Obituary of William Robert Rootham

(Bill, on Haida Gwaii - Wild Bill)

1962-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother Bill on July 21st following a long, challenging battle with cancer. Bill always hoped for the best and his optimism saw all of us through his difficult journey. 

Bill is predeceased by our parents Dorothy (Rowlands) and Ken. He is survived by his siblings: Patti, Nancy (Rick), Elaine (Tim), Peggy (Doug), David (Chantal), and Tom (Krissy); his nieces and nephews who he shared special times with: Gordon (Eileen), Michael, Matthew, Lauren (Jamie), Morgan (Niall), Michigan, Elisha, Emma, and Ethan; grandnieces and nephews who also had a special place in his heart: Damian, Penny, Isaac, Victoria, Grace, Georgia, and Cillian; and special friend Annette Vlieg. Bill maintained deep friendships from his childhood in Scarborough, his teenage years at David and Mary Thomson Collegiate, and his 15+ years on Haida Gwaii as an electrical contractor, as well as those he met more recently in the Lakefield and Peterborough area. He was a loving, caring person to all he knew. He had a great sense of humour and his hearty, loud laugh always put a smile on everyone’s face.

Bill loved the beauty of Haida Gwaii and all the opportunities it provided for fishing, crabbing, hiking, boating, and fires on the beach. He hiked, canoed and camped, and played golf and tennis in Ontario. He will be deeply missed by all but Bill would want us to engage in life the way he did.

Rest in peace Bill, you will always be in our hearts and memories. 

A celebration of life is being planned. Should you wish to recognize Bill’s life with a gift, he asked that donations be made to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Cancer Care or Palliative Care (Peterborough Hospital where Bill was cared for). 

Condolences and memorial donations may be made by contacting the funeral home at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.