IN LOVING MEMORY OF W.T.{BILL} SINCLAIR
BILL AND MARGERY
MARRIED FOR OVER 50 YEARS
William Thomas Oakley Sinclair
Husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, friend, entrepreneur. Born July 21st, 1926 in Toronto, Ont. Died January 30, 2002 after a brief struggle following a stroke.
Bill Sinclair was larger than life.
He was a big man towering over us all at 6'6 ½ " and he liked things big. He had a big family, big house, big appetite, big parties, big heart and big dreams.
Bill was the only child of William Thomas Sinclair, a teacher and lawyer and Muriel Gladys Oakley, one of the few women of her time on the faculty at the University of Toronto. He followed in his parent's footsteps academically attending UTS, later graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. He received his CA designation and worked for Clarkson Gordon until his entrepreneurial spirit overtook him. He had a varied and interesting career before setting up his own company, Margan Supplies, named after his dear wife Margery Ann.
Bill's memory and intelligence were something to marvel at. He could quote the year and month he visited a restaurant with his parents as a child. He could remember details of a book he studied in school better than his child who was currently reading it. Need directions in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Paris or London? Bill could provide them. He could recall things we'd all like to forget. In the early 80's when Trivial Pursuit became popular, the family sat down to a game early one Christmas morning. It was lunchtime before anyone else got a turn.
Bill had many interests and his circle of friends was daunting. He was involved in local politics, played bridge, traveled extensively, and volunteered for many community organizations and charities. He was excellent at keeping in touch with family and friends. It wasn't beneath him to call one of his children at the office, leaving an urgent message with a secretary, merely because he felt like chatting on a Tuesday afternoon.
Bill was a proud Canadian who believed there was no better place to live. Even with extensive international travel, there was no place like home. Bill always supported the little guy, the oppressed or disadvantaged. He helped countless new Canadians and women advance their careers in business or politics.
The relationship Bill had with his six children was steadfast. Bill believed that his children must be given responsibility in order to become independent , self-sufficient, contributing members of society. His three sons and three daughters were all of these things. Bill was a proud father and the proudest of grandfathers. He instilled in all of his grandchildren the need for education and hard work, which would ultimately provide success. He showed them all that it was therapeutic to act silly and laugh at yourself.
One of the best gifts you can provide to your children is a wonderful relationship with your spouse. It teaches children dedication and perseverance, and exhibits lifelong rewards. A strong marriage between parents provides the groundwork for children to go on to establish their own strong relationships. Bill set an exemplary standard for his children. His love, respect and dedication to Margery were awe-inspiring. Margery Ann Walker, his soul mate of 53 years, was the reason for the shine in his eyes. On January 30th, the dreaded call went out from St. Michael's Hospital that all family members within reach should make their way to Bill's bedside. Margery arrived shortly after midnight, took his hand, whispered lovingly into his ear and gave him one last kiss. Within minutes, he was gone. It was the most tragic and romantic of moments.
Bill will be remembered as a good guy who tried to make a difference. He believed we must all contribute to our community and we must all take risks.. His funeral was held on Monday, February 5th, 2002 to a crowded gathering at Northlea United Church. He would have been proud and humbled by the number of guests who braved a winter snowstorm to attend. Those long fingers of his had touched so many lives.Special Thanks to all my siblings and their spouses for helping write this piece. We were able to get it published in the Globe and Mail on May 21, 2002 in the Lives Lived.
