories and this I will truly miss.
Bill I will miss seeing you around Bolton but will know that as I look up at the stary sky at night, you will be shining down on me ever so brightly as you did while you were here living in Bolton. I will hold the history and wisdom that you so often shared in my heart in memory of you.
Marney Beck
It was an honour and a privilege to work with one of the finest community newspaper people I’ve ever known. Bill Whitbread was more than an editor, photographer, reporter — or more recently a sports writer — for The Enterprise. He was the face and the soul of The Enterprise for more than 50 years. He had integrity in all things; whether he was writing a sports report, election story or an obituary and he had an amazing sense of humour and positive outlook on life.
To say he will be missed in the community is an understatement… and of course, by Heather, Steve and Shirley and all those grandchildren he was so proud of… I miss him and that twinkle in his eyes already.
Mayfield Secondary School
Mayfield mourns a great and wonderful man. A true inspiration to Mayfield’s staff and students for many, many years. Friday’s will never be the same without him. Rest in Peace.
Dawna
Shirley and family
Sorry about your loss. Your Dad will always be remembered as the great man he was. I will always remember him coming into the store every Saturday morning to buy his newspaper and 2 quick picks with encore with the exact change
Marilyn and Oscar Hunt
Our condolences to the Whitbread family. Bill will be sadly missed in the community and in our hearts
Terry and Nora Jones & Family
Please accept our condolences. Bill was a special light in our lives… at the hockey arena especially…cheering on those Wildfield kids. The boys always looked forward to the weekly hockey report, to see what Bill had to say about them. That was a very special thing for little ones growing up…knowing that someone noticed their achievements. He followed all the kids with their baseball achievements as well.
Our thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.
Nora, Terry, TJ, Tony, Doug & Neal…
Bob and June Sleigh
Our condolences to Shirley and your family. Lyndsay called this morning to tell us of your Dad’s passing and I immediately could picture him at the ball diamond encouraging all “his girls” with that little twinkle in his eye. I had forgotten about the green pants…that makes the image complete.
Our thoughts are with you.
Wilma & Ellen Parker
To the Family of Bill:
It is with the deepest sympathy that I type this condolence. Bill will be missed by so many people in the town of Bolton and surrounding areas. My mother and I send you our love and know that Bill has gone to a better place. His jokes and his column in the Bolton Enterprise will be missed. May he R.I.P.
With deepest sympathy,
Wilma & Ellen Parker
The Huggard family
Heather and family
So sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have met your father. I feel that I knew him through your conversations about him with me. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and I know he is watching over you now. Just know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time and will be here for you for whatever you need.
Kathy Caverly
Bolton will never be the same. Bill was a wonderful man and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family it was an honour and privilege to know him. Rest Well Mr. Whitbread
Kathy & Dan Caverly
Lynda Parnaby
We are all so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Bill was such a wonderful man and did so much for the community. I loved chatting with him when I went shopping. He was such a kind, gentle soul. We will all miss him.
Goodbye “Scoop”
Sorrow is not forever,
Love is.
The Parnabys
Fintan & Mary Killeen
It’s hard to even describe how much Bill Whitbread meant to the town of Bolton and area. Of course anyone who knew him already knows what i mean. We’ll miss your smile and your stories Bill.
God Bless
Fiorella Plastina
To Shirley & family,
Dan & I would like to extend our condolences for the loss of your dad, grandfather & all round “good guy”, he will be greatly missed. I always loved talking to him about various things going on in Bolton.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace!
David Graham
My condolences to the Whitbread family. Bill will be missed by the entire community. May he rest in peace.
Rick Jessup
I feel like we lost the entire town with this news, Bill was such an integral part of any 1980s Bolton kid who played local sports or read the paper. Thanks for the headlines, Bill. All my best to the family of a great man.
The Rideout Family
We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We meet Bill in 1976 thru hockey and many other family occassions.. We considered him a friend and will miss him.We send our deepest condolence
to his family. May God Bless his family during this difficult time.
Rideouts
Glen Hutchinson
On behave of the Hutchinson family we would like to pass on our condolences to the Whitbread family. Bill was every and anything sports in the early Bolton days. As youths growing up we looked forward to seeing if we made his sports articles. A simple mention of an event would put a smile on his face like no-other. As we got older his comments in “Days Of Yore” brought us back to a more simplier time in our lives. Bolton and surrounding area lost a good one here folks. I can see the headlines now..”Heaven has appointed Bill Whitbread Sports Editor ” Rest easy “scoop”
Bonnie Roberts
‘So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Bill will be greatly missed by so many.
He made a difference!!!!
Bonnie Roberts from Macville PS.( Retired)
Rose Henderson
My deepest condolences to all of you. Bill always had a smile and always had something to say to make me laugh. I remember him coming to the ball diamonds when my kids were young and still to this day always remembered their names and asked about them as I’m sure alot of people in this town would say the same thing.
He surely will be missed by many.
Rest in peace Bill.
Bonnie Stubbs
To Steve, Heather, Shirley and families,
To simply say, he was quite the man, he will be missed.
Connie Vanstone
To All The Whitbread Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We go back a lot of years of fun, jokes ,sorrow and just all round friendship. When you met your Dad you always knew there was a story coming. If you got he and Dave going, it just didn’t stop. Keep him in your hearts and he will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie.
Cam Lindsey
Bill was the heart and soul of Bolton news and sports for the past 60 years. He knew more people and their history than anyone else in this community. He will be missed by so many. Condolences to all of his lovely family.
Donna and Frank Duck
Our whole family would like to send our sincere condolence to all the family. Remembered always at the Arena and around the town. He will be missed by everyone.
Steve & Candy Derbshire
Stephen, Heather, Shirley & Families
We are so very sorry to hear of your father’s, grandfathers sudden passing. We have known Mr. Whitbread since we were knee high to a grass hopper. He always had a story to tell about times gone by with a twinkle in his eye and grin on his face. His column was a must read every week that brought smiles to our faces. A kind, ever thoughtful man who will be missed greatly by all those who knew him. Our deepest condolences to the Whitbread families.
Steve & Candy Derbyshire
Jean Proctor & family
It was a sad day for our family to learn of the loss of Bill Whitbread. He was a “Bolton Icon” who will be missed in this community and the surrounding Caledon area. It was only a few days ago that we met Bill shopping in one of the local stores and we had a wonderful chat and lots of laughs so it was a shock to learn of his death. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Bill’s family and special friends. “May memories comfort each of you”.
“The Proctor families – Jean, Diane & Larry
Pat Moody
To the Whitbread Family
Sorry for your loss Bill was a great man he will be missed by many people. He was such a great sports writer. RIP Bill you will be missed
Rudy Weeda
We are deeply saddened by the quick passing of our great friend “Scoop” Bill Whitbread. He watched my kids grow up in the sports world . I had many great visits with him at his morning coffee stop at McDonalds . He will be greatly missed by all of us.
