It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Silver (William Charles Chamberlain Silver), a gentleman, remembered as a kind man, that many had the privilege of knowing. Predeceased by his beloved wife Betty (Moors) in 2009 and his sister Joan in 2011. Loving father of son Richard (Susan), daughter Margot (Jacques), and son John (Sue). Loved by his adoring grandchildren Andrew (Meg), Jennifer (Shawn), Mariette and Olivia, and by his great grandchildren William, Anna, Cameron and James. He also leaves his much-loved younger sister Kathy (Silver) Cadman.
Born to William Herbert Silver and Stella Davis, he was raised in Toronto. At age 18, he enlisted in the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and was part of the DDay landing in Normandy. His stint as a Prisoner of War in Germany is a story he shared only many years later, but after his return from the war, Bill began what was to be a life long career with the Bank of Nova Scotia. This is where he also met the love of his life, Betty. His career with the Bank took him and his family to several locations across southeastern Ontario before eventually landing in Ottawa where he retired. Bill was a lifelong supporter of his church, as well as being an active member of the Prayer Book Society, The Monarchist League of Canada and the Middle East Discussion group. Bill and Betty were avid travelers, loved cottaging in the summer, but most importantly treasured spending quality time with their family.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Residence for the incredible care given to Bill over the past 4 years. A private family service will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. Donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, a charity near and dear to his heart, or any other charity of your choice.
Livre de visiteurs
John Milne
John Aimers on behalf of the Monarchist League of Canada
Bill was a significant benefactor of the League from its early days, and for many years a pillar of our Ottawa Branch. We shall always remember him - his ebullient spirit, fierce loyalty spoken gently, innate modesty and kindness. Indeed Chaucer might have had forethought of Bill in describing one of his characters as a “very parfitt gentle knight.” May his ardent spirit rest in peace, and his memory be a blessing and example to us all. Our sympathies are with the family as they celebrate a life well-lived.
Hazel Strouts
Dear kind, good and cheerful Bill. Your life enhanced mine. Thank you for that and for your ever-giving readiness to help with the Middle East Discussion Group. I will try to be as good as you!
Mathew Evans and Melissa Caron
Dear Uncle Bill,
You will be dearly missed. We were so happy to know you and spend time together. Your wealth of knowledge, good humor, contagious smile, and humanity were always a ray of sunshine in our lives.
Rest in peace.
Allan Jones
I shall miss our Bill. He was, in the somewhat old English idiom, "A Hail Fellow Well Met", that is, a person whose behaviour is hearty, friendly, and congenial. It was a pleasure to be in his company. And yet this outward disposition of his shielded us from seeing the inner man. He was too modest to claim any undue attention or brag of his accomplishments. He was well read, dedicated to support our constitutional monarchy, accomplished and brave: a citizen who served his country in both war and peace. He reflected the very best of what it is to be Canadian.
Michael Evans and Micheline Gosselin
A mix of sadness for your loss, and gratitude for having shared in the life of Bill. So many wonderful and rich memories of an engaged and kind person will stay with us. He was a big part of our family, and we wish you comfort in your grief.
Jennifer Baniczky
It was Bill who welcomed me to my first meeting of the Monarchist League. I always enjoyed listening to his thoughtful opinions at our committee meetings. He was a great person who gave much to Canada. My sympathy to his family.
Bahija Reghai
It was a great honour to know Bill and his selfless dedication to causes close to his heart. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family.
Margaret and Bill, PRVHC
Dear Margot, As a family , friend member at PRVHC, thank you for giving us the heads up about what was happening with your dear Father. We send you our sincere condolences in this great loss for your family. His signature trademark was his beautiful hat which reminded us of the U.K. We remember one evening, while visiting, you brought him to the clay studio to get a feel for making clay articles. You were so pleased he finally said "o.k. I'd like to go." Your family found ways to continue the conversations during Covid-19 visiting restrictions. He will surely be missed. No regrets and wonderful family memories will carry you and your families through these most difficult times. Rest in peace Mr. Silver and thank you for serving and giving us our Freedoms and caring for others who needed assistance. Margaret and Bill, PRVHC
Hassan Eltaher
That is so nice of you Bill to advise me about the passing away of our friend Bill Silver. Indeed a pleasant gentleman with a warm smile and good knowledge without pretentions. C'est la vie, as one would put it in French, and God's Will as one would put it in Arabic. Irrespective of which language (s) we prefer, it is part of life as the Lord Creator has willed it.
H a s s a n
Our thoughts are with you, Richard, Margot and John. Your Dad was a special man.