Major-General Bill Hewson passed away peacefully on February 3rd 2021, a day after his eighty fourth birthday. His wife Norah was at his side.
Bill and Norah met at a party in Toronto in 1959, where he was a recent graduate from the Royal Military College gaining a civil engineering degree from the U of T. Norah was a student nurse at Sick Kids Hospital. They said goodnight, but Bill was smitten, and he called Norah the next day to ask her to dinner. Despite postings and deployments across Canada and to Germany, England, Cyprus, Australia and Belgium, he never really left her side again. He married Norah in 1961, and they made homes together around the world. After raising their sons Douglas and Richard, they retired to their property on Calabogie Lake, in the Ottawa Valley.
Bill lived his life with honour, courage and loyalty. His military service began with command of a rifle platoon in Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility with the Patricias and in the Intelligence Branch. He served as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion PPCLI; Commander of the Canadian Contingent to the UN Force in Cyprus; Chief of Intelligence at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, and as Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence at SHAPE, the NATO Headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Appointments as the Colonel of the Regiment, PPCLI; Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Branch, and as a Commander of the Order of Military Merit reflected his dedication to his Regiment, his Branch, and his Army.
Bill was promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1985, and retired from the Canadian Forces in 1991. He served as Director General of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) until 2000.
He was a leader to all, and a mentor to many.
As a husband, father and grandfather, he showed us how to live a life with love, humour and integrity, and without fear or regret. At a ski hill or a hockey rink, at a board room table or a carpenter’s work bench, and in all our many different homes around the world, he was the steady presence that inspired us with confidence that no matter what happened, he’d always be there.
Bill is survived by Norah, the other half of the Dynamic Duo. He is survived as well by Douglas (Marisia), of Kanata, Ontario and by Richard (Stephanie) of Vernon, BC and their sons Mitchell and Spencer.
The family is grateful for the care Bill received from his physiotherapist Mr. Ben Wassell, Dr. Kristian Davis, Dr. Tilak Mendis, and the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, including Dr. Sanjay Acharya.
A private service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery in the near future. All of Bill’s family, friends and colleagues will be welcomed at a Memorial Service, to be scheduled and announced as soon as better times return. In the meantime, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Garry Hollingshead
Stewart and Karen Woolner
Bill joined the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) after his distinguished career in the Canadian Forces. We were most fortunate to have a person with his outstanding leadership qualities and extensive knowledge of the Canadian security and intelligence community as a key part of our leadership team. Bill was an esteemed colleague and a valued friend. Karen joins me in extending our sincere sympathies to Norah and family at this most difficult time. A. Stewart Woolner, Chief CSE (1989-99)
Mike Malcolm, CWO (ret)
My greatest honour was to reply yes, when asked by the General to accept the position of Branch Chief. An amazing gentleman and officer. A pleasure to work for and man that would be followed anywhere by all that had the pleasure of meeting him. To Norah and the boys, my condolences and thanks for sharing him with us all.
Doug Agnew, Maj (ret'd)
General Hewson will be much missed. He was a great leader and mentor, and set the standard for the rest of us. Thank you for your example, Sir.
Kevin Ford
On behalf of the Calian team and board of directors, our deepest condolences. Bill was a valued board member for a number of years and we all valued his input and guidance. A very honorable and understanding man.
Cdr(Ret'd) Richard Duffield
Dear Norah. So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I shall long remember the great times we had at SHAPE and our friendly gatherings back in Ottawa. Dick
John Urquhart
S/Sgt. Donald Bain Urquhart PPCLI 1st Airborne my Dad. Highly decorated and former Pres. of Korea Veterans Assn. > Buried at National Military Cemetery in Ottawa Ont.
Clark Beamish
Sincerest condolences to Major-General Hewson's family. He was one of the best officers to have ever worn the uniform. A gentleman and mentor, who helped shape the path for many in the Intelligence world. I will forever remain in his debt.
Col (Ret’d) the Rt Rev George L R Bruce
I had the privilege of working for Gen Bill on several occasions. He was a professional in every sense of the word. May he Rest In Peace and rise in glory.
Pat and Sam Kingdon
Very sad news indeed! Bill will always be missed and fondly remembered by his classmates of RMC Class of '59. TDV
Dear Norah and family; Marion and I are pleased that we had the opportunity to meet at the 2019 reunion and will always cherish Bill's smile and gentle good humour.