Of Guelph, passed away at the Guelph General Hospital on Thursday, May 3, 2018, in his 84th year.
Beloved husband of 56 years to Norma. Loving father of the late Lynne Raffan (2012), Christine Raffan and Sharon (Floyd) Jones. Grandpa will be sadly missed by Riley, Rory, Angus, Griffin, Cooper and Devon.
Bill graduated from Queen’s University, class of 1961 Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering and was proud to be a “Professional Engineer” his entire life. He spent most of his career at General Electric Canada where he held posts in Peterborough, Vancouver and Guelph.
Outside of work, Bill was a dedicated family man that loved to play with his children and used his handyman skills to do many projects around the house. He was a true engineer at heart and was very particular about any project he worked on. He was involved in many community groups, such as the Stained Glass Guild, the Men’s Club of Guelph, was part of the Engineering Iron Ring Ceremonies at the University of Guelph and also former Chairman of Guelph Hydro.
He also enjoyed such hobbies as tennis, squash, ballroom dancing with Norma, and playing euchre and poker with his grandkids. He and Norma had many happy vacations throughout Canada, Great Britain, South America and the Caribbean. Bill loved computers, and he kept up with technology trends for many years into his retirement. Bill’s kindness, dedication to family and friends, dry sense of humour, mischievous grins and bright smile will be missed by all.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at Trinity United Church, 400 Stevenson St. N., Guelph on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00 am. Reception to follow in the church hall. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of William George Raffan in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm.