Born in Simcoe Ontario on May 28, 1934, Bill passed away at the Algoma Manor in Elliot Lake on October 12, 2017. Loving husband of 40 years to Gloria Lepine (Sivyer) Bates of Elliot Lake and awesome step father of Wendy Sivyer (Fred Bryson) of Elliot Lake, Yvette Sivyer (Paul Ricker) of Manitouwadge, Gord (Connie) Sivyer, Harrow and Rob Sivyer of St. Thomas. Dear grandfather of Niki (Corey) Smith of Sudbury, Terry (Niki) Kamps of St. Thomas, Alex (Julia) Kamps of London, Ryan (Megumi) Sivyer of Japan, Hilary Sivyer (Mandy Malone) of London, Lydia Sivyer (Davis Hutchens), Bob Sivyer both of Windsor, Jason Spriggs of St. Thomas and great grandfather of Avalon, Kristin and Katelyn. Beloved son of the late Roy and the late Hazel Bates, brother of the late Irene Gara, Leone Bradt and Marie Sanwald. Dear brother-in-law of Armand (Pat) Lepine, Renfrew, Carol Quesnelle, Sault Ste. Marie, the late Diane Tasker, Randy (Monica) Lepine, Spanish andTrudy (Ron) Rheaume, Elliot Lake. Also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
Private family viewing was on Sunday, October 15 at the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre. A Masonic, Eastern Star and Memorial Services were held on Monday, October 16 at 11:00 am at the Masonic Hall, Elliot Lake.
Bill was known for his ready smile, quick wit and humour and love for his family. He played guitar and mouth organ and sang in a C & W band. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and the great outdoors, especially the North Country. Over his years he worked as a milk inspector, tobacco farmer and maintenance mechanic. Bill’s ashes will be interred in Eden Cemetery, Eden, Ontario in the spring of 2018. Memorial contributions to the Heart and Stroke Research Foundation or Cancer Research Foundation would be appreciated by the family.