Perkins, William J. ‘Bill’

May 31st, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather. Bill passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020, at home with his family by his side. Complications from diabetes ravaged his body over the past thirteen years and he is now pain free and comfortable. Born on July 26, 1945 in London, Ontario and raised in Old South, Wortley Road was his home base for most of his life, until his family moved to Highview Avenue. Bill is predeceased by his parents, William R. and Dorothy M. Perkins. He leaves behind his wife Susan, of nearly 45 years, and his much-loved children, Amanda Middleton and Bo Perkins, both of London, who followed him into teaching. His pride and joy are his grandchildren, Addison and Jacob Middleton, and Boone Perkins.

Bill was a teacher with the London Board of Education and during his 33 years, he had many great success stories and loving memories of all those students he influenced. He coached football at Oakridge Secondary School, little league football for Ted Dilts Team, and then later for the Hammers for many years. While teaching, he coached any sport that needed a warm body on the bench. Wrestling was a sport he loved, and all his wrestlers were his children. He revelled in their successes and gave them many opportunities to experience sports. Weekends and holidays, he could be found driving a carload of kids to tournaments; he always enjoyed what he called the “light bulb moments” when an athlete or student realized that practice and listening to your coach did pay off.  After his coaching days, Bill found a new way to be involved in wrestling by officiating. He worked the mats locally, provincially and nationally - finding joy in watching young people develop into good athletes and great citizens, while also enjoying the comradery of other officials. He was always a great supporter of his sports teams: Western Mustangs, Maple Leafs and Detroit Tigers, as well as the London-Western Wrestling Club and the Western Mustangs Wrestling team. Bill also had a great love for hunting and fishing; he will be missed by his family with their memories of many fly-in fishing trips out of Hearst. Also missed by his fishing/hunting buddy, Ian Wilton and those long, fall mornings in the fields, when sleeping along a fence line was done as frequently as shooting a goose or duck. Although he was an only child, his cousins, Barb Muir (Mote), Bryan and Bruce Mote, and Richard Hennessey were his brothers and sister.

The family would like to thank all the doctors that have helped Bill over the past 15 years. Special “thanks” to Dr. F. Rehman for his compassion and understanding, Robin and Meadow from the IV Therapy Clinic at University Hospital, and PSW Arthur Skinner – who is now one of the family and won Bill’s heart with his kindness and deep caring. We know Bill has joined his good friend, Andy Leeper, sitting on Jacks Mountain in Pennsylvania and hunting squirrels. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider Diabetes Canada or Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities for the assistance to youth in the community.

Charitable donations may be made to:

• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
• Diabetes Canada

Please click here to send a donation notification to the family