BORLAND, WILLIAM THEODORE JOY, (Bill), born September 21, 1933 in Windsor Ontario to mother Mary Grace Ford Borland, passed away May 3, 2026 in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, age 92.
Bill had a rough start as a kid and was placed twice in foster care, both times with the kind Meyers family from Harrow Ontario. He struggled a lot during his teenage years trying to fit in and figure things out. As a young man, he learned plumbing and met Vince Huha during guitar lessons in Windsor. Vince introduced him to his brother Doug and sister Emily-suddenly Bill found where he belonged. The Huhas welcomed him warmly, and Emily became his wife for 71 years until she died on November 7, 2025.
They shared many adventures together. They built their first home as newlyweds in a Windsor suburb back in 1954 and started their family there. Then in 1960, they made a big move to Wawa Ontario just as the last part of the Trans Canada Highway opened along Lake Superior’s north shore. There were lots of jobs for tradespeople then. Though their roots stayed far south in Windsor, Bill and Emily spent two good decades up north. Wawa turned out to be great for raising their three kids. Bill worked really hard to provide not only the basics but plenty more too. Starting off living in a travel trailer at first, Bill soon bought a brand new house then later built an even bigger five-level home with twin fireplaces in one of the town’s newest neighborhoods. He was Head of Waterworks for Michipicoten Township at one point, ran his own plumbing and heating business for years after that, owned and managed a six-plex apartment building, and together with Emily ran the Lakewood Motel on the Trans Canada just west of Wawa from ’67 to ’74 – doubling its size while they were there. Bill also volunteered with the local Lions Club and served as a volunteer firefighter for eleven years. After selling the motel and with their kids heading off for college or university, they started planning retirement down south in Sault Ste. Marie which led to their bittersweet move away from Wawa in 1980. Having earned his Masters Journeyman earlier on, Bill spent his final working years as a tradesman at the Federal Entomology Lab before retiring fully at age 62 in ’95.
Bill loved country music hard-he played steel guitar too-and he and Emily honeymooned at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry where they met many legendary performers like Ernest Tubb, Chet Atkins, Marty Robbins, Minni Pearl, George Morgan among others personally. In later years they’d go back there again plus visit Branson Missouri too. But beyond music was what really filled them with pride: being Grandpa “Papa Turtle” and Great Grandpa brought so much joy into their lives both old timers truly treasured that role dearly I think because Bill always wanted kids around him happy-something missing when he was young himself due to hardships growing up early on. His kind heart along with his easygoing humor will be remembered fondly by family members plus friends who knew him well.
He set high standards as an amazing dad though sadly lost many memories near life’s end; still we find comfort knowing he now rests beside Emily-the one thing either wished most all along.
Bill leaves behind eldest son Bill Jr.(Karin) , daughter Leslie , granddaughters Melanie , Kate , Alisa (Lance) , grandsons Aaron , Graeme , Malcolm , great-granddaughters Ariel , Autumn , Maya & Ellianna plus lots of nieces & nephews. Preceding him were wife Emily after those long seven decades together ; daughter Janice (Tony) ; mom Mary Grace Ford Borland ; also stepbrothers Bruce & Hugh Borland who offered some kindness later on which meant something special to Bill.
His burial took place quietly with immediate family on May seventh two thousand twenty-six at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery here within Sault Ste Marie Ontario joining Emily just like they’d planned ahead of time.
The family extends heartfelt thanks toward Apple Orchard Lane staff upstairs at FJ Davey Home where dad lived through last three years peacefully. From Winnipeg relatives including Bill Jr.’s household come warm gratitude especially toward sister Leslie whose careful attention looked after both parents faithfully throughout tough times; niece Alisa Brizard (Lance) whose constant support helped greatly; plus late sister Janice’s (Tony) family who shared love & care along way too.
If you want donations instead please consider giving something meaningful somewhere close your heart – maybe plant tree or help FJ Davey Home Foundation. Thanks so much!
Head over www. osullivanfuneralhome. com if you’d like leave condolences online for them all. Arrangements handled by O’Sullivan Funeral Home located at 215 St James St., Sault Ste Marie ON P6A1P7 phone number is705-759-8456
