William Delroy

We are deeply saddened to announce that William Delroy passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 87. Bill is survived by his wife Astrid Diane, daughter Johanna (Derek), son Stephen (Maggie), granddaughter Monica, grandson Alex, sister Lesley (Tony), nieces Jenny and Nichola, and nephews Russell and Jeff.

Born on March 2, 1938 in Rogerstone, Wales, Bill was a spark in the lives of all who knew him. He sang songs for no reason, prioritized family over all else, and was never-endingly curious about the world and the adventures to be had. Bill was a natural leader and change agent with a gift for nurturing talent. He remained genuinely passionate about continuing to learn new things throughout his life.

Bill and his family moved from Wales to London just after WWII where Bill showed early signs of the engineer he was to become. A hole-ridden canoe became the chief source of transport across the local river when equipped with a bucket for bailing and a few old books to slow the leaks; a wagon was transformed into a carrier for Guy Fawkes effigies to be burned on Bonfire Night, allowing Bill and his younger brother, Peter, to ask passersby for “a penny for the Guy” to fund their adventures; and a pair of bicycles were repaired and became the major source of transport for the brothers. The duo made good use of the bikes when they embarked on a weeks-long adventure across England and Wales, staying in hostels, working odd jobs, and pausing occasionally to send a postcard back to Mum and Dad and their younger sister, Lesley.

Bill took his first major job with Fairey Aviation, who sponsored him as he earned a degree in metallurgical engineering from Brunel College. At about this time he met Diane at a dance in Richmond, and to his very last days he never tired of telling the tale of how they met and how he knew she was the one for him. “She was the only one who spoke,” he would say. “Other women just mutely smiled and stared. But Astrid (as she was then known) was fabulous. She and I had so much to say to each other right from the beginning”

Diane was a kindred spirit, just as keen for adventure as Bill, and the two of them soon married and then set off for the great unknown of Canada with nothing but a job offer in hand from Northern Electric (eventually Nortel).

Bill was incredibly successful in his career, rising to the top of the ranks at Nortel before he retired in early 2000, though his love of technology never diminished. But his greatest source of joy came from spending time with family and friends. Bill always made time for his children and spent much time patiently teaching Steve the fundamentals of golf and squash, and was co-designer of many Cub Cars. When Johanna suggested sailing, he wouldn’t hesitate to finish work and join her for a late afternoon trip around the lake. Many years later, Johanna and Bill spent two weeks painting together in Italy – a trip they both loved to reminisce about. When his grandchildren came along, he delighted in their every activity. He was thrilled with Alex’s sporting prowess and story-telling, and marvelled at Monica’s talent for determinedly teaching herself to read, her skilled artwork, and eating her delightful desserts. He never tired of bragging about his children, his confidence in his grandchildren was unwavering, and he believed them capable of anything.

Initially settling in Brampton, Bill and Diane would go on to live in Georgetown, Belleville, Nepean, Kanata, and part time in Bournemouth, UK and make many friends in each. They loved to host parties and attend them, took up badminton, squash, tennis, skiing, and golf, and met new people that they would readily adopt into their circle of friends. Bill also loved to sail and particularly enjoyed his time in Belleville and Ottawa for the proximity to the lake. He rediscovered his talent for art after retiring and took much pleasure in drawing and painting in both watercolour and oil.

Travel was an important part of Bill and Diane’s life together, and they made sure to enjoy it as often as possible, taking Johanna and Stephen on countless camping trips and to the UK to visit family and friends. Once Bill retired, the pair saw as much of the world as they could, visiting many countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Australia and Palm Springs were two of their favourite destinations. They spent time in both with close friends to escape winter, explore and spend time with Bill’s brother, Peter, and his niece and nephew (Jenny and Russell), who lived nearby. These many adventures were well documented in Bill’s lifelong love (and talent for) photography

There are many things that will remain with those of us who knew Bill well. His kindness, his self-assuredness, his unwavering passion, and his utter devotion to his wife, Diane. When he walked in a room you noticed. Although soft-spoken, he was always heard. He was feisty, funny, easily amused, had a brilliant mind, and was always clear about what he thought. The opinions of others rarely swayed him, although nothing inspired him more than a good debate.

We will miss him.

A small gathering to honour and celebrate Bill will be shared soon. We invite family and friends to join us in remembering and celebrating his life by posting on his memorial website. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa.