CORBETT, William Reginald "Bill"
It is with deep sadness that the family of Bill Corbett announce his passing on May 16th, just shy of his 84th birthday. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Lori, Tracy (Russ), and Caroline (Scotty); former wife Diane, (nee Murphy) (Kathleen); grandsons Ryan (Carolyn), and Darcy; two great-granddaughters, Norah and Lillian; sister-in-law Colleen; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Reg and Tisha; siblings, Sheila, Gary, and Frannie; and nephew, Mike.
Born in North Bay, Ontario in 1941, Bill grew up next door to his lifelong best friend, John Cutsey. A few years after finishing school at Scollard Hall, Bill and Diane were married in 1962, and soon thereafter moved their young family to Toronto where Bill started his sales career with Westinghouse in 1965. From there, they moved the family to Calgary where he became Sales Manager of Western Canada for General Electric, and then back to Ontario to take the role of National Sales Manager, eventually settling in Georgetown in 1975. After leaving GE, Bill advanced his sales career with Jutan International. Bill enjoyed a tremendous work life balance in his forties, spending much time dining out, travelling to golf destinations, and lounging pool side at his home.
At the age of fifty, Bill made the move back to his hometown of North Bay where he launched a new career, co-founding a home building supply business, Heritage Moulding & Trim, which resulted in a successful 20-year enterprise. Alongside his daughter, Caroline, he built a new network of dear friends in the lumber industry and spent much of his time enjoying their company. That time with the Alexandria Moulding group brought him years of comradery and golf adventures. Bill retired at the age of seventy.
In addition to his love for family, friends, and his work, Bill’s passions included golf, listening to music, and entertaining guests, often around the pool table. Countless memories were made at ‘Uncle Bill’s’ house, ‘Grampa’s house’, where family gathered to enjoy each other's company. His adorable laugh could be heard until the wee hours of the morning each time he hosted family in his beautiful home; times cherished by all. Whether he was enjoying a fine steak dinner with longtime friend Jim Hunt, sharing a bottle of wine and cribbage game with his son-in-law Scotty, or looking for golf balls in the bush at the North Bay Golf & Country Club with his brother Gary or buddy John, he was always relaxed and happy, enjoying life in that moment. Bill will be remembered for his precious smile, his ability to chat and story-tell, and his positive attitude that was woven into every part of his being.
A visitation will be held at Martyn’s Funeral Home on Saturday, May 31st, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, followed by a private family chapel service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Bill’s favourite charities are appreciated: Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, North Bay Regional Health Centre, and Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com
