William “Ram” “Bill” Donald
January 24, 2023
DONALD, William Loren “Ram” “Bill” – Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 77. Survived by his wife Dianne Donald. Loving Dad to Barbara (Terry) Boegel, Robert (Joanne) Yake, and John Yake (Janet Holmes). Proud and loving Grandpa to Scott (Carly) and Jacy Boegel; Tyler and Samantha (Christian) Yake; Jaden, Alia and Jorja Yake. Dear brother of Laverne Donald (Liz), Gord Donald (Pat), Wayne Donald (Sheila), and brother-in-law of Milton Elliott (Lorna) and Jean Ferguson (Barry). Predeceased by his parents Bert and Elsie Donald, and sister-in-law Joan Corley and her husband John. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bill’s family would like to offer sincere gratitude to the ICU team at Grand River Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Bill. The family would also like to thank the staff at Parkwood Seniors Community for their care and friendships over the last four years.
Cremation has taken place. A come and go celebration of life for Ram will be held at the Egremont Optimist Club, 392137 Grey County Road 109, Holstein, on Saturday, February 4th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. All who knew Bill are welcome to attend and share memories with family and friends. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation, Grand River Hospital Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest.
Condolences
Dianne,
We are saddened to see Bill's passing. I know the last several years were heartbreaking for you as you watched Bill work to regain things that once came so easy to him.
We enjoyed our chats as we drove you to your appointments and chores. We had some crazy drives in the winter for sure!
May you and your family now find rest and calm as you remember the good times together.
Thinking of you,
Ann & Ken Hepburn
(formerly owners of Redbeard Rides Taxi)
Dianne and family,
My sincere sympathy to your family on hearing of the passing of Bill. I always found him to be a true gentleman, great sense of humour and always doing for others.
Dianne and family,
Bill's smile when he would arrive for his appointments where I worked a "few" years ago in Mount Forest would warm my soul. He always spoke to me with a gentle voice and would laugh at me....not with me and I was always ok with that. Thinking of you all, hugs.
To Diane, Barbara, John and Robert, I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My condolences to you and your families during this difficult time. Bonnie Yake-Ritchie, February 3, 2023
When I was in Grade 7, I was having surgery in Toronto. There was a major snow storm and my parents couldn't get down. Bill happened to be taking brick layers school down there at that time, and he came to visit me, bringing me a chocolate bar and a Tiger Beat magazine! A teenage girls dream. One of the memories I will never forget. Rest in Peace Bill.
— Christine Elliott, February 3, 2023We are so very sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was one of a kind, and a true friend. We have so many wonderful memories to hold close to our heart. Rest in Peace "Roy"
Bill, Pat and family.
My deepest condolences to the Donald Family on Bill’s passing. He was an awesome person, great friend and teammate! I will cherish my memories of our many years as teammates. Rest In Peace Rammer!
— Tim Andrews, February 1, 2023Dear Diane, Barbara, John and Robert, My deepest sympathies for your family.
Bill was a happy guy who loved his family. You are in my thoughts. Love, Pat Yake- Whyte
So many great memories from hockey rinks and ball diamonds. He loved the games he played so well.
Remembering Bill "Ram" in our thoughts and the family in our prayers,
George and Bonnie Holliday
Dear Dianne, Laverne and Liz, Milton and Lorna, Jean and Barry and all the other family and friends that -with Bill were such an enjoyable experience in my life.
I’m saddened to hear the news of Bill’s passing. He really was especially kind to me personally. He helped me feel comfortable around the family, perhaps because we played hockey with Glenedan together for a couple years and had that bond. Sort of a big brother figure I didn’t have.
Bill was a good friend, a mentor, had a great laugh, an even better smile, was a great hockey player (master of the slew foot, thanks for the lesson) BTW -WAY better to play with- than against. Nobody better in the corners- nobody. Excellent husband. Loving father. Great person to sit with at the many family functions.
I’m blessed to have known Bill and grateful to view why his family and friends loved him so much.
Rest Peacefully Ram.
-Love always to all of the family. I think of you all often and cherish the memories. Sincerely, Jack Kennedy.
Our condolences to Diane, John, Robert, Barbara and families at this difficult time. We always enjoyed visiting with Bill at granddaughters birthdays and other special occasions. Shirley and Morley.
— Morley and Shirley Farnell, January 28, 2023SORRY TO HEAR OF BILLS PASSING SUCH A GREAT GUY THAT SMILE SAID IT ALL R.I.P BILL
DIANNE AND FRED HOEHN
Rammer was one of the best. In hockey or just a friend,he always was smiling and laughing, just a good person and friend.rest in peace Rammer .
— Brad and Cathy Pincer, January 27, 2023We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
— John & Julia Van Der Aa, January 27, 2023I only met Bill a few times when he was visiting my daughter Janet and John,but to meet Bill you knew you were in the presence of a wonderfully loving and happy man. Our sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time. Lynne and Woody.
— Harwood Holmes, January 27, 2023Bill you were one of the best gentlemen I've ever met. Warm smile, welcoming demeanor and a wonderful sense of humour.
I'll certainly be raising a glass in your honor while missing you at our family camping and other gatherings.
Peace and love!
Dan Roberts.
Dear Dianne and family. Such a great picture of Bill! We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We had many great conversations with Bill on the lawn between our driveways when you were our neighbours. He was a man with a great sense of humour and a kind and gentle spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences…..Joe and Faye
— Joe and Faye Meulensteen, January 26, 2023Diane and family
I sorry to hear about Rammer passing away I have lots of great memories of him whether we were piling bricks or telling each other terrible sad farm stories , hockey or solving the country’s political problems time always went by quickly
As I write this I can hear his hardy giggle
Thanks for being a great!!! friend Rammer rest in peace
Willy&family
We are very sad to learn of Bill's passing. He was a good man, with always a smile on his face and ready to any sport game. Hi pain is gone and may he rest in peace.
— Bob and Sylvia Hunter, January 26, 2023We have many fond memories of Rammer.
Always a smile on his face, and a chuckle .
A lot of great times were had on the ice and the fellowship that followed.
Rest in Peace Ram
Sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. I knew Rammer for several years before finding out his name was Bill. Who ever handed him the nickname hit it right on. At work or play his only speed was full ahead. It was a pleasure to know him and may he rest peacefully.
— Barb and Tom Schellenberger, January 26, 2023Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Rammer was an awesome guy and great teammate and always made me laugh. Our condolences to the family.
— John&Patti Weber, January 26, 2023Diane, John, Robert, Barbara and families.
We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Such a lovely, kind, light hearted man. Enjoyed many great conversations with him over the years. With his soft laugh and mischeivious grin, time spent with him was always a pleasure. Sending love to you all.
Angela and Darin Schenk
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. His was a life well lived in the enjoyment of his sports. Bill will live on in the many "Rams" hockey teams that represent Mount Forest now and in the future. Rest in peace our friend.
— Gary & Cheryl Williamson, January 26, 2023SO sorry to hear of Rammer's passing. He was always a joy to be around playing hockey and ball with. His great smile and hardy laugh was infectious to all he met. I will continue to have wonderful memories of him, as I am sure you will as well. Thanks for being a great friend Bill!!! Garn
— Garn & Barb Troyer, January 26, 2023