William G. Orr
Obituary
ORR, William G…
1943 – 2026
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And let there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.
Bill embarked on his final voyage on July 30, 2026 with Gwen his favorite travel companion by his side. Bill was a world traveler, a tennis player, a bridge player and a dedicated volunteer for many worthy causes. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a successful company in 1981.
Bill was a loving father to Alison and Nathan and a Papa who cherished his grandchildren Seraphina, Billy and Lauryn.
Bill married his high-school sweetheart, Gwen, and together they had 59 years of amazing adventures.
After his diagnosis, Bill took part in an extensive Alzheimer’s research study. He wished to do whatever he could to help find the cause and cure for this terrible disease.
We want to recognize the care, compassion and tremendous support from Dr. Michael Borrie and Charlene from the ADNI research program at Parkwood.
Special thanks to our McCormick family who made sure that Bill was happy, well cared for and loved every day for 3 years. We are so grateful for the exceptional love and emotional support they provided to both of us during Bill’s last week.
Bill has donated his brain for research and cremation has taken place.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 2-4 pm at Greenhill’s Country Club, 4838 Colonel Talbot Rd, London, ON N6P 1H7
Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at Parkwood Institute through the website “sjhcfoundation.ca” or by calling the foundation office at 519-646-6085 or to McCormick Home through their website “mccormickcaregroup.ca”
Gwen and family ,
Tim and I are so sorry to hear about Bills passing. Please know that you and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m so glad that we were able to have that little get together in Chatham .
Thinking about all of you and sending our deepest condolences ❤️
Gwen I am heartbroken for you for the loss of your lifetime partner. I enjoyed the short time I got to know Bill and of course you , from your time spent at McCormick home. My thoughts are with you!
Gwen and family, Gary and I were sorry to hear of Bill passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.❤️
Gwen, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing . My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. I know you will hold many happy memories from the past. My sincere love to you.
Dear Gwen,
Tony and I were so sorry to hear about Bill. He was such an amazing man and always reminded of us of my Dad, which is high praise:)
We hope that this time will bring you all together with amazing memories and laughter.
You are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony and Karen (Vander Velden) Thuss
Gwen and family- I am so very sorry to hear about Bill passing. I send my sincere sympathy to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you have many happy memories of times spent with him. Rest in Peace Dear Bill.💕💕🙏🙏
Gwen and family,
I was so shocked to hear of Bills passing. He was such a joy to spend time with and he will be sadly missed. I will take comfort in knowing he’s finally resting peacefully. I know how difficult his passing will be to you all but I hope his memories will bring you all some comfort. He was well loved .
Lani (volunteer)
Gwen and family. So very sorry to hear that Bill has passed. He will be remembered for being a friendly and caring man and always such fun on the tennis court.
Please know I am thinking of you at this time.
Gwen, Alison and Nathan, our sincere sympathy , thoughts and prayers are with you all . We are forever grateful that we all got to celebrate Bills 80 th birthday with you here in Chatham with all the cousins, cherished memories . Thinking of all your family 😢❤️
Gwen and family:
I am saddened to hear about cousin Bill’s passing. Remember all the good times you had together. Thinking of you at this time
Bob Fletcher
Dear Gwen and Family
May your special memories of your amazing husband,father and grandfather be a comfort to you and bring a smile in the days to come.No one else can truly feel the sorrow that you bear,but it may help somehow today to know that many people care and want to ease your suffering with a hug and remarkable stories about Bill.Bill and Gwen shared a love and a life that was truly inspirational. The most beautiful smile and glow would spread when Gwen mentioned Bill. “Sorrow is the tender price we pay for living a life of love. Bill will be loved deeply,missed greatly and cherished always.”He is at peace. With deepest sympathy…Fran Wren