Obituary for William Morningstar
MORNINGSTAR, William (Bill) Dewar
We are saddened to announce the loss of our family’s patriarch in his 95th year on March 13, 2021. He passed peacefully with both his daughters and caregiver, Sheila by his side.
Loving father to Jane, Scott (predeceased) and JoAnne; father-in-law to Jack (predeceased), Pam and Boje. Cherished grandfather to Erick, Paul, Andy, Katie, Diana, Jaclyn and Matt. Dear great grandfather to Easton and Norah. Special uncle to Neil, Frazer, Scot, Ian and many other nieces and nephews. Loving brother to Jean Morningstar Smith and son of the late Velma (nee Dewar) and Earle Morningstar.
Bill grew up in the rural community of Mull, where his parents ran the general store. He studied forestry at Guelph’s Ontario Agriculture College (OAC), eventually leaving to join in partnership with his father-in-law, Earl Adams, forming Adams Sand and Gravel in Chatham. Eventually he acquired Adams and pioneered numerous other companies, always with the gravel pit being the backbone of his business life. With the gravel depleting, he began the planning of a subdivision, to which he was awarded numerous accolades and rewards for his environmental consciousness. His forward thinking came to fruition and Lake Morningstar Estates is a beautiful testament to his creative mind, adventuresome spirit and determination.
Bill embraced life to the fullest which was evident in his many interests and talents. He enjoyed waterskiing (slalom, trick and jump), snow skiing (the Alps, Ellicottville, Tremblant and Blue Mountain), and dancing (Glenn Miller at Rondeau to the dance floor at Sunset in his 90’s). You could hear his love of music whether it be blasting from the boat or later wheeling around in this wheelchair with his iPod playing, his feet tapping, and whistling as he went. He loved being around water and you could often find him cruising the St. Clair River or sailing down south. His other passion was woodworking. If he wasn’t on the water you would find him in his workshop making anything from pens to furniture. He enjoyed and took pride in the homes he built in Chatham and Port Lambton and shared his knowledge with others.
Bill was a man of integrity, adventurous spirit, compassion, humour, curiosity, creativeness, forward thinking and so much more. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Bills family would like to thank all the nurses, PSW’s and staff at Sunset Manor, especially those on the West wing. A special thanks to Sheila Pagnello, Heather Mielzynski and Dr. Engell. Bill was provided exemplary care through his journey with dementia.
Cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions a celebration of Bill’s life will take place in Chatham later when family and friends can gather safely.
We are saddened to announce the loss of our family’s patriarch in his 95th year on March 13, 2021. He passed peacefully with both his daughters and caregiver, Sheila by his side.
Loving father to Jane, Scott (predeceased) and JoAnne; father-in-law to Jack (predeceased), Pam and Boje. Cherished grandfather to Erick, Paul, Andy, Katie, Diana, Jaclyn and Matt. Dear great grandfather to Easton and Norah. Special uncle to Neil, Frazer, Scot, Ian and many other nieces and nephews. Loving brother to Jean Morningstar Smith and son of the late Velma (nee Dewar) and Earle Morningstar.
Bill grew up in the rural community of Mull, where his parents ran the general store. He studied forestry at Guelph’s Ontario Agriculture College (OAC), eventually leaving to join in partnership with his father-in-law, Earl Adams, forming Adams Sand and Gravel in Chatham. Eventually he acquired Adams and pioneered numerous other companies, always with the gravel pit being the backbone of his business life. With the gravel depleting, he began the planning of a subdivision, to which he was awarded numerous accolades and rewards for his environmental consciousness. His forward thinking came to fruition and Lake Morningstar Estates is a beautiful testament to his creative mind, adventuresome spirit and determination.
Bill embraced life to the fullest which was evident in his many interests and talents. He enjoyed waterskiing (slalom, trick and jump), snow skiing (the Alps, Ellicottville, Tremblant and Blue Mountain), and dancing (Glenn Miller at Rondeau to the dance floor at Sunset in his 90’s). You could hear his love of music whether it be blasting from the boat or later wheeling around in this wheelchair with his iPod playing, his feet tapping, and whistling as he went. He loved being around water and you could often find him cruising the St. Clair River or sailing down south. His other passion was woodworking. If he wasn’t on the water you would find him in his workshop making anything from pens to furniture. He enjoyed and took pride in the homes he built in Chatham and Port Lambton and shared his knowledge with others.
Bill was a man of integrity, adventurous spirit, compassion, humour, curiosity, creativeness, forward thinking and so much more. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Bills family would like to thank all the nurses, PSW’s and staff at Sunset Manor, especially those on the West wing. A special thanks to Sheila Pagnello, Heather Mielzynski and Dr. Engell. Bill was provided exemplary care through his journey with dementia.
Cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions a celebration of Bill’s life will take place in Chatham later when family and friends can gather safely.