April 22, 1950 - January 11, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Bill Alton. Hot Wheels headed out with black smoke and taillights on the morning of January 11, 2025, at the age of 74.
Bill shared an extraordinary 52 years of marriage with his loving wife and life partner Mary Elizabeth Alton. A proud and dedicated father to their three children, son Russell William (Wife Sarah and children Lilly, William, and Johnathon), son Christopher Earl (Wife Shannon and children Dylan and Dayna) and son Thomas Micheal (Wife Crystal and their special little Bella). His sons and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and his grandchildren always loved spending time with their Poppa.
Cherished son of the late Russell and Dorothy. Beloved brother to his sisters, the late Donelda, the late Judy, and survived by his sisters Patricia and Bonnie who were always lovingly there for their brother.
Trucking was Bill’s passion, and he had more miles on him in reverse than most people did going forward. Since the early 70’s Bill drove truck in many capacities. Straight truck, hauling lumber, gravel A-trains, logging trucks, if it had wheels, he drove it.
It is hard to find a picture of Bill without a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was always the life of the party. He lived it to the fullest; moose hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and Nascar trips. In his most recent 13 years in his wheelchair, he still did more than most; ice fishing expeditions, riding a seadoo, many road trips to camp, and was rolling on by socializing and visiting up till the very end. To know him was to love him.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend to all who crossed his path. He was unforgettable and had friends far and wide. There are very few places his sons, who are like him in so many ways, can’t go to without someone saying they knew their dad and a hilarious story would ensue. Or how their dad, who is is such a hard worker, helped them out way back when, or how there is no one quite like him and usually ends with “they don’t make ‘em like him anymore”, “you guys come from good people”.
His quick wit and humour will be missed greatly. He was always there with a snappy comeback or a joking comment to put a smile on your face. This is only a small part of what made him the legend he was. His dedication to his wife and family and his hard work ethic are second to none.
A special thank you to all of Bill’s friends that looked out for him, checked in on him and took him on outings, especially his good friend Jerry. One of the 3 Muskateers.
Also, a thank you goes out to the residents and staff at Extendicare Maple View. He had an amazing support team there who played an integral part in his care and wellbeing.
A celebration of life in Bill’s honour will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. Payable by cheque or online at https://sciontario.org/giveonce
His legacy will live on in all the lives he’s touched
Roll on Hot Wheels, Roll on.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family.
Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).