Friday, March 13, 2026
I remember Bill from the first time I started going to Impact Church (New Life it was called then) on corner of Little Simcoe and Adelaide in 2008. I had just became truly born again a couple of years earlier and was reading the Bible and watching and listening to Christian radio and TV. God started to put upon me that it was time to find a local church and I told Him as long He found me a church I felt at home in and preached His gospel I would go and stay. Such a gracious Father that He meets us where we're at :). And He did just that in New Life/Impact. The people there were/are amazing and welcoming and Bill was one of them. Such a wonderful, kind and thoughtful person he was. So full of God's Spirit. After a short time, I was invited to join Rhema (the seniors' group) of which Bill was one of the leaders along with the pastor's mother Sheila. What a wonderful group to be a part of. They always made me feel welcome and Bill and Sheila were so willing to teach and grow me on my spiritual path. I remember when I first went, I was thinking I don't belong here and feeling out of place but another wonderful member of this group Shirley Parent pointed her finger at me and said "God said that this is where you're suppose to be". The timing was amazing and I knew then that God was speaking to me through her. Bill and Sheila, knowing Shirley had prophetic abilities, also encouraged me to keep coming which I have to this day. That's the way things are in this group and in our church. Support and prayers and guidance were and still are such a part of this blessed group of people. Then Birdie came into our lives and especially into Bill's. Such a new and exciting beginning for the two of them. From that point on it was hard to think of Bill without Birdie. Although Bill always called her Alberta. God certainly had His hand in that reunion which reached out to bless so many people. Shortly after that Bill and Birdie, Sheila and myself took part in an educational program (ISOM) that the church put on. Such an awesome Spirit filled, Spirit growth that was for everyone even for the veterans Bill, Birdie and Sheila who took part in this program. We never stop learning and Bill was there to show that and lead the way. Another thing I want to mention is that Bill and Birdie lovingly carried out their duty as members of the prayer teams and such prayer warriors they were. I would always go to the altar to have them prayer for me when I had a need. Such sincerity and belief they had. Such peace I felt when and after they prayed for me. They ended up becoming my surrogate parents and helped and encouraged me many times in my journey. I'm so grateful for that and will never forget it. I would so look forward to Birdie's mama hugs. Bill regularly prophesied over us in Rhema as well as our church and his profound messages left us in no doubt that the Holy Spirit was speaking through him to us. Such faith. Such a man of God. I'm going to miss him so. When I look at the picture of Bill that the family posted, I feel sadness that he's gone but know he's with his beloved Saviour and Father with total health and vitality. I know I've done some rambling but when I think of Bill over so many years, I think of so many things in how he's affected my life and the lives of many others, that it was hard to pin point just one.
Bill, like Paul, you finished the race that God set before you and finished it well. I hear him saying to you "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
I love you Bill and I will miss you. Until we meet again.
To close my ramblings I want to say: Birdie, I'm so very very sorry for your loss of your precious Bill and the loss experienced by his and your families. Know my prayers and thoughts are most certainly with you during this time. I am sad to be missing the celebration of life and will be reaching out to you when I get home. Hugs to follow. All my love Judy
