Growing up in London Ontario
Bill started school in 1944. The war was still on in Europe but it was coming to an end.
His father would soon be returning home after several years of wartime service.
He had an older sister in school and a younger brother at home.
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If I had Wings
So here I am
I have finally died
I am looking down
I am looking up
I often thought of it
How would it be?
Would it be fast or slow?
Would it be painful or painless?
I wanted to be alone
I always accepted I would die
I never wanted them to see me cry
I prayed that I would not have to pray
If I had done my job
I wouldn't need the extra time
I wouldn't need to send a message
You would already know
If I had cried I hope you know
I hope you know it was not for me
I hope you know it was for you
I never wanted to say good-bye
I will see you again, don't you worry
I will think of you as you think of me
I will be waiting so take your time
I will only ask you to fly
May 2002
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1946-47 est. The picture of the school is Hubery # 10 it has been torn down.
It was one room with eight grades. Bill is to the right of the teacher, with the dark shirt and the bangs.
Fifth in the row that has 18 on the front desk. Click here to view picture (This file is about 300KB)
1949 Approximately 10 years old with brother and sisters Click here to view picture (This file is about 142KB)
1953-55 Leading Cadet/Quartermaster 3rd class W. Donohue of the Royal Canadian Sea cadet Corps. 1953 Click here to view picture (This file is about 175KB),
1955 Click here to view picture (This file is about 55KB - see right hand)
1956 Bill joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve as an "OS". He received a honourable release in 1958 reaching the rank of "OSAM1".
1957 played on the school's senior football team Click here to view picture (This file is about 115KB)
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Life in the Canadian Air Force
Bill entered the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1959 at the age of 20. During his 4 year service term he was able to reach
the rank of Leading Aircraftman. Bill did not engage in any war activities. He received a honourable release in 1963.
During this time he:
Married early 1959 while in the RCAF Click here to view picture (file: 98KB),
Click here to view picture (file: 82KB),
Click here to view picture (file: 65KB),
Played for a RCAF base hockey team
1959 Group photograph after some training Click here to view picture (200KB)
1960 London Free Press article Click here to view picture (456KB)
1961 Golden Hawks out of Chatham New Brunswick
Click here to view picture (121KB),
Click here to view picture (89KB)
During his service Bill saw the entry of 2 sons and the announcement of a third child (a son)
Click here to view picture (1st son 121KB),
Click here to view picture (all three/1965 89KB),
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Life in the 60s
In the early 60s Bill entered the regular work force to pursue a life in electronics. He quickly gained recognition as a very intelligent and talented individual.
1964 to 1967 saw the birth of his third son and two daughters. Click here to view picture (file: 171KB)
1967 Started to work for Solitron Devices out of New York Click here to view picture (file: 38KB),
Click here to view picture (file: 38KB)
1969 Moved his family to New York.
1969-70 This period marked a turning point in Bill's life due to illness. Separated from his wife and family, later divorced, Bill was unable to regain
the level of normal everyday life. Bill's illness would become a major factor in his life.
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Life with an Illness
In the years to follow Bill continued to battle his illness and suffer a number of setbacks. From New York Bill returned home to London.
He was classified as totally disabled and unable to work. His remaining years saw him through many operations especially on his hands and knuckles.
The amount of pills he had to take each day was staggering. He was subject to these pills and the sequence was critical as he could have a grand mal seizure
at any time. He carried a tongue depressor in his shirt pocket, which was to be applied at the first sign of convulsion.
At the end of his life a very good friend of Bill's paid his way from London Ontario to Lake Cowachin on the Island in British Columbia.
Because of his friend, and visits from family, Bill was on top of the world. He had his own cabin and was well looked after.
His quality of life at this time was probably the best he had had since his illness. |
