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Peacefully at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice on Wednesday, August 24 in his 82nd year.
Beloved husband of Barbara Pellow, loving dad of Heather and Karen (Jules Osen), and doting grandpa of Stella and Margot. Bill will be deeply missed by his brother Bruce (Catherine), brother-in-law Mac (Shirley), nephews Chris and Scott, and his many friends.
Born in Toronto to William John “John” Henricks and Phyllis Elizabeth “Betty” Henricks (nee Waters), Bill was a proud graduate of East York Collegiate and Victoria College, University of Toronto. He enjoyed a long career as a History teacher at East York and Sir John A MacDonald Collegiate in Scarborough. After earning his MA degree, Bill was invited to teach history part-time at Woodsworth College, University of Toronto, where he remained on staff for over 20 years. Upon his retirement he was awarded the honour, professor emeritus. He also took great pleasure in coaching many hockey, basketball, and football teams over the years. Bill was known as a kind and supportive teacher and colleague, with high standards and a good sense of humour.
Bill and Barb moved to Cobourg in 1996 and enjoyed an active retirement, engaging fully in their new community. Bill enjoyed his Monday morning rounds of golf at Shelter Valley Pines with the guys and spent many leisurely mornings enjoying a coffee and good conversation with Barb and their many friends.
Bill was an avid traveller and a huge sports fan. He read voraciously and had a particular fondness for Charles Dickens, Russian history and literature, and the stories of the American West. Everyone wanted Bill on their trivia team! Bill enjoyed life at the cottage on Stoney Lake, fondue dinners, walks through the woods, and was a passionate birder.
Bill’s family was his pride and joy. Christmas was his favourite time of year. He loved to decorate his home, turn on the Christmas music, and celebrate with family.
Bill was a kind and gentle man, who loved to tease, but could never keep a straight face. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and for his generosity of spirit.
Bill’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital and Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice for their wonderful care of Bill during his final days.
If desired, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice.
A private Celebration of Life and interment will be held at a later date.
I have fond memories of my ex brother in law. Love you B
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We shall miss Bill, as a good friend and kindred spirit from East York High where both Bills were students. Our dinners/lunches together have been a social blessing over the years. He was a lovely gentleman. Our thoughts are with you Barb. Love Doreen & Bill
Condolences to the Hendricks family on the passing of William. My husband and his family lived across the street in East York (Springdale).Brian purchased his paper route in late 50’s 60’s and also had him as a teacher at EYCI. We also live in Cobourg .
Our deep condolences to Barbara and family . Our friendship with Bill dates from the 1960's At East York Collegiate. Bill was loved and respected by all those who knew him and admired his dedication to his friends and students. We know his influence on all of them is the best legacy a friend and teacher can leave us.
Bill was a great teacher, coach and even a better friend. We shared a lot during my years teaching at Macdonald especially through basketball. I’ll always remember him at the ping pong table in the staff room usually paired with fellow historian Rick Scott. He was a great man.
Dear Barb Bill and I send our heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time. We enjoyed our visits and talks so much especially about Bill’s wonderful books on birding! We know memories of him will comfort you. Love Lori
Hi Barb, Just wanted to send our condolences. It was a pleasure to know Bill and his sense of humour! May your days now be filled with reminiscing all those wonderful memories with him. Maleah and Candace Oberholtzer
So terribly saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a truly lovely man. My sincere condolences to Barb and family.
Mr. Henricks was one of the most thoughtful, caring teachers I had at MAC. He saw how hard I tried in his History class and really helped me through it. I will never forget his compassion as a teacher. My heartfelt condolences to your family ❤️
Mr Hendricks was a wonderful teacher and I was lucky enough to have him for both Society, Challenge and Change and Modern Western Civilization-two of my favourite classes in large part to him and the way he taught them with energy and enthusiasm. He was also a good friend and colleague to my father Dave Neylan. My deepest condolences to Ms Pellow and his whole family. RIP
I never had the pleasure of getting him as a teacher at Mac, but Ms. Pellow was one of my favs. To her I express my deepest sympathy. My God bless and keep your family. 💐💝
In the very short time that I have known both Bill and Barb, I have treasured their friendship as my next door neighbours. Bill was such a wonderful gentleman and a “gentle man”. I shall miss him as will Barb and his family. God bless his soul and May he Rest In Peace.
We have treasured Bill as a good friend since we became neighbours on moving to Cobourg at the same time as he and Barb in 1996. Bill was Don’s golf cart mate for 15 years. We have done many things together as couples, including travelling on several fabulous trips to Europe. We will miss him. Our condolences to Barb and family.
Sincere condolences to Barb & the entire family !
I am so sorry for the loss experienced by the family with Bill's passing. Condolences to Barb, Heather, Karen & Julian, Stella and Margot. He was a dear husband, engaged father and grandfather, compassionate friend and kind neighbour. Colleagues and students reaped the benefit from his career as teacher and coach. Bill's was a life well lived and enjoyed.
Barb,I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a true gentleman.
So very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Always a gentleman. May he rest in peace
I am sending heartfelt condolences to you, Heather, and your family during this difficult time.
Barb, we are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts are with you & if you need anything please reach out
We are so sorry Barb to hear of Bill's passing. We enjoyed many chats together especially about Stoney Lake and travel. He will be missed Sincerely Tony and Carol
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a lovely person.