DREW, Bill

DREW William (Bill) George Drew, beloved and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away on May 25, 2023, just a month short of his 93rd birthday, from causes incident to age. He will be deeply missed by his family, many friends, and colleagues. Bill lived a long and fulfilling life and was known for his warm smile, quick laugh, the humorous twinkle in his eye, and his cheerful demeanor.
Born June 24,1930 in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, to Jack and Bertha Drew, Bill enjoyed growing up in the Porcupine Camp – providing his Northerner boyhood with endless opportunities for wholesome fun: winter street hockey on Cherry Street (using frozen horse droppings as a puck) with the Toke Street gang, summer swimming in the warm waters of Gilles Lake near the Hollinger mine pump house and camping in the bush. Bill had an older brother, Del, and a younger sister, Bette.
After high school, following his family’s Cornish tin miner heritage, Bill worked in the local mines for a few short years. Deciding it wasn’t the life for him, Bill chose to set aside the underground miner’s life for the light and fresh air topside, and began working for the Ontario Northland Railway.
He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Craig, on June 28, 1951. Together, they began a life of shared adventures in family, church, and business. They purchased their first flower shop in Timmins, William Drew Florists, and later successfully expanded their floral businesses, opening and running additional stores in the region for many years. In 1978, they sold their businesses to move West, following some of their children to the Lethbridge, Alberta area. Ever resourceