Obituary of William Jones
July 7, 1936 - November 25, 2023
The echo of your love will reverberate for generations. Those of us left behind will mourn the loss of your kind heart, wise counsel, fierce protection, and amazing laugh. We will smile knowing you are in our hearts forever.
William (Bill) Jones passed peacefully in his home at the age of 87 with his beloved wife Anne and family beside him.
Born in Johnstone, Scotland to William and Rita Jones, Bill was the youngest to siblings Tom and Rita. Following in his sister's footsteps Bill became a member of the Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club, helping to build the new clubhouse in 1957, where he enjoyed racing and weekend drum-ups. It is here he met the love of his life, Anne Roberts. Their first date was June 1953 and they have been together ever since. They married on November 24, 1956, having celebrated 67 years of marriage this year. They had seven children: Alex Jones, Rita Ellis (Miles), Anne Thorne (Troy), Bill Jones, Alison Jones, Katharine (Jim) Martinson, and Jude (Erika) Jones.
In 1963-64 they left their home in Johnstone and moved to Canada, and shortly thereafter made St. Catharines home. Trained as a fitter, Bill went on to be a machine repairman at the Foundry, General Motors in St. Catharines, where after 30 years he retired as a maintenance scheduler. Active in the community, Bill was a Founding Member of the St. Catharines Scottish Club and coach of the men's soccer team. His love of soccer went beyond being a Celtic fan, as he began the first boys' youth soccer league in St. Catharines in the early 70s and supported the girls' team when they began. After purchasing their first and only house in the north end of St. Catharines, Bill and family enjoyed the life of being part of a wonderful neighbourhood - the Densgrove gang! He loved to come home from work, pack his own kids and friends all in the car and head to Charles Daley Park or Port Dalhousie where we swam until dark every day in the summer. It is a testament to his love that so many of his children's friends consider him one of their own. He loved his family and showed it through his active participation in his family's life.
Billy was predeceased by his parents, brother Tommy, son Alex, and daughter Alison. He carried his family through the loss of his two adult children. Always there. Always reliable.
His joy in living a positive life was multiplied with the arrival of his 13 grandchildren: Cassandra (Braden) Page, Carly (Brad) and Nick Jones; Oliver (Vanessa), Cameron (Kayla) and Jackie Ellis; Emily (Brian), Hayley (Ian) and Brent Thorne; Curtis (Sarah) and Abby (Antonin) Jones, Brandon (Jade) and Simon Martinson. Since 2014 he loved being a great-grandfather to his seven greats - Xavier Green, Sawyer Thorne, Maverick Ellis, Phoenix Ellis, Sloane Ellis, Amara Page, and Alex Page. Bill also leaves behind his beloved sister Rita Montgomery of Johnstone, Scotland, and his treasured brother-in-law John Roberts of St. Catharines. He loved all of his precious nieces and nephews from both sides of the family in Scotland, England, Australia, Canada, and the USA, as well as many cousins.His dear friends, the Coxes, the Garritys, and the Currys are always with him (even those who have gone before).
Bill was a medical miracle. Heart and kidney failure didn't deter him from living. Special thanks to Dr. Lagrotteria, Dr. Maddison, and the PD Renal team, especially Lisa, Jen, Nikki, and Penny. Home palliative care workers were a blessing and we appreciate everyone's care for Bill in his final days. Neighbourhood Pharmacy has also been a healthcare partner to him over the years; thank you for providing him with such professional care.
Visitation will be Friday, December 1, 2023 , 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm, at GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. Vigil Prayers Friday at 3:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11am, St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church, 272 Vine St., St. Catharines. Burial will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery immediately after service and following cemetery, family and friends are invited to a reception at George Darte Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society would be appreciated.
For Dad:
You were our strength when we were weak
You were our voice when we couldn't speak
You were our eyes when we couldn't see
You saw the best there was in us
Lifted us up when we couldn't reach
You gave us faith cause you believed
We're everything we are because
YOU LOVED US
If you are unable to attend Bill's Funeral Mass, you may still join us via St. Alfred's YouTube Channel.