William (Bill) August George De Meester, Age 87, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, Ontario. Bill was born on September 5, 1936 in Sarnia, Ontario to Marie Angel and Anthony (Tony) De Meester. Bill is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Joe De Meester and nephews Tony and Joe. Bill lived a fulfilling and remarkable life, leaving a lasting impact on the aircraft industry. Learning about engines in his father's Sunoco station near Sarnia's Chemical Valley. Bill moved to aircraft working as a flight engineer for Kenting Aviation, then with Sarnia Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, and Air Ontario. In 1989, Bill went to work for Kelowna Flightcraft where he would lead a major program that culminated in one of his proudest accomplishments, the Convair 5800 Stretch Program. Bill retired from Kelowna Flightcraft in 2005. Bill had a passion for photography, working with For-Seg Photos and Photos by De Meester. SMAA teams may recall the click of his camera. He was a member of the Sarnia, London, and Kelowna photography clubs as well as the Canadian Association for Photographic Arts. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (Chaytor), his children Shelley Murray (Dwayne), Pat (Sheri), and Karen Hardman (Andy). His grandchildren Lauren (Joey), Samantha (Chris), Allison (Scott), Will (Alyssa), Cody (Nicole), Cassidy (Steve). Great Grandchildren Curtis, Samara, Sydney, Sevannah, Eva, Addison, Finn, Elliot, Emilia, Aubrey, Arizona, Calvin, Ayden, Atticus. Nieces and nephews Kathy (Brian), Ron (Darci), Jim (Jeanne), Nancy, Sandy, Sandy, Doug (Holly), Cathy (Dave). A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at a later date. The family expresses gratitude to Bluewater Health and the wonderful 4th floor Telemetry team, especially Rachael, Shawna, and Dr. Mac Sweeney, who provided comfort and support during Bill's final days. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Diabetes Canada, The Kidney Foundation or CNIB (cheques only at the funeral home please). Bill may be gone from our sight, but will forever remain in our hearts.
