Obituary of William Thomas Hurlbert Whalley

June 21,1933-May 4,2023

It is with heavy heart that the family announces the peaceful passing of William (Bill) Thomas Hurlbert Whalley at the age of 89 at Nipissing Manor, Corbeil.  Beloved husband of Simone Gagner Hone Whalley. Simone is left to mourn the passing of her best friend, whom she affectionately called “Will.”  

Bill was a great father and will be greatly missed by his loving children: Cathy (Murray) Howe, Sherry (Ronald) Tambeau, Crystal Courvoisier and Bill (Katrina Rook) Whalley, nine grandchildren: Robert (Angel), Kevin (Robin), Corey, Mitchell (Dana), Ellisha (Bart ), Joseph, Sara (Richard), Calvin (Tiffaniee), and Brianne, and thirteen great-grandchildren: Minka, Cole, Ella, Dalton, Nevaeh, Sofia, Lauren,  James, Tomas, Addie, Charlie, Ciara and Jack. Will.i.am will be especially missed by his daughter by heart, Jo-Ann (David Waque) Hone Floreal and granddaughter Ashley Ann Floreal.

Bill will also be mourned by his blended family of six stepchildren, twelve step grandchildren and fifteen step great grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his parents W.D.C. Whalley and Carrie Mildred (Hurlbert) Whalley. He was the second youngest of a family of fourteen and was predeceased by seven sisters and six brothers. Bill was the last of his generation, all fourteen children have crossed over …each one leaving their own unique legacy for our benefit. We can build on this and pass on as part of our legacy to honour the Whalley’s.

Bill was born at the family homestead in Eau Claire on June 21, 1933. He was raised on family farm until he joined the Canadian Armed Forces at age 20. Bill served 25 peace time years and retired as a Sargent in 1978. He and his first wife Shirley had four children, raised across Canada at many Radar bases including “The Hole”. Bill was a radar technician by trade who worked on transistors, radar, computers the size of a small house and telephone systems.

 Will married Simone in 1981, and together they lived in North Bay, Orleans, Ottawa and then moved back to North Bay. They were long time members of Calvary Pentecost Church where they attended regularly.  Bill and Simone loved being surrounded by family and friends.

The family is grateful for the care Bill received at Nipissing Manor and we know Bill was a favourite resident of many of the staff.

Friends and family may call at Martyn Funeral Home on Saturday May 6^th from 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.

 Funeral services by Pastor Daniel Clarke will take place on Sunday, May 7^th at 2 p.m. in the Martyn Funeral Home Chapel. A light luncheon will follow the service.

 William’s funeral service will be livestreamed for those who wish to attend remotely. Use the following link or contact the funeral home at 705-472-8810 for directions. https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=fced4127-5609-4aa5-8816-8db2afe73034

Cremation to follow, Interment of ashes at a later date, Calvin Union Cemetery, Peddlers Dr Eau Claire.