William (Bill) Brady
May 1, 1932 - November 16, 2025
The voice of London has gone silent.
Bill Brady, our beloved dad, grandfather and great-grandfather died peacefully on November 16, 2025 in his 94th year at University Hospital in London.
Broadcaster, journalist, TV host and volunteer, Dad died in a building where he was just as proud to sit at the head of the table as UH hospital board chair, as behind the volunteer help desk in the lobby.
Predeceased by our mom Mary Ann, his adored wife of 67 years, Dad will be greatly missed by us, heartbroken daughters Linda Barnard (Hans) and Laura Pate. He was a devoted grandfather to Laura’s sons Matthew (Becky) and Mark Medeiros (Whitney), and proud great-grandfather of Nate and Alexandra Medeiros. A third great-grandchild is on the way. Dad was excited to know our family was growing. He is also survived by Hon. Douglas Brady (Isabelle) of St. Croix USVI, Keith Brady (Debbie) of Wilmington Delaware and their families, as well as family in Windsor.
His radio “family” included countless Londoners who felt they had daily breakfast with him as they listened to his morning shows on CFPL-AM.
Born in Windsor on May 1, 1932, he was the youngest of five, predeceased by sister Marie LePine and brothers Alan, Dennis and James Brady. Family was everything to dad. He bragged about the accomplishments of his daughters, grandsons, great-grandkids, nieces and nephews to anyone who would listen.
He had a way with a quip and was a London broadcast legend, going from the mid-morning slot at CFPL to an open-line format radio show in the 1970s. A fixture on local TV, he could tell a shaggy dog story like nobody else. His on-air pranks were legendary. Even our mother fell for one of his April Fool’s Day setups.
He had a gift for making guests on his show feel at ease, from Canadian prime ministers to the nervous grade schoolers he invited to step up to the mic as they dropped off donation jars during the annual Bunny Bundle campaign for the Thames Valley Children’s Centre.
One of the city’s most popular emcees and a speaker who never said no to helping a charity event, Dad was a raconteur known for his sharp wit. Our family dinner table was a place for storytelling, laughter and a fervent appreciation for food. It’s not surprising his daughter, Laura, trained as a chef.
In 1993, Dad became president of Blackburn Radio and later, president of operations for the Blackburn Group. Healthcare and charities were his passions. He was chairperson of the London Health Association board, vice-president of the board at Robarts Research Institute and director of the London Centre for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Frustrated and saddened by stories of people dying while on organ waiting lists in the 1980s, he co-founded Transplant International (Canada). As president, he travelled across the country spreading the word about organ donation. He also started The Meal, where local chefs outdid each other to create a lavish dinner to raise research money for Diabetes Canada.
For many Londoners, Dad was synonymous with snow. His voice let ecstatic kids know they were getting a day off. When a 1978 record blizzard made roads impassable and stranded people for days at home, work and school, Dad made the most of also being stuck at work. He stayed on the air for 30 hours straight, providing information, passing messages along and keeping people calm. “Radio became our umbilical cord to reality,” wrote London Free Press columnist, Del Bell, at the time.
In recognition of his community work, he received an honorary doctorate from Western University in 1990 and was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1991. He wore his snowflake lapel pin with pride.
He was an enthusiastic traveller, avid reader and wrote three books, including a political thriller he completed at age 92. A curious, lifelong learner, Dad was a lover of classical music, movies, and “The Far Side” and New Yorker cartoons. He was an accomplished stained glass artist. He loved meeting people, trying new foods and recipes, and opening a special bottle of wine. He and Mom threw legendary dinner parties and his passion for all things culinary led to writing food columns for the London Free Press.
Our family would like to thank the staff on the LHSC sixth floor and the palliative care unit for their devoted care and compassion.
A memorial will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. Visitation will be at noon, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Private interment will be at McDonald Memorial Cemetery, Port Lambton, where Mom’s great-grandfather, John Duncan McDonald, established the cemetery in the 19th century.
In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that donations be made to the “Mary Ann and Bill Brady Family Fund” through the London Community Foundation or Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.
Or follow Dad’s example and find strength and purpose in giving. Volunteer in your community. Tell a great and lengthy joke. Make someone feel welcome and included. As he said when he signed off each morning at CFPL, “Have a funny day and be strong.”
Leave a tribute for William (Bill) Brady
Leave a tribute
Bill will be missed and, he knew how to do things. A London icon, missed. Thanks for everything Bill.
A great man, always generous, compassionate and looking for ways to give back. I always enjoyed my encounters and talks with Bill, bringing laughter and joy to many. He made an impact. He will be missed. Rest in peace Bill!
We will all miss Bill. Just seeing him here at the Club made you smile because he was always so witty and warm. Love and sympathy to both you girls
The passing of Bill Brady, former GM of the Blackburn Group, feels like the end of an era for everyone who knew him — and especially for those who were shaped by his kindness. My dad, Bob Ross, admired Bill more than I can ever express. Growing up, I heard countless stories about Bill’s talent for lifting people up, how he had that rare gift of making everyone around him feel good, valued, and seen. Dad always said Bill never had a bad word to say about anyone, and he meant it. That kind of goodness is unforgettable. Today, I can’t help but picture Bill and my dad together again — sitting in that familiar CFPL Radio studio in the sky, leaning back in their chairs, reminiscing about the decades they shared. I imagine the laughter echoing just like it used to, the easy camaraderie flowing as they catch up after all these years. They worked side by side for almost 35 years, but what mattered most was the mutual respect and friendship between them. I want to thank Bill for treating my dad like an equal, for recognizing his worth, and for being the kind of man who made the world — and the people in it — better just by being there. Bill will be truly missed.
Thanks Bill for being such a good neighbour here in Oakridge park
What a nice neighbour to have in Oakridge park. Thanks. Bill and family
I always enjoyed chatting with Bill particularly when he was at the "greeters" desk at UH.
Dear Linda and Laura and families. I write to express my deepest sympathies on the passing of your amazing dad and one of the dearest of friends of my dad and our whole family, over the decades. My memories of him whether at our home or yours, or even in Puerto Vallarta! are vividly recalled: I can still hear his voice (so often I listened to him the radio); I can recall vividly his genuine interest in captivating his listeners as he told a long (and interesting!) tale or joke; I can still sense his ability —and gift— to be authentically fascinated by others’ subject matters. He loomed large in the best of ways! He was a charmer and a multi-talented human. May all the wonderful tributes that pour in fill your hurting hearts, and may his many giving ways inspire all who admired him so deeply, likewise. Keeping you in my heart during this difficult time, Sincerely, Heidi PS. Your dad may have just dove under? … or, maybe, was in the deep end? A happy 1960’s pic!
Linda, Laura and Family... I'm so sad to hear of your dad's passing, and trust the days ahead for you will be filled with awesome memories and stories about the amazing man who made you proud. He has long been one of my favourite people in the whole wide world, and upon reflection over these past few days, it dawned on me that if everyone wrote two personal Bill stories... the favours he did, the time he donated, the people he helped. the speeches he made, and the caring he displayed... the book would be too heavy to lift... and if it resulted in getting a hernia, Bill would get it fixed for you (as he did for me!). Then there's that "OH MY GOD" sense of humour... the style was bold and all his own, and he managed to never offend anyone, after all, you were too busy rolling on the floor! Years ago, I went to him and said, I have a firefighter friend in his 40s who has to have a circumcision... he said, leave it with me, and within 7 minutes, he wrote him a letter on Transplant Canada stationary... you can quite easily see where that went. His P.S.to the letter stated "...and in your profession, under the circumstances, for the next few months, I advise you not to slide down the pole". I love Bill and I always will... Every one of the Bills that I have known... the teacher, the giver, the entertainer, the family man, the speaker, and most of all the friend. Things that I learned from Bill... Learning never ends Giving never stops, and never criticize Rosemary Clooney I will miss you hugely... sleep well, dear friend
What a wonderful man Bill was. I didn’t know him as well as many, but he was always incredibly kind, and deeply engaged in the community. His love of all things radio was awesome alongside his unmistakable voice and sense of humour! Blessings to Bill and deep condolences to his family. 🎙️
Bill Brady and Mark Twain ……..author, orator, humorist, philosopher and a friend to the community. We can’t imagine a London without Bill. His contribution to the city, numerous charities, community organizations. ……..the Meal, Bunny Bundle, Robarts, Institute, LHSC, Transplant Canada go on and on and on! He wrote, “ All About Me” but it never was. We are privileged to have known him. London has lost its biggest fan and is a better place to live, work and play thanks to him. The city should find a significant opportunity to honour his legacy. May he rest in peace.
Linda and Laura - Steve and I were heartbroken to hear this news - we are so, so sorry for your loss. You've described your dad exceptionally well in what is -- without a doubt -- the best written notice I've ever read. Your Dad would have loved that, even in this instance, the apple didn't fall far from the tree in terms of the power of storytelling and command of the written word, skills for which he was well-known. Thank you for sharing your remarkable father with the entire community for all these years. He set a powerful example for everyone and one who will be long remembered. Michelle & Steve
Dear Linda and Laura. Please accept my sincerest condolences and sympathies with the passing of your Dad. He is among the greatest Canadians I have ever known or met. The community and life examples he set for so many of us who had the good fortune to work WITH him were excellent ones in every way. I look back, smile, and think of how fortunate I was to have had my broadcasting career mentored by him. More important: He has been a thoughtful, trusted and humourous friend for decades. I will miss him greatly. Barry Smith, London
I wish I knew what to say; where to begin. Bill did not know of his influence on me. We met once at the London airport during a CFPL promotion. Early in his career, while working at CKPC Radio, he boarded with my late aunt. As a broadcaster, he ignited my lifelong interest in broadcasting. I followed his career and admired his style, his class both on and off the air. I have read his writings including his most recent book. Our world needs more Bill Brady’s. Rest In Peace. Gary Chalk.
Services for William (Bill) Brady
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 9, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 9, 2025 1:00 pm
Additional Service information
A private interment will take place at McDonald Memorial Cemetery, Port Lambton.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Linda, Laura, and family, Bill was a larger than life personality, so he leaves behind a big space. You will fill it with great memories and many laughs. With deepest condolences,
~ Dave Sorrell