Obituary of William Edward Heelis
HEELIS, William Edward
1945-2021
Passed away unexpectedly Monday, August 9, 2021. He leaves behind his beloved wife Debbie, his cherished sons Ryan (Amanda), Scott (Stacey), and granddaughters, Kayleigh, Amber, Hannah; his sister, Penny (Alan) and niece Karen (Mark), nephew Craig (Karen), niece Megan (Gord). Predeceased by his parents, Edward Heelis (1982) and Mary Heelis (1986), Edwin Dodge (1989), Margery Dodge (2015) and brother-in-law Barry Dodge (2017).
Bill will be missed by so many who loved him and knew him. He was very much a people’s person and loved getting involved and helping people out. He was a strong advocate for community resources, sitting on many boards including Niagara College, St. Catharines Business Club, Lookout Point Golf and Country Club, CAA Niagara, St.Catharines Club, and the United Way, helping initiate the annual golf tournament.
Bill was an avid sportsman, playing hockey, coaching juniors’ hockey, squash, skiing, portaging and camping in Algonquin Park, golfing, and in latter years was an indoor and outdoor cyclist.
He cofounded the Heelis Williams Law Firm in 1974, which is now known as Heelis, Little, Almas, Murray. He had a dedicated and thriving practice and loved solving problems and helping his clients, even navigating through the challenges of Covid.
Arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. A private interment will be held for family. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at a later date.
If desired, memorial donations can be made directly to Bill's page for The Big Move or to the United Way.
