Gloria and Family
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Hugs to everyone.
SEMPLE, William James Neil
1942 - 2022
“My heart has been trying to do me in for many years and I was unexpectedly taken on March 31st, 2022 at Health Science North in Sudbury, Ontario at the age of 79.
Life was always about the things I was able to do. I consider myself to be a very lucky man to have the family and friends I have.”
Willie was born in Montreal, Quebec but was raised in Kirkland Lake and moved to Bancroft with his parents and family in the 1950’s. He met Gloria there and they married November 19th, 1960. It was there that they had their first born child, Billy, while Willie worked at Bicroft Uranium Mines.
In 1961 they moved back to Kirkland Lake where he worked at Kerr Addison Mine in Virginiatown for a few years and this was where Randy was born in 1964. After a near death accident at the Kerr he came up from underground petrified, turned in his hard hat and gave up on his mining career.
The family then moved to Toronto where Willie was hired on at Red Path Sugar and spent the next 10 years. It was in Toronto that Kelly became part of the family and completed our circle. We then decided to move back to Kirkland Lake which we both loved and called home.
Willie was hired on at the Town of Kirkland Lake, we eventually bought a house on Lebel Avenue and a cottage on Round Lake. Our family started growing by leaps and bounds, having 8 grandchildren; Skylor (Tori), Travis, Tiffany (Yanick), Harley, the twins Bryce, Dru (Amber), Casey and Destany (Cody). He had to take an early retirement from the Town of Kirkland Lake at the age of 58 due to heart problems.
During his retirement he was blessed with 3 great grandchildren; Tyler, Elyse, and Everly and several step grandchildren; Sam, Ali, Rebecca, Bethany, Damien, Aubree, Aurora and Averee.
Willie was predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Mary Semple, brother Robert Semple, sister Ella-Mae (Toodie), niece Tara Semple, granddaughter Kelsey Semple, in- laws Elise and George Irwin, Sadie and Wayne Neville and his beloved fur babies who meant the world to him, Chimo and Shiloh.
He will be missed by his loving wife Gloria of 62 years, his children Billy (Ilene), Randy (Eija), Kelly (Kris), sister Maryanne (Rick), brother Terry (Jenny), sister- in- law Joan (Tom) Steenburg, brother- in -law Nelson (Gail) Irwin, nieces and nephew Corrina, Mitchelle (Donald), Shawn, Amy (Mike). He also leaves behind his special nephews Big Al (Carolle) and Little Al (Missy)Neville, and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Also to mourn his loss are his best buddy’s Norman MacDonald, Gerald Gaston, Ray Sanche and Wayne Lent.
Willie and Gloria travelled the world together often taking the nephew or grandchildren along with them. They enjoyed trips to Africa, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Hawaii, California, Myrtle Beach, all of USA and Canada. After Gloria retired they were fortunate enough to spend 11 winters in Panama City Beach Florida before Willie’s health started to deteriorate and Covid took over the world.
Willie loved his grandchildren dearly and spent as much time as possible with them going on trips, running them all over the country and enjoying every minute of it. In his younger days he was an avid fisherman and could often be seen walking with his buddy’s Gerald and Norman with their fishing poles and tackle boxes. After retirement he would do his daily coffee runs, parking at Timmies and then McDonalds with his buddy’s Ray, Norman, Wayne, Gene, Amor as well as many other friends and relatives.
He also leaves behind 3 very special people in his life; Jody Semple, his rock and life line, Darlene Semple and Howard Rosebush who he considered to be his son.
A message from his grandkids: “Nan and Gramps have never met a stranger that they didn’t like. Gramps was the most thoughtful, kind and caring soul who would help anyone in need. Nan and Gramps were well loved and respected everywhere they went. We know that we can’t have you forever, but we are happy knowing that you were able to live life to the fullest and we will miss you forever”.
Goodbye to a wonderful husband, Dad, Gramps and best friend. We will forever cherish each and every memory you have given to all of us. Rest peacefully.
Cremation has taken place and no service will be held. In memory of Willie, donations may be made to the Advocates for Northern Animals of your local Animal Shelter.
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