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William Albert Southern, 86, of Bright’s Grove, Sarnia Ontario, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1st, 2026 at St Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia.
Born December 23, 1939, in Sarnia, Bill is the son of the late Joyce and William (Sr) Southern. Bill spent his formative childhood years in Argentina and Columbia, an era of his life that he loved to reminisce upon. As a teenager, he attended Trinity College in Port Hope, excelling in diving, football, and gymnastics. He experienced these early years alongside his late best friend Richard Newland, and in later years would form a close friendship with Richard’s wife Carol.
After graduating, Bill went on to get his pilot’s license. He was an avid sportscar enthusiast, and he subsequently crewed with legendary racer Al Pease, with whom he also enjoyed a lasting friendship. Afterwards, he attended McGill University for Engineering but pivoted to the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD).
Bill’s early career was marked by success as a commercial artist. He was commissioned to illustrate a series of stamps depicting the history of the Canadian Military. In 1995, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa awarded him a prize for his artwork that commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII.
Bill ultimately pursued a fulfilling career as a professor of Graphic Arts & Design at both OCAD and George Brown College, a position he would hold for over 30 years. He was a favourite amongst his students and would stay connected with many of them years after.
His interests and hobbies were vast. His knowledge of history, literature, art, and music brought him great joy, and his collections of each were extensive.
He was a fun and committed father, who instilled his sons with a love for music, baseball, and classic movies. In his later years, Bill’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shirley Southern; children Michael (Lauren) and Ian (Alyssa) Southern; grandchildren Aiyla, Maeve, Patrick, and Keira Southern; and niece and nephew Jason and Kathryn Chinnick. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Chinnick, and parents Joyce and William Sr. Southern.
