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CARDIFF, William (Bill)

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CARDIFF, William, “Bill”, aged 75, passed away Tuesday September 21, 2021. 

Born to William Joseph Cardiff Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Cardiff (nee Palumbo) on January 12, 1946 and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. He was one of twenty one siblings. In 1964, he met the love of his life, Nancy Georgia Speller and they married in 1969. Born to Jean Speller (nee Mogg) and Wilfred Speller, she was one of eleven siblings. They went on to have four children, William Joseph “Joe”, Nancy “Jean” (Darwin Wardell), Amanda (Dean Breathat), and Troy. His pride and joy were his grandchildren. Ashley (Nick), Jessica (Erin), Kayla, Keith, Alicia (Cody), Jasmine, Sierra, Kaleb, Heather, Dean, Serena, Logan, and Alex. He lived to meet five of his great-grandchildren, Landon, Elyjah, Aleighya, Karsyn, and Brielle. He was also a beloved uncle to too many nieces and nephews to name.

Bill’s life revolved around his family. He’s known for holding his grandchildren and great-grandchildren like trophies as babies which is evident in all of our family photos. He often told us stories of his early life of 5 cent pop and cruising down Queen St with no seat belts, and raiding neighbourhood gardens with his siblings for snacks, implying a joyous and carefree life. His sense of humour stood out to everyone he met, making everyone aware of his opinions of what was right and wrong. He had a great intuition, often guessing outcomes to minimize others heartache. He adored the rain on the roof and cooking his favourite meals: chili, pasta, and stew. He loved music, movies, books, and educational shows and would tell the family the amazing facts he squirrelled away afterwards.

His lighthearted humour however didn’t prevent him from a life of heartache. As many close to him know, his work accident in 1979 changed his life forever. He was only 33 years old when his near death experience caused rippling effects throughout his loved ones lives. Despite this, he was a fighter. Although his legs and feet were never the same, his heart was even more giving and grateful. Despite his gruff demeanour sometimes, his bark was worse than his bite. He left behind many who will continue to share his stories.

Thank you to all staff at the St. Micheals Toronto Hospital and Sault Ste. Marie Hospital, especially Dr. McLean who Bill respected and admired. Thank you to Ashley and Nick Fraser for being the spokesperson between medical staff and the family. Also thank you to Nancy’s sister Pam Stadnyk for travelling across the country to be present to give prayers, love, and support. Bill will be forever loved and missed. Hopefully he is singing in the angels choir and we hope the angels know what they have. Heaven must be a nicer place since he arrived.

Friends may visit the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522) on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 11 am until time of funeral service in the chapel at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Memorial contributions (payable online or by cheque) to St. Vincent Place (Lunches For Learning Program). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.



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