William Bain

William (Bill) Bain, Major Retired

October 4, 1928 – April 13, 2020

On this first Father’s Day without Dad, the children of Bill Bain wish to announce that due to the ongoing health concerns, and

restrictions of COVID 19, his Military Service, and Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2021.

When Service and Celebration details have been confirmed an update will be provided.

Thank you to the many incredible souls who provided wonderful anecdotes, photos, treasures, charitable donations, kindness,

support, and love. We are most grateful.

Stay healthy, and enjoy precious time with family and friends.

All the very best,

Bill’s family

At 91 years young, Major William (Bill) Bain has departed the fix.

Victorious over two battles with prostate cancer, Bill fought pancreatic cancer head on, with courage and true grit. He became a Whipple Warrior in 2017, making a full recovery, and resuming his life’s grand adventure. When he battled a reoccurrence he called upon that strong fighter pilot spirit, until he made his final contrail in the sky. He was surrounded by love upon takeoff.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario to Scottish immigrants, Janet (Jenny) Cleland and Hugh Bain, Bill was brother and ‘partner in crime’ on many an adventure, to big brother James. 

Bill joined the RCAF in 1950, and received his wings at Centralia in 1951.

During his military career Bill was stationed in Canada at MacDonald, Manitoba on the T-33 in the gunnery, and flying instruction role, and Air Cadet Liaison in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He completed two tours at Defense Headquarters in Ottawa, and was stationed overseas in North Luffenham England, Grotenquin France, Zweibruken, and Baden Baden, Germany.

In 1970 Bill received the US Army Commendation Medal when he distinguished himself by heroic conduct near the town of Rueck, Germany. He was the pilot of a CF 104 (Starfighter) that became disabled. He ordered his co-pilot to eject, and then maneuvered his aircraft ensuring the plane would impact an uninhabited area. Bill safely parachuted to the ground within 50 meters of the crash site. His courageous action prevented possible death among inhabitants of the town, and US ground troops.

Bill retired from the service in 1977, becoming a Navigational Aids Supervisor with the Ministry of Transport until 1988.

During his careers in the RCAF and Transport Bill logged in over 6000 flying hours, with several forced landings, an engine explosion, and a bailout, in 25 different aircraft, over 46 glorious years. He was a Sabre jock at heart, but he would never pass up a chance to fly any bird.

Bill loved flying, but he also loved making sawdust, and playing in the dirt!

Before joining the RCAF he attended Guelph Agricultural College. It was not in the stars for Bill to become a farmer, but he was always an avid gardener who grew a wide variety of vegetables, and pretty posies. If he was not harvesting a bounty, he was in his workshop creating beautiful wooden treasures.

Dad ranked family over flying, and all else. He was the strong, silent type, but he gave his heart to us completely. He loved being a part of activities and events for his children and grandchildren. He had patience in abundance when it came to homework, and he volunteered for his children’s extracurricular, and school events, repeating much of those tasks for his grandchildren.

He taught us a love for the outdoors, and a respect for nature. He could often be found swimming, skating, walking, bike riding, camping, hunting or canoeing. He was a world traveller, who gave his family incredible opportunities to explore the globe. He loved photography, music, house renovations, and truly anything he could fix, or make with his hands.

He was beyond a doubt the most curious, imaginative, and creative soul.

Dad has soared high to be reunited with his mother and father, his first wife, Ellen Jane Edward, his second wife Rita Fournier – Bain, and his big brother James.

He will lovingly watch over his partner Eva Natalie Smith, his daughter, Allison Haskins (Ian Haskins), his son James Bain (Dr. Doris Jabs), and step-daughters Lise Fournier-Ausman (John Ausman), and Monique Fournier-Redding.

‘Bubba’ will be missed deeply by his ‘grand kinder’, Talisa and Eric Haskins, Bryn and Kaie Bain, and Paul (Kendra) and Christine (John) Ausman. Their grandfather was such a big kid at heart, and their number one fan!

Bill and his family will be forever grateful to his Oncologist, Dr. Dominick Bossé, Palliative Dr. Katerina Spacek, and the team of nursing staff, Whipple Surgeon, Dr. Jad Abou Khalil, and the entire Liver Pancreas Team at the Ottawa General for having his 6. The respect Bill had for these people was beyond measure. The professionalism, bedside manner, and incredible humanity of these souls, even in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, gave Bill hope, the ability to have many more adventures, and precious time to love, and create memories with his family.

Cremation has taken place.

Major William Bain will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, at Beechwood Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life to follow. For service and celebration information please email: throwanickel@gmail.com

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society and/or The Ottawa Aviation Museum

“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”

Over and out.