It is with sadness we announce Bill’s passing at 82 with his family at his side on August 31st, 2025. Bill was born in Ottawa on March 12, 1943. Shortly after his birth, his father enlisted in the military and served in WW2, so Bill and his mother moved to Perth, Ontario to be close to relatives.
Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Hildred (Cannon). He is survived by his husband John Mitchell, son Craig, grandchildren Ruby, Finn and Charley, brother Brian (Suzanne), sister Colleen (Stewart Evans), and their families.
Bill enjoyed a career mixed with work and travel. As court reporter, his work enabled him to travel to all ten provinces and two territories, Europe and the Bahamas. At the beginning and end of his career, he was employed by the House of Commons in both Hansard and committees.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to Beechwood National Memorial Center (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON), for a Visitation on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 11a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 1 p.m., Interment and Reception to follow. Donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Megan McLeod
Muriel Martel
Deepest condolences to John and Bill’s family. Bill and I were colleagues at the House of Commons. He was always there to help, tell a story and lighten a heavy day with laughter. Rest in peace Bill. You shall be missed.
Davis Stanley and Judy Turner
Dave and I were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We have very fine and fun memories from years past.
Wish our sympathy to his family and friends.
Sincerely, Dave and Judy
Diane Schroeter
I am so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. May he rest in peace. He will be missed, but never forgotten. I worked with him as a court reporter and at the House of Commons. He was a gentleman and always willing to help out. It was a joy to listen to his stories of past travels and the funny events that occurred while providing court reporting services. My sincere condolences to John and his family for his loss.
Hugh McEwen
Our condolences to John and to all of Blll’s family. He will be missed.
Linda Wong
Craig,
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.
Ann Randall
When I think of Bill, it’s with a smile. He was such a pleasure to be with, always interested in you, thoughtful, kind, caring, and a true gentleman. I had the pleasure of working with Bill at the House of Commons and shared his love of that unique environment and the special people we worked with. Our friendship grew when I moved to The Highlands and we shared an appreciation of the complex, the beautiful surroundings and our wonderful neighbours. He has borne his illness with dignity, even humour, thoughtfully helping his family and friends over these past months. You were special to so many, Bill, and I extend sincere condolences to your loved ones.
Paul Publow & family
Our deepest condolences to all of the family. Bill was a thoughtful and very kind person and although I had not seen him for many years I have fond memories of visiting his family home in Perth with Uncle Bill, Aunt Hilly, Bill, Brian and Colleen. We will miss him greatly.
Helen Douglas
Rest in peace, Bill. My heart hurts. John, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you, your friends, and your family.
I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with him at the House of Commons, and he was one of the first people I met after my training. I was rather intimidated by the new environment, but Bill was always a friendly face and was a pleasure to talk to whenever we ran into each other. My condolences to family, friends, and all who will miss him.