William “Bill” Sieswerda

SIESWERDA, William “Bill”…

It is with profound sadness that the family of William “Bill” Sieswerda announces his peaceful passing on July 16, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and connection that will continue for generations.

Bill was born on March 13, 1949 in Geleen, Limburg, the Netherlands. He later made Canada his home, where he built a life devoted to serving others, raising a family, and forming lasting friendships. Those who knew him best remember a man of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and genuine contentment. He possessed a gentle sense of humour that never came at another person’s expense and had a remarkable ability to make those around him feel welcome, respected, and valued.

Bill dedicated more than four decades of his working life to public service. He proudly served as a Police Officer with the Edmonton Police Service from March 1970 to June 1985 (Badge #585). He later worked as a Police Dispatcher with the University of Western Ontario Campus Police, a Fares and By-law Enforcement Agent with Edmonton Transit Service, and concluded his career as a Customer Service and Security Officer with Cadillac Fairview at Masonville Place in London, Ontario, where he became a familiar and trusted presence before retiring in 2014.

Retirement allowed Bill to devote himself to what became one of the defining passions of his life: genealogy. For more than twenty years, he dedicated countless hours to researching and preserving the history of the Sieswerda, Sijswerda, and Syswerda families. What began as a modest family website grew into an extensive worldwide genealogical record that reconnected relatives across continents and generations.

To Bill, genealogy was never simply about tracing names and dates. It was about people. He believed that understanding where we came from strengthened the bonds we share today. Through his curiosity, patience, and generosity, he introduced distant cousins who otherwise may never have known one another and inspired many to discover their own family histories. To countless relatives around the world, he became the keeper of the family’s story, ensuring that its history would be preserved for generations yet to come.

Above all else, Bill was a devoted father and Opa. His family was his greatest source of happiness, and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than seeing them together. He found contentment in life’s simple pleasures: camping, spending time outdoors, listening to his favourite Beatles song, Let It Be, and sharing time with the people he loved. His kindness was genuine and freely given, and he left every person he met feeling a little more welcome than before.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his sons James, Justin (Sara-Lynn), and Jesse, together with Michael and their families; his cherished grandchildren Alexis, Jillian, Vincent, Emma, Claire, Charlotte, Josh, and Jayce; his extended family throughout Canada, the Netherlands, and around the world; and the many friends and relatives whose lives were enriched by his friendship and his dedication to preserving their shared history.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, caregivers, family members, and friends whose compassion, kindness, and exceptional care brought comfort to Bill throughout his illness.

In honour of Bill’s lifelong commitment to preserving family history, the family warmly invites those whose lives he touched to share their memories, stories, and photographs. By sharing those memories, we can continue the work that meant so much to him: preserving the stories of those we love so they will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society through Bill’s Memorial Fundraising Page with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com