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William Atkinson
In Memory of
William John "Bill"
Atkinson
1937 - 2016
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Fawcett Funeral Homes Limited
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Obituary for William John "Bill" Atkinson

ATKINSON, WILLIAM (BILL) JOHN – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Atkinson. He died peacefully in his sleep September 23rd, 2016 at the age of 79. Bill was suffering from COPD and Neuropathy. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret of 56 years and their son Paul and daughter Wendy. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Amanda (husband Myles) Jackson and Flynn and his entertaining Great Grandchildren Conor and Briar. He is predeceased by his sister Mae (Doug) and parents Joseph and Grace of Toronto. Bill was proud of the fact that he had 50 years with General Motors. His career in the Automotive Industry began after he graduated from Danforth Tech. in Toronto. He then attended G.M.I. General Motors Institute (today known as Kettering University) in Michigan. There he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His heart led him in a different direction – Marketing and Sales for General Motors of Canada. He was a people person through and through. He enjoyed working along with others that shared his passion and energy. Bill worked in 7 cities across Canada, then to Brazil and the U.S. ending up as General Sales Manager of Buick Motor Division. He returned to Canada in 1987 to become Vice President of Marketing for G.M. of Canada. By the late 1980s, he had carved out a stellar career for himself in the corporate automotive arena. Before exiting the automotive world altogether, however, there was one final goal that he wanted to pursue; success in the retail auto sector. After some soul-searching and discussion with his family, he decided to enter the retail side. In 1990 he joined Applewood Chev. Olds Cadillac and soon began the process of buying the dealership. He operated Applewood for 16 years with his son Paul by his side. This provided a welcome period of settlement for him and his family, after years of and travelling and moving. While at Applewood he served on many Automotive Boards as well as Devil’s Glen Ski Club. For four years he served as chairperson of C.A.I. Canadian Automotive Institute and took great pride in the Institute’s success in educating young women and men for careers in the auto industry. Bill loved relaxing at their beautiful cottage in Muskoka in the summer and skiing at Devil’s Glen in winter. Bill will be remembered as a caring, giving, generous man. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Sick Kids Hospital Foundation or charity of choice. Bill’s wish was to be cremated and have an upbeat Celebration of Life at the Devil’s Glen Ski Club Lodge which will be held October 22nd 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with tributes at 2:00 p.m.

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