We’re deeply saddened to share that our Father, Brother, Uncle, and Grandfather, William Herbert Groves, has passed away at the age of 86. He left us peacefully at his home in Thunder Bay surrounded by family.
His birthday wish (5 May 26) was to be at home when he passed. That wish came true on his 86th birthday when he left St Joes Care Group and peacefully departed one week later on 12 May 26.
William was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, on 5 May 1940 to Albert and Ester Groves (Sabo). He grew up in the Valora Clarkton area near Sturgeon Lake north of Ignace, Ontario.
Throughout his life, William had many jobs; he worked for Great Lakes Timber as a cutter skidder operator in the bush camps.
After meeting and marrying his wife Mary (Dietiker), they decided to move to Thunder Bay so their children could get a better education.
While living in Thunder Bay, Dad held several jobs including City Transit bus driver and weekend highway bus driver for Grey Goose. His CB Call Sign was known as the Bionic Goose! He also drove for Happy Time Tours. Later in life, he achieved a goal by receiving his Red Seal in Mechanics, which he was very proud of while working for Northern Woods Preserves and with the Rad man. In winter months, Dad even took a retirement job at Canadian Tire to stay busy before heading off to camp during the summers with Mom.
William (Dad, Bill, Billy) will be missed at camp by family and friends as he leaves behind many stories about the history of Sturgeon Lake and its surroundings. We will always hold dear these memories that he shared with us over the years.
Bill spent most weekends and holidays at the family camp that he built alongside his wife Mary for his mother-in-law Edna Dietiker starting back in 1970.
A man with a great sense of humor, Bill loved sharing jokes and funny stories with family and friends.
Family gatherings were among his favorite times; he’d prepare endless trays of snacks to enjoy together. He’ll especially be remembered for his Smoked Fish (lake trout and white fish), which always sparked conversations within the community. His recipe was quite simple-a fish, a 45-gallon drum, brown sugar, coarse salt, black coals, and flavored wood chips! While we’ve tried smoking it like Dad did; it just doesn’t taste quite right without him!
Dad enjoyed guiding tourists during summer trips from local camps. He loved telling stories about the lake’s history while seeing how much fun guests had on their excursions. If you earned his favor enough you’d learn where all the best fishing spots were!
The blueberry season held special meaning for him; many friends would ask him to pick gallons of berries each year since he could gather double what most people could manage! Mom would clean them afterward but as time went on he got better at preparing them so she could keep up!
William is survived by his children: John (Linda), Deborah Duguid (Rene Ledger), Tracy, William (Donna), Wendy Slobozian (Jose Pires). He also leaves behind grandchildren Jason (Jenn), Ahron (Callie), Joshua, Jenna; brother Morris (Carol); sister-in-law Janice Dietiker; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by parents Albert and Ester Groves along with John and Edna Dietiker who were his in-laws. Siblings-in-law include Jean (Alan) Allison , Shirley (Chester) Allison , Dorothy (Eric) Hertz , Beatrice (Bob) Hamlyn ; brothers Albert(Anne ) Groves , Donald(Daisy )Groves ; brother-in-law John Dietiker.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for all care given to Dad from caregivers at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital & St Joe’s Care group along with Dr’s Kelly & Ward. Special gratitude goes out to palliative care nurses Julie , Meredith , Angie plus PSW’s who visited him during final days providing dignified support.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Please consider making donations instead of flowers-family members encourage contributions toward Canadian Cancer Society or St Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn since those were two causes Dad frequently supported.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre located on Central Avenue , Thunder Bay.
Please sign online condolences available at everestofthunderbay. com