From Rudy Weeda and Family
Jessyca Kennedy-Keyes
Steve, Jocelynn, Steven and family:
My deepest condolences to all of you. I know Bill was an especially integral part in both Jocelynn and Steven’s lives. He was an amazing father, grandfather and overall as a person; a one of a kind. His spirit will live on, through his sense of humor that Steve has seemed to inherit, the memories you have shared with him, and all those stories he told you. May you find peace in these memories.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you should need anything.
Love:
Jessy, Darryl and Jackson
Wayne and Ruth Dobson
We send our condolences to the Whitbread family on behalf of the Dobson family. Bill was a neighbour for the 25 years we lived in Bolton on James Street. He was a fixture on our street and we can picture him walking down the street to check out what was happening at the ball park. Thanks Bill for being part of our fond memories of Bolton.
The Byrne family
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all at this very sad time. Big hugs to all.
BOLTON WANDERERS SOCCER CLUB
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father, grand father and friend. Bill was an “Icon” in the sports community of Bolton. There are a lot of fond memories of past stars and future stars of the Bolton Wanderers. He had a gift to know and remember the stats of the many players in town. A gift that made so many feel good about themselves.
Rest in peace Bill “Scoop” Whitbread
You will be missed!
Dave Vanstone Jr
To Shirley, Michael, Ava and Olivia and the rest of The Whitbread Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad/grandpa’s passing. A man who knew everything about everyone when it came to sports. He was a good man and will be dearly missed.
The Vanstone’s
Dave, Marinella, Kirsten, Makaela and Lucas
Marilyn Wright
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. Bill was always there at my daughters’ sports games – whether it was baseball or bowling.
Bill always made you laugh and he will be deeply missed.
Marilyn
Mac Wile
I first met Bill in the early 1970’s when I became president of minor hockey in Bolton. Every Monday morning, I would drop in to the Bolton Enterprise facility to see Bill and give him all the scoresheets of the previous week. Bill would take these and do a write-up of every game including the house league. Hundreds of kids could not wait to get the paper each week to see their name in print – a goal, assist, shut-out, etc. Hundreds of kids started scrap books from the articles Bill wrote and probably some still exist today. This we did for 6 years that I was president.
Bill was also very involved in girls softball and coached for many years including my daughter Michelle – who loved him. Whenever Bill showed up to coach he would always have on a pair of “GREENJEANS” and that is how most of the girls he coached called him “Coach GreenJeans”.
His tenure at the Bolton Enterprise is a legacy.Is there anybody from the “ORIGINAL BOLTON” that doesn’t know Bill and is there anybody alive today with more knowledge of the history of Bolton than Bill?
My condolences to his family, you should be proud.
John & Kelly Duck
To The Whitbread Family,
I will remember Bill from his avid love for hockey and in particular, the Bolton Minor Hockey days. His talents were appreciated every week when we opened upon the paper on Wednesdays to read Bill’s report and thoughts on our games. He seemed to make every player feel special in the hockey community.
Its so sad to know just how his family is hurting. He has left sixty years of legacy with the Enterprise. Not many can boast of that. The entire town of Bolton is going to miss him.
Rick Tredwell
Bill Whitbread has always had such a positive impact on the lives of the students and their families in the Humberview Secondary School community. His constant support of our whole school and in particular, our athletics will be a lasting memory for all. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of the entire Humberview family, please accept my condolences.
Alan and JoAnne Stubbs
Our love and condolences are being sent to the Whitbread family on the loss of Bill. We loved Bill, as a cousin, and particularly as a good friend, a good pal. Don’t know who will be teasing me anymore as he used to do, and he took the teasing back as well. Always a happy guy, who has Bolton in his heart. Our children too, loved to see what Bill would write in the Bolton Enterprise about their sports. He was one of the people who encouraged JoAnne to start the girl’s baseball association many years ago. He always mentioned that whenever we would meet up. Goodbye Bill, we will miss you cuz.
Fred & Pat Kolb & family
Who else but Bill Whitbread would remember that mother and daughter were athletes of the week for the same sport 30 years apart. You are going to be truly missed Bill and our prayers and thoughts are with your entire family.
Denise Hartmann Scrivo and family
Mr. Whitbread would always say hello when I saw him in Bolton. He had a wonderful sense of humour and he could make you blush or smile. When my son played hockey Mr. Whitbread would write about it In the local paper and it always made Chris feel like a superstar. You were such am important part of our community and will always be remembered. Denise Hartmann Scrivo and family
Mary + John Barnes +Danaca
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We are going through our own sorrow, so understand what you must be feeling. Bill was so good at remembering names. When you met him, whether in the store or in a sports venue, he was able to recall a name. His articles were a must read each week that we lived in Bolton . He will be sadly missed.
Danielle Plastina Hassberger
Bill was a pillar of the community and was always there through out my childhood. He reported on everyone’s accomplishments and I’m sure there are many who have cherished newspaper articles written by Mr. Whitbread. He always had a smile, knew everyone’s name, and was a proud grandfather. Bolton has suffered a huge loss with his passing. He will be greatly missed.
John Crocker
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was a strong supporter of local hockey for all who passef through the arena doors. His columns were always filled with joyous news and his anecdoctes were always thougtfull. He will be missed.
Dan & Susan Adams
Sorry to hear of the loss of a great man, father & grandfather. Bill was always there when I was growing up on James St. Always a big smile on his face, & yes, never ending stories to tell! He was a good friend of my father Roy Clarkson also. Dan & I loved weekly looking forward to reading the Days of Yore, brought back childhood memories & would always make us smile & stir our memory about days gone by. If you ever needed to know about something that happened years ago, he could always fill you in! We just spoke with him last Thursday night at Egans when we were there for a memorial…I’ll forever remember that big smile on his face, & him laughing & joking with us when we arrived & when we left! Big hugs to you all at this sad time. You can be so proud of a man loved by so many! Bolton will never be the same without him…
Peter and Arlene Markle
We would like to express our sympathy to the Whitbread family on the loss of Bill. What a gifted writer, who could bring any ball game, hockey game or any other sporting event to life each week in the Enterprise. Through his involvement as a coach, manager, volunteer and writer, Bill encouraged so many of us to get involved in sports and community life. “Whitsie” you are a “Legend”. Thanks for the memories.
The Siemens family
We extend our condolences to the Whitbread family. So sorry for your loss. Bill will not be forgotten.
Carole & Lee McKergow
We were so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I (Carole) have some wonderful memories of Bill from when I was the secretary at Macville P.S. Bill will be truly missed!
Barbara Bate
Bill was certainly Mr Bolton! I was always so impressed with the way he knew everyone’s name. I loved his smile & his great sense of humour!
Condolences to his family & friends. What an enormous legacy he has left!!
Chris Ryan
While I hadn’t met Bill, he and my Dad, Tom Ryan, were colleagues and friends while writing columns at the Enterprise in the late ’50’ s and early ’60’s.
A few years ago we lost Dad and Bill did two wonderful things for us.
He took the time to write a memorial on Dad’s wall at Lockhart Funeral Home in Mitchell.
Then, he revived a few columns of Dad’s, “Along the Gore Road” in “Bolton’s Days of Yore”.
It was great comfort to hear Dad’s voice once again!
Godspeed to your lovely Father, Grandfather and soulmate,
Chris Ryan
Jim and Heidi Sant
Our sincere condolences to all of Bills family.
I am going to miss him and all our crazy conversations we have had.
I don’t think I have ever met such a man that could tell you so much about our town and all of us that lived here. There was times he would tell me about a ball game that I played 30 years ago that I don’t even remember. Truly a great man that I will never forget and will always laugh and smile when I think of him.
May all the good times and fond memories of him help his family through this difficult time. Xo
Beth Moffatt Creighton / Jean Moffatt Hardman
To All The Family: We grew up with your Dad as he & all the kids from Bolton would be at our house (The Moffatt’s) hanging out al the time. He was one of a kind & helped me (Beth) learn how to drive along with my older brother. He was a special friend of mine (Jean) along with numerous other Bolton friends we hung out with. He was always there when anyone need help. His “Enterprise” was his love for people. He will be missed for sure around the home town but will have lots of visiting to do in heaven. R I P “Whitsie” Let your star shine bright up above.
Marg Pilson
Bill will always be a huge part of so many peoples’ memories.I am remembering his silly grin and waiting for the next ‘story’. Another ‘Old Bolton’ good guy gone.RIP Bill, you certainly chose the ultimate way to go.My condolences to all the family – be very proud of his legacy.
Steve, Lori Arthur and family
We were shocked and saddened hearing about the sudden passing of Mr. Whitbread. He truly was an ICON around Bolton.We remember always seeing him with his camera around his neck. One day we saw him and Steve asked where his camera was and he whipped a small digital one out of his breast pocket. True reporter, never without his material to catch a story. Our condolences to the Whitbread family at this sad time.
Jill McRae
Dear Steve and family,
Your Dad was ” Bolton” and he will always be remembered by everyone as the man that knew everyone and knew everything about the town he reported on for so many years. He has left a wonderful legacy.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Thinking of you all through this difficult time.
John Byrne
I had the privilege of sitting across from Bill at McDonalds every morning for a number of years. Just a great person with the wittiest sense of humour. He loved his family, his community and sports.
You will be sadly missed.
Kay Cook
Kay Cook
I did not know Bill’s Family but had many good visits with Bill when
he would come to Sandhill for his Eggs.We solved many problems
around Bolton while visiting with me.
Heather Romanyk
My condolences to the Whitbread family. Bill will be greatly missed by so many. He always had a smile on his face, and always stopped to say hello when he delivered the paper to my house for many years. A wonderful person who will never be forgotten.
Marden Family
My Condolences to Bills Family, he will be truly missed by our community “Mr Bolton” very well said.
Yvonne Guerin
Steve and the Whitbread family. I am saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Bill and Kerri Leslie and family
We all will have so many fond memories of our Mr. Whitbread. I will never forget when he thought it was so nice of him to announce my 50th birthday in his Days of Yore column.
I told him that so many people have come up to me to wish me a Happy Birthday thanks to his outing me. He said “your welcome”. He felt he had done a great thing for me. And, he was right. Thanks Bill. Boy are we ever going to miss you. You certainly were one of a kind!
Cassin family
I’ve been reading Mr. Whitbread for years. A Bolton institution. Condolences to his family.
James Healey
Condolences to Bills Family. My first memories of Bill were at the Bolton Enterprise office,Queen Street North , sitting at the lead type setting machine composing the news Circa 1958. His passing leaves a void in the community.
Brendan Pace
Just heard the news and was quite upset to hear. I remember Bill at my hockey and soccer games growing up so he had an article to write in the sports section. For those who have grown with the community of caledon know they have lost a true man of the community. You will be greatly missed.
The Papadeas Family (Babalou's)
Our deepest condolences to the entire family!
Bill was definitely “one of a kind”. He will be missed by many in our community. Rest in peace!
Babalou’s Café & Deli
JOHN DALEY
Bolton is going to miss a wonderful personality. Bill always had time to chat whether it was at Zehrs or one of many Bolton venues. I will personally miss his “Days of Yore” columns as many times he wrote of my late Uncle George Oltsher and my Aunt Dorothy Oltsher My sincere condolences to Bill’s family.
Caledon Minor Hockey
On behalf of the Caledon Minor Hockey Association we extend our condolences to Bill’s family. Bill was an avid supporter of Caledon hockey and his contribution to Caledon sports will be sorely missed.
Malcher Family
Bill is a Bolton icon who loved the community and the people in it and we all loved him! We were always amazed at his thoughtfulness and sharp memory when we would bump into him around town. We will miss his grin, the twinkle in his eyes, and the funny nicknames he gave everyone in his sports stories.
May happy memories of a life well-lived bring comfort to his family now and in the future.
Love,
Lyn, Kim, Kelly & families
Debbie Butt
Our condolences to the family of Mr. Bill Whitbread, or as I used to call him, Mr Bolton. Bill was truly an amazing man. What I admired and loved so much about Bill was, when he came to the baseball diamonds when my three sons started to play 26 years ago, Bill took the time to get to know all the kids playing, he had nicknames for then, he made every child including my own feel special every time they walk on to that field or up to bat. Many articles Bill wrote about the boys are still with them today.
RIP Bill, you will be so missed, but never every forgotten
Debbie, Rob, Keith and John
The Holton Family
Bill, you will always be a wonderful part of Bolton. Your sensitivity to the community is something we can all learn from. We miss you.
Ken and Christine Graham (Leavens)
This is one man that cannot be replaced and it is truly a sad day for Bolton. Christine’s father, Werden Leavens, the owner and editor of the Bolton Enterprise, hired Bill to learn the printing business when he was just 16. Long before Bill became such a beloved writer, he along with Keith Wallace were responsible for putting all the weekly stories into print. Bill was an amazing worker with a memory exceeded by no one. He has been a part of our family for a lifetime. We will miss his stories of the past and his sense of humour. We have lost a true friend. Our sympathies to Shirley, Heather and Stephen.
Greg Moffatt and Moffatt family
To the Whitbread family, we offer our sincere condolences at the very difficult time,Bill (scoop,whitsey,) was a foundation of the old Bolton that is lost. Bill was always quick with a nickname and would joke if you had a rough game, he knew all the details and could name any Bolton player, team with exact perfection, Mr.Whitbread will be sorely missed RIP Mr. Whitbread.
John King
My condolences to the family on your loss, Bolton’s Sports Icon. My memories of Bill go back over 50 years when hockey was played in the ‘old barn’ on natural ice and continued thru baseball and soccer. Although I seldom made the scoreboard, I always turned first to the Sports pages in the Enterprise. Sometimes I had to use a dictionary to understand Bill’s terms- like when I scored “a brace of goals”.
I finally found my sport outside of Bolton and was appreciative that Bill followed my football career at university.
Thanks for the memories, RIP Bill
Alma Laderoute
Condolences to the Whitbread family. Bill will be remembered by the people of “His Town” and his presence greatly missed by all ! .
Erika Pace
I am truly sorry to hear that such a great man has passed on so suddenly.
I remember him as I was growing up, he would always just show up at the arena or sports fields and he would be taking photos of people in action. He was known to people of all ages and well respected. He will TRULY be missed by the Bolton community.
My condolences to the family. May God bless you during this rough time.
Carl and Linda Tiveron ( nee Edge)
So sorry and sad to hear about Bill’s passing. Hard to believe. I was fortunate enough to have known Bill for many years. Everyone will miss him dearly. Condolences to all his family.
Brenda Coletta & Family
I will never forget yesterday, but I choose to remember better all of the wonderful memories that have been shared with me, along with all of the moments I was lucky enough to have had awesome chats and great moments with Bill and his family. See you again one day Scoop. You were one of a kind.
BOLTON WEDNESDAY NIGHT MENS HOCKEY LEAGUE
On behalf of the Bolton Wednesday Night Men’s Hockey League, we offer our sincere condolences to the Whitbread family.
For those who grew up in Bolton, Bill was the man. It didn’t matter what sport, at what arena, park or high school, he was there covering local sporting events.
He took pictures and wrote about many of the players in our league as they began their hockey careers at very young ages.
While reporting on the outcome of our games each week in the Enterprise, Bill would put his own special spin on game action by referring to the players he knew by their long-standing nicknames (many of which he was the mastermind behind) or by making reference to some other identifiable characteristic that most could relate to. Bill was present at both regular season and playoff games and was always at the league final where at games end he’d make his way out on to the ice, give and take some passing shots at the players he knew, and snap a picture of the winning team for his creative article on how the final game played out.
Bill’s passing leaves a huge void in our community and he will be dearly missed by all…
Joe Rogers and The Rogers Family
I was 7 or 8 years old and my parents had signed me up to play organized hockey for the first time, having recently moved to the Bolton area. I played for “The Bombers” a team sponsored by our local dentist, Rod McVeigh. The Bombers weren’t a very good team that year, and we only won one game all season. The hockey gloves I wore that year had a stiff cardboard like feel that made it impossible to bend your fingers, and merely holding on to the stick a chore. Success didn’t really matter back then because we were having so much fun. One game I managed to score a goal, as it turned out my one and only goal of the season. It was about a two foot rebound, and not even hard enough to reach the back of the net. The next week when the local paper came, I rushed to see the sports section to see if I was mentioned. Not only was my name there, but a description of the goal that made it sound much grander than the actual details. It also said that it was my first career goal. How did they know that? Sure it might not seem like a big deal, but to a young kid it meant the world. It made you feel good about yourself, and it was a feeling that you wanted again and again. That was over forty years ago, and though it’s faded and yellowed now, I still have that newspaper clipping. That was the special gift that Bill Whitbread gave to me and to so many others over the years. Making us feel good about ourselves, and making us feel special with his words, his memory, and his genuine love of people.
Bolton lost a piece of living history with Bill’s passing. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. He was a part of all of our lives because in many ways he was the eyes and ears of the town. I will miss his sense of humour, and his wonderful ability to spin the most mundane occurrence into something much more. It seems fitting that he would pass on while doing what he clearly loved. The town has grown and changed, and Bill was a constant reminder of what it used to be. The better part of what it used to be. Much more than just a newsman, he was a special man, and a friend to many. He will be missed.
My condolences to the Whitbread family.
Connie Evans Cunha
My condolences to The Whitbread family. He really was Bolton.He will be greatly missed. RIP.
Betty Boyd
my condolence to the Whitbread family. Bill was a great cousin and will be missed by all of his family. he was always asking Grandma Stubbs were are the pickles . He could not eat with out them . They were the best pickles in Bolton. My prayers are with your family Bill
Your cousin Betty [Jennings] Boyd
Alberta
Susan Paterson (Weeks)
Bill’s passing has touched so many in my home town. I could not help but think that his quiet, friendly, warm ways were a part of the heart beat of Bolton. He was the keeper of the past and always very much in the present. Now he is with Amelia and all those he has remined us of throught the years. What a greating he will have. Bill has shown us how to lead a meaningful Wonderful Life. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Brent & Diane Patterson
To the Whitbread family, our condolences. Bill was a very special person who will be missed by so many. I have so many clippings from over the years of articles he wrote. He had a special talent to be able be with the present but bring back the past like it was yesterday. Growing up you let things go by, forgetting, not realizing how important it really was. Bill was able to remind us of ourselves and how we are the people we became. We have lost a very important part of Bolton and please take comfort in knowing he will never be forgotten.
Brent, Diane and family
Debbie Malevris
When I moved to Bolton in 1985 I soon began my work at Caledon Community Services. Nothing compares to that sense of community and belonging. Stories at the thrift store, a volunteer function or cheque presentation were never too trivial to our man Bill. He reported with dedication and integrity and if ever told you what he really thought, you could double over at his sharp wit and keen eye. Seeing your photo here is a tough one but if we were privileged enough to have known you, our hearts are full today!
Donna Parrish
I loved your tall tales; your mischievous little smile; your cut to the chase bluntness. You were unassuming but wise. You knew everyone had a story and with a little poking they would tell it. What was unique about you though, was that you seemed genuinely interested in what they had to say. You listened and learned and if you judged you kept it to yourself. You embraced change. You never strayed too far from the town you were born in, or the job you lived in, but you were never boring and every day was an adventure. You were a real small town newspaperman and we will be a lot less without you. You will be missed.
Kim and June
Stephen, Heather, Shirley and families
Sorry to hear about dad/grandpa
Bolton sidewalks and grocery stores are never going to be the same without “Billie” or going down memory lane in the paper or even the sad times at Egan’s
After years of being called “Little Bart” and mom being called “Bubbles” dad was now starting to come up with nicknames for my daughter
He still had stories about us kids growing up together and my grandparents with your grandparents and of course dad and my parents
Not sure if Heaven is ready for his stories but I know that they will be missed here
Lots of hugs
June Sharp, Kim and Emily Huson
Patricia and Theresa O'Leary
On behalf of the O’Leary Family, may be extend our condolences on the loss of your father/grandfather.
Bill has left an incredible mark on our town and will be greatly missed.
May he rest in peace.
Ralph McCabe and Family
To the Whitbread family may i offer our deepest condolences. The
town will not be the same without such a wonderful friendly man. I
always liked talking with Bill as he would alway’s take a shot at the Pittsburgh Steelers and ask when i was doing my next road trip. He would then follow it up with a joke, as he had a hell of a sence of humour. RIP Mr Whitbread, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten by many.
Kevin McLean
On behalf of the McLean family, Scoop you will be missed. A truely great man who not only had a smile and a story for everyone, but also took the time to share them. Bill you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Bev and Joe
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. We will all miss him at our family get togethers. He was an amazing person and will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Bev, Joe, Heather, Denise and Corey
edith atkinson
May the sympathy of others and the precious memory of your dad help to comfort you at this time. Edith Athkinson and family.
The Iannarelli Family
Bolton has lost a wonderful man, an Icon, a piece of our history. Our deepest condolences to the Whitbread family. Thank you for sharing Bill with our community. It will not be the same without him.
Sincerely, Ann & Bill Iannarelli and family
Chris Richie Caledon Oldies Hockey League (Thursday)
This would have been an invitation to our Finals night this Thursday. And he would have been there too, as he has been to special nights for the Wed. night league and Monday night league. And those are just the men’s leagues!
I think I can speak for most player who knew Bill, revered and respected him and all he has done for sports in Caledon. For newer members of the community, they would be a fresh audience for the old familiars to tell Bill stories. How many ‘snipers bagged a brace’ or ‘did the spade work on another’ have we read about over the years? It was the Whitbread formula, familiar and consistent, and still never to be missed.
But he will be.
Greg Unger, Caledon Oldies Hockey (men 50+)
Don and Chris Nelson
To The Whitbread Family.
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your Father and Grandfather. Keep his love and memories close to your heart and may you find peace to help you through this most difficult time.
Don and Chris Nelson
Kim Jessup
Bolton has lost a true member of the community. There is no one in this town who won’t feel this loss deeply. You think of Bolton, you think of Bill Whitbread. From his dedication to the local sports teams, to his column in the paper to his latest support of our community through his work at Egans. My heart stopped for a moment when I read the news and began again when I flashed back to all the moments he has touched our lives. As dubbed by coach whitbread “Nancy” Kim Jessup will be one of many who will always remember all you gave to us and I will see you again on the baseball diamond above. Xo
Jeanne Mullarkey
May I add my sincere condolences to the all the Whitbread family.
“Scoop” will be sorely missed by all of those who ever knew him especially sports enthusiasts in Bolton
The Wine Shop Bolton (zehrs )
On behalf of the girls at the wine shop ( zehrs Bolton )
We send our prayers and thoughts to you Shirley and your family.
He will be sadly missed, by passed and future of Bolton
He was in on Saturday after noon talking to us as he always does, laughing and joking, and teasing us, with that big smile of his, our days wont be the same with him not coming by and talking to us, but we know he will be watch you and every one else in town from above.
Wayne and Sharon Browning
To the Whitbread family, our sincere condolences. When we learned Bill had died at the newspaper offices the expression ‘He died with his boots on’ came to mind. A man respected by young and old alike in his town of Bolton. We will remember him with fondness.
Wayne, Sharon, Andrew, Katherine and Peter Browning
Neal & Pam Remnant
Steve, Heather, Shirley & Families
Our thought are with you at this sad time. May you find comfort knowing that others share in your loss. Your Dad / Grandfather was truly a wonderful man, and will be missed by many.
RIP Bill
Remnant Family
The Hamlett Family
A smile sure goes a long way! Bill’s smile reached every corner of the Bolton community. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Greg Pilson
To the Whitbread family sorry for your loss. Mr Whitbread to me you were Clark Kent all week until the local paper came out with sports write ups that all kids waited for then you became Superman of Bolton For all us kids you made our little accomplishment seem like we just scored the Stanley Cup winning goal or hit the World Series winning home run. Your write ups will never be forgotten.
Greg & Lynne Pilson
Sarah Graham & family
This is such terrible news that I am just finding out today. Bill has known me all my life and even most of my mom’s life. I was always little Hilda to him and I guess my mom was Big Hilda. He always took an interest in my life and my families. Shirl, Steve and Heather…. I am so sorry for your loss. This shouldn’t have happened : your dad still had so much more to offer.
I’m so disappointed I can’t be there to attend the services. Will be home Sat to see u then Shirl. Know that we are all thinking of you here and wishing we could do more.
Sonja Metcalfe
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Whitbread family. It is so sad to hear that such a wonderful man who contributed so much to our community has left us so suddenly. However, there are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are Bill, you will always be in our hearts.
The Metcalfe Family
The Morandi Family
It is difficult to articulate this feeling of loss… it is always a challenge. Bolton and the Town of Caledon have lost an icon… a special person who knew so many people. Scoop you have been an integral part of the town. Your reporting of sports as well as your writing the Days of Yore have kept smiles on everyone’s face s for many years. Having grown up in Bolton and raising our family in Bolton we always looked forward to reading your weekly thoughts and insights.
Our condolences go out to the Whitbread family. You will be greatly missed!
Deb, Greg, Carlyn and Garrett Morandi
john&vernatraynor
sorry to here about bill our prayers are with the family
Bonnie Gross
Bill was such an amazing persona and he knew everyone past and present who resided in Bolton. He will be missed dearly by everyone he ever touched. My deepest sympathy to his children and grandchildren whom he loved so much.
Tobi
Bill Whitbread will be missed. Growing up in Bolton and involved in all kinds of sports and school activities, Bill was always there and like a proud father to boot! Our children too, were honoured to be the recipients of media coverage by yours truly. We will miss you Bill and we will carry on in your spirit and for your love of Bolton.
The Toenz Family
Carol (MacLean) Barbazza
Bill will be greatly missed. He knew everyone and even remembered their names, even if he had not seen them in years. Bill was truly one of a kind. Know that you are not alone in your time of sorrow. The town of Bolton is standing right beside you for support. Memories of Bill and all the people he touched (in person or in his column) will live on for many generations to come. Our hearts are with you.
Carol & Claudio
Grace Peacock
My deepest sympathies to the Whitbread family and circle of friends. Bill was a kind man who touched the hearts of so many. He always had a joke up his sleeve and never failed to bring a smile to my face. His spirit was infectious and I hope you find some solace in knowing how he was loved by so many.
Mike,Chris Ohiggins and Family
Bolton has lost a true gentleman with Bills passing. Sorry we couldn’t be there to say goodbye but I am sure that there will not be enough room for everyone. We will miss you Bill.
Cheryl (Camplin) and Larry Soper
Sincere sympathy to the Whitbread family. May your happy memories make the days ahead a little easier. Mr. Whitbread was a great man who will be sorely missed and remembered by all those whose lives he touched.
Cheryl and Larry Soper
Grace Rutledge
I was privileged to work with Bill at the Bolton Enterprise in the mid-1980’s. There was never a dull moment.with Bill – and an always-ready pot of the strongest percolated coffee he made every morning., Bill was vested in his community’, there was a never-ending supply of stories, historical and political background, detail and a wealth of knowledge that he conveyed seemingly without effort. He was such a smart yet a humble man, a kind and caring individual who always had time to chat, share a laugh or two, and interested in hearing another point of view. ‘Bolton Bill’ was an apt name for him, he taught me a lot about community journalism.. Good bye Bill, thanks for being part of my life – I will miss you. RIP.
‘Amazing’ Grace
Dave DiMauro and family
Our deepest sympathies to the Whitbread family.. Bill you have given so much to so many in our community. Our hearts our always with ya, your never forgotten Billy ..
Susan Fripp ( Caledon Equestrian School)
Bill came to many of our summer camp horse shows over the years. He made the kids famous and they shone in the glory of being in the local paper. He watched my barn kids and my own children grow and develop over the years. His interest, humour and caring was the thread to the fabric of Bolton. My sincere condolences to his family and to all of us in the broader family of Bolton. We will miss him.
Scott & Jayne Stoddart
We were very sorry to hear of Mr. Whitbread’s sudden passing. While we didn’t get to see him as much since moving to Waterloo, it was always nice to catch up when we did. He was an iconic part of life in Bolton and will be truly missed by many, many people. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Steve and the rest of the family. You are all in our thoughts.
Scott & Jayne Stoddart
RICHARD WAND
I will remember Bill, as a delivery boy at my grandfather’s butcher store when he delivered groceries on his bicycle! But most of all
as a columnist in the Enterprise with his slant on the minor sports
teams and players in the area. The Days of Yore were a weekly read.
His witt, enthusiasm and his love for family and town will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on for many years.
Richard Wand and family.
heidi and wayne white and girls
we are sorry to hear of Mr.whitbread’s passing. we no longer live in bolten but we remember the many good times at the baseball diamond when my girls played baseball.
thank you for some really good memories. our condolences and our prayers are with the family.
Heidi, Wayne, Andréa, Monica and Brenda
Peggy & Tom Gibson
We were so sad to hear about Bill’s passing this week. He was always there to take pictures at every Guiding event in Bolton along with all of our Bowling Banquets – such wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family at this difficult time.
Randy & Tanya Hawtin
Steve, Heather, Shirley & Family,
Every time we would run into your Dad in town he would always make a comment & have us both laughing. He had such a great sense of humor. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time & we hope many happy memories bring comfort to you until you meet again. xo
Tanya & Randy Hawtin
Tanya & Randy Hawtin
Steve, Heather, Shirley & Family,
Every time we ran into your Dad in town he would make a comment & have us laughing…what a sense of humor! Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We hope many years of happy memories bring comfort to you until you meet again. xo
Take Care,
Randy & Tanya
Glenn Pilson
For many years now I have been fortunate enough to talk to Bill, almost weekly during the hockey season, here at the Bolton arena. And just as often I would generally get a playful jab in regards to something from my youth, but more importantly I would learn something new in regards to the Pilson family and them growing up in town. Stories covering decades in the lives of my parents, grandparents , uncles and cousins. Stories in which I never knew , but was forever happy to listen.
40 years ago I was given a nick name while playing hockey. And for 40 years whenever possible Bill would let it be known, whether in the newspaper or talking on the street . He was one of the last handful of people who still use it.
Thank you Bill for all you have done. Steve, Heather, Shirley and your families may these tributes prove to you even more that your dad was truly a great man.
Glenn (Sally) Pilson
Bunny, Bill, Greg & GaryTetzlaff
To all of Bill’s family our prayers are with you during this very sad time. Your Dad will be missed greatly by the many people of Bolton (Caledon) whose lives he touched by his words and smile. For all the parents who watched there kids fight over the Bolton Enterprise sports write ups to see their name in print. For that week they were a ‘star’ and our hearts thank Bill for that.
Rest in peace Bill, you will be missed greatly. There is no one who will ever fill your shoes….in a lot of ways you where the ‘heartbeat’ of Bolton.
Chris & Caroline (Turnbull) Wright
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Whitbread and express our most sincere condolences to Shirley and the rest of his family.
We grew up in Bolton and like so many others enjoyed every time that we talked to Bill, got coached by him, read his stories or got to see our names in the Enterprise sports columns (and hopefully nowhere else!) he was one of the true pillars of the community and whether he knew it or not a silent father figure to many kids in town while they grew.
Whenever reminiscing about old times with friends, Mr. Whitbread is usually mentioned, as he should be, his name is simply synonymous with Bolton.
Rest in peace kind sir.
Mark Pavilons
My heart goes out to the Whitbread family. He was a mentor, colleague, friend and familiar face. Working together in the same business never seemed like competition. It was a lot of fun. He always stopped to chat with me and my family, while out and about and always seemed to genuinely care about people. He was a good soul.
Micone Family
Heather, Reg and family. we are so sorry to hear of your loss, our Dad will be greatly missed.
Michelle
Trudy Burnside
Sincere sympathy in the loss of a wonderful community supporter. Bill was great to publish news items for the Bolton Skating Club & to share the news of all the accomplishments of our talented skaters. He will be missed.
Trudy Burnside, President, Bolton Skating Club
Louise Milliken, Aaron, Tyler and Ryley Ellement
Our family had known Bill for over 30 years. He was an Icon of Bolton, always at as many sporting events as he could get too.
Always remembering the kids names and what was happening in their lives, as well as their parents. He had a quite the memory for detail. We will truly miss you and your humour.
Sarah Graham & family
This is such terrible news that I am just finding out today. Bill has known me all my life and even most of my mom’s life. I was always little Hilda to him and my mom was Big Hilda. He always took an interest in my life and my families. Shirl, Steve and Heather…. I am so sorry for your loss. This shouldn’t have happened : your dad still had so much more to offer.
I’m so disappointed I can’t be there to attend the services. Will be home Sat to see u then Shirl. Know that we are all thinking of you here and wishing we could do more.
Love Sarah, Ron, Owen & Rachel
Christiene Pace
To the family of Bill. I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Bill. I have known Bill for twenty eight years ever since I moved to Bolton. Bill was always around town taking pictures of someone and writing articles for The Enterprise. I would stop by The Enterprise some times and Bill would always great me with a smile and say ,Chritiene your putting something is the paper again. He always showed up at children’s hockey or soccer games only to mention a few things. One year he took a picture of my son Brendan at the soccer field and posted it on the front page of The Enterprise. He would watch my daughter play soccer and comment on how well she played . He watched my children grow into adults and he always commented on how they were doing and how proud he was of them. For our Caledon Women’s Hockey League he always asked if I scored when I saw him on the streets. Every year Bill was at the Caledon Women’s Hockey League final game to take pictures of the winning team. This year he was there in spirit. This year I did score for you Bill. I will miss your cheerful personality , your kindness that you have given the community and the dedication that you gave towards mankind. Your sincere personality was never unnoticed and I (we) will miss you. The community has lost a great person but we will never lose the friendships that we have made over the years. May you rest in peace. I will miss you. May God Bless You
Christiene Pace and Family
Richard Coulter
I was saddened to hear of Bills passing. Like so many others, I enjoyed reading The Days of Yore. It was especially nice to see mention of my late Mother’s (Stubbs) family. I would often run into Bill when going up to Bolton and was always engaged in a lively chat.I will miss that. Without a doubt, Bill was Bolton’s greatest ambassador! My sincere condolences to Bill’s family.
Richard Coulter (2nd cousin)
Jack & Julie Wallace & family
So sad to here of Bill’s passing. He was a great man & a dear friend.Our condolences to the family. Rest in peace & God bless.
Ward and Judy Hargreaves
Our sincere condolences to the family. Judy, myself and our children Kori and Kyle, always enjoyed any conversation with Bill. His sense of humour, his ability to recall stories about the area frequently provided a warm and memorable chuckle. We’ll miss you, Bill.
The Mezzone Family
I remember coming to Bolton in the 60’s as a little girl and I couldn’t wait to read the local newspaper with the many stories of the people of Bolton and Palgrave. I soon learned that Bill wrote many of them. Our family scrapbook contains many of the articles Bill wrote covering functions like the girl’s brownie pack/guiding unit or
T-ball/baseball in Palgrave, school sports, local community activities and Caledon Ladies Rugby Club. We were honoured to have our involvement in our community and our accomplishments documented by Bill in the Enterprise. The Days of Yore have been a weekly read in our house. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His Legacy will live on for many years.
On behalf of the Mezzone Family we extend our sincere sympathies to his family.
Rocky, Connie, Steve, Stephanie,Sara
Doreen Young
An unbelievable loss for the Town of Caledon and far beyond! Thanks Bill for always putting smiles on our faces in the Bolton Victim Services office … especially on those days when we didn’t think we had a laugh or smile in us! You took pleasure in teasing me, then would quickly high tail it out the office door, always grinning from ear to ear. You delivered more than a newspaper – you delivered happiness and joy! Forever grateful that you coached and enriched the lives of my 2 daughters.
Ron & Derek Stubbs
Our sincere condolences to the Whitbread family. Bill will be truly missed in all of our hearts and in everyone’s in Bolton.
Gillian & Bill Smillie
We will miss meeting Bill at the grocery store and talking small town things. We will miss the horn and wave in passing just about anywhere in town. I will miss the grave “William” as the door opened at Egan’s, but smile at the quiet quip he always had ready.
We will miss our friend and always remember him.
Lis Henry
The passing of Bill has left an empty spot in the fabric of Caledon. His smiling face was always a welcome sight in the halls of Humberview and his amazing memory for names and events was very much valued. My prayers are with his family as they celebrate his wonderful life. He will be missed.
Paul Byrnes
To all Bill’s family,
I’m very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing.
Bill coached our baseball team back in the 50’s. Also, my mother Reta Byrnes and Bill were long time friends.
With deepest sympathy,
Paul Byrnes
Kim and Kevin Bentley and family.
There is not much we can say that hasn’t already been said. Mr. Whitbread, you were Bolton. While I feel a profound sadness at your passing it is simply uplifting to see the outpouring of love and appreciation for you and your efforts in our hometown. While we may no longer see your name in print it will forever be imprinted on our childhoods and hearts. There is nobody I can think of who epitomizes Bolton more than you. God bless and may you rest in peace.
Jim Lawlor
My sincere condolences to the Whitbread family.
Tellos and Monique
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences.
Tellos and Monique @ Coffee Time
Daryl & Gail O'Brien
His shoes cannot be filled! He was one very special man and a mentor to so many! He touched lives in ways he was probably unaware of! He had the greatest knack of making the smallest person feel like they were ten feet tall! He did that for our daughter 32 years ago when she started playing ball at the age of 6. Bill cheered her on and encouraged her relentlessly until she finally hit the ball some 3 years later! 🙂 During that time, she never gave up, smiled every time she went up to bat and always held hope that her hit would come sooner or later. She grew to love the game, played for another 10 years and became a valuable team player. She thought the world of her Mr. Whitbread and her team mate, Shirley! Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to all of Bill’s family at this sad time. He truly made a difference and will always be remembered!!
Dianne, Tony, Breck, Alex and Samantha Nordheimer
To the Whitbread Family our hearfelt condolences.
We can only echo the sentiments written by everyone else above. Bill was always present at whatever event locally that was being held, he always had a wink and a smile for everyone, he was such a pleasure to see and speak too. He had an amazing knack for remembering names and children’s names and the sport they played………our family scrapbook too is filled with clippings from the local paper that Bill had written complete with photos as well. Lasting memories for everyone. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by so many people. We feel honoured and blessed to have known him. Rest in peace Bill.
Loreen Shunk (Carter)
we have lost a truly good man. Bill was a part of the Bolton i raised my children in and before that he had reported a little blurb in the social news when i got married, almost 45 years ago. I still have the clipping. We were chatting on Facebook the day before, life is strange. my deepest condolences to the family
don and jenny ogden
So very sorry to hear about Bill. Shirley could not be there for you and your family today as we just got back from florida. Please know you are in our thoughts. Your Dad most certainly will be missed by so many of us.
Milan and "bride" Liba Blaha
It is very sad news. For both of us. Bill, you maybe up in the heaven now, but you are still and for ever will be here with us. Even if just in our hearts.As a 32 year resident of Bolton, I have been honored – in past 20 years same goes for my wife – to know you to have pleasure to talk to you on many occasions. Our morning meetings in McDonald’s have always been pleasant beginning of the day when you entered the door and made some classical quip towards us. Witty every time.
Good bye our friend.
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Milan and Liba
Allan and Anne Thompson and family
We were saddened to hear of Bill’s sudden passing. He was one of those gentlemen best described as a “class act”; a first-class journalist who stuck to his values, and with his strong sense of integrity and common sense he always told it the way he saw it–something that is always refreshing and valued. May the many blessed memories your family share help nourish the sad times ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with the extended Whitbread family in this difficult time.
Alanna May
My deepest sympathies to the Whitbread family. It is hard to imagine Bolton without Bill (I actually still think of him as Mr. Whitbread from my childhood days!). Bill was always there; at Brownie fly ups, Girl Guide events, my Christ Church Bolton choir performances, events at Ellwood Memorial P.S. and Humberview – he was an icon. And he had the most outstanding, amazing memory – he never seemed to forget anything. Thank you Bill – for everything.
Jillian Mundt
Today was a beautiful ceremony to celebrate a wonderful man! You will be so missed Bill. It feels like such a bad dream….hard to believe. You were truly loved by all. His family will truly miss him and they are broken hearted but they sent him off in style today…thy should be proud!
Laurie and Barb Bunton
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We always enjoyed our chats with him and feel our own lives are richer having known him. Our deepest condolences.
Michael Peddle (on behalf of the Peddle family)
The entire Peddle family will sorely miss not having Bill Whitbread in our lives. Bill epitomized what it meant to being a community first person. He cared about all people and not because it was his job to write human interest stories. I can’t fathom the amount of personal sacrifices Bill had to make over the years, in order to attend community and sporting events – held at all hours of the day. In light of this, he always showed up at these events ready to listen, share and laugh with people around him. Most of the Peddle family are no longer living in Bolton, but on occasion we pass through the community and run into Bill. In the few special moments with him, he would conjure up old stories and make you feel like you never left Bolton. Personally, Bill made me feel special so many times in my youth. He wrote kind stories about my sporting achievements and in passing always gave me praise, even when it wasn’t warranted.
Bill is special in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Whitbread family.
Deacon Sal Badali
Dear Shirley and Michael……So deeply sorry for the loss of your dad………It’s obvious that he was truly a loved man and you should be so proud…Celebrate his life…….You are both in my prayers…Love…Sal
Laura and Gordon Sinclair
We learned with great sadness of Bills passing. We met him years ago in the course of asking the paper to take some photos for a Christmas parade float which he did with great kindness and good humour. Thereafter we relished any occasion when we crossed paths will Bill.He would remember everything about us from our children’s names, and the sports they had been involved in to the community work we took part in . He was smart as a whip and a joy to speak with as he always found a reason to chuckle We looked forward to reading his regular Days of Yore column where we sensed he took delight in posting little tidbits about the people he had met in the community over the years. Our hearts go out to his family. Bill will be missed.
The Critchley Family
“When someone you love
Becomes a memory,
The memory becomes a treasure.”
Bill always knew our names, what we were involved in, and so interested. Thanks for so many years of caring and sharing.
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Linda and Dave Dean
Dear Shirley and Michael and family,
We were so very sorry to hear about your Dad. The amazing tributes are a wonderful testament to his character and concern for others, especially the community of Bolton. Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time for you and all the family.
Linda and Dave Dean xo
Carol Seglins and family
To the Whitbread Family
Your father Bill was an extraordinary individual. He was Mr. Bolton Enterprise to so many—always there at events, being the archivist for the community, sharing his thoughts of what was important for the community and the people living in this busy village. He was colourful, compassionate, curious, and always on the track for current local news.
To those of us who have lived here and raised our families here, we were always eager to read the new weekly edition –from Days of Yore, to the pages of the new “Athlete of the Week”, and on to all the recent events and initiatives that were going on.
Bill featured our young people and kept us up to date on what they were involved in.
Bill Whitbread will always remembered for his kindness, his twinkling smile and his love of life. He will be missed by us all. May your many memories of his love and strength bring you support and comfort in the days ahead.
Sincere condolences
Carol Seglins and family.
Joe Guaragna
To the Whitbread Family
We are saddened on the loss of Bill. Our condolences to you. He was a great man.
Joe Guaragna and family
Linda and Cecil Noseworthy
Although we no longer reside in Bolton, we have fond memories of Bill’s involvement in all our family’s activities – soccer, bowling, baseball, guiding and scouting events.
May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences.
The Noseworthy family – Linda, Cecil, Paul & Jeannette
Al Stewart
Monday Night Caledon Senior Hockey League.
Our deepest condolences to the Whitbread Family. Not only will be missed by his immediate family but his second multi generation sports family. His style of reporting the sports of Bolton/Caledon area has brought more smiles and happy times not only to the players but to all the proud parents, siblings and maybe even the odd spouse.
Some of us have had the privilege of decades of his articles, nick names and banter that only players could really understand and be thrilled to know he was talking about them.
The Caledon Sports will not be the same without Bill !!!!!!
Carolyn McKane
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family as you griev e the passing of your dear Father/Grandfather. Bill and I met often during the years that I was principal of Macville P.S. He was such a kind and giving person in so many ways and a true promoter of our students’ achievements through the years. He will be missed in the Bolton/Caledon community, but not forgotten. Sincerest sympathy, Carolyn McKane
Bolton Old-timers Hockey Club
Bill was a dear friend of the Bolton Old-timers Hockey Club with whom he had strong connections with many team members. We give our sincere condolences to the family. Bill had a knack for giving out nick names, these names were treated as a badge of honour. Bill would always have a story to tell, and on many occasions you would end up learning a piece of past history that you did not know had happened in the Bolton community.
Bill you will be missed but never forgotten.
You’re Friends of the Bolton Old-timers Hockey Club for 40 years.
Pam Seidel (Johnson)
There is a poem that goes something like this;
“100 years from now, it will not matter what type of car we drove, how clean our house was or how much money was in our bank account but it matters that we are important in the life of a child and that we made a difference”. Bill made a difference in so many lives in our community and in our neighbourhood. My childhood memories on James Street and in all my community events such as Guiding, baseball, hockey are filled with memories of Bill and a wonderful sense of community and family. He will be missed by many. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad and grandpa. My deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time.
Mike Anderson (on behalf of the Anderson Family)
What a terrible to shock to learn that your dad had passed away as he always seemed to have such endless spirit and energy. He was no question one of the “founding fathers” of Bolton as you could not go anywhere and not meet someone who didn’t have a story about Bill or that he himself would share. The hills of Caledon are more silent now that your dad isn’t here to share his passion, wisdom and wit to young and old. There was no greater representative of Bolton than Bill “Scoop” Whitebread.
He will not be forgotten.
Scott Lunau, Albion Orchards
I wish to echo the thoughts of many in the community in the wake of Bill’s passing on. I first met him 18 years ago and he made an immediate impression upon me. He seemed to know everything and everybody, and had an obvious ability to engage in conversation effortlessly. His manner made you feel special. I was always amazed at his ability to recognize me and remember my name, as well as any other passersby……What a great guy to know.
I will always remember him fondly, how could you ever forget him?
Its impossible…
Brian Tobin
My parents moved our family to Bolton in 1959. I was three, oldest of what would be seven kids. Bill was always the kindest man, always ready to remind you of some fond memory that perhaps had slipped from your own mind. There isn’t a kid in minor sports in Bolton that didn’t get his name in the paper, Bill made sure of that. What a thrill.
To Bill’s family, thank you for sharing him with us. He’ll be missed.
Brian Tobin. Revelstoke BC