Everyone who has known Bill Donald understands that our lives have been touched by a man of great generosity and dedication to Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club.

Bill’s efforts and care were not only recognized by the club when he was made a life member, but also by the province when he received the Volunteer of the Year award a few years ago.

Without Bill, the club would have struggled to function. He was the greenskeeper for many years, and he took great pride in delivering the best greens in Toronto, including greens for two national championships.

He was so well respected that city staff gave their all to ensure we had what he required for the club. Bill was regularly the drawmaster for tournaments. He was an umpire, and even a regular sponsor of tournaments. No one has ever given more to Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club than Bill Donald.

Bill was a friend to everyone. He was knowledgeable, humble and a great advisor.

Goodbye Bill, you will not be forgotten.

Gordon Jones
President
Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club

In early January, Bill Donald passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness. He will be sorely missed by the lawn bowling community in general and by Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club specifically.

The third and youngest son of the late William and Jean Donald, Bill grew up in Toronto. The family lived in a house on Manor Road and everyone helped in the family business, a Scottish Bakery.

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Bill taught with the North York Board of Education from 1951 to 1970. He was a secondary school geography teacher who enjoyed working with young people.

Bill took an extended sabbatical and travelled to many places around the world. He returned with stories of adventures in Australia, Africa, the Philippines, Europe, the British Isles and New Zealand.

He resumed teaching in 1974 and retired in 1987.

Bill made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed golf, curling, cribbage, snooker and, of course, lawn bowling. He was a lifelong member of Willowdale Bowling Club.

Bill always kept himself busy and his fingerprint is virtually everywhere at WLBC. His easy laughter, sharp wit, generosity, and easy conversation will be missed.

Memorial donations can be made to North York General Hospital Foundation.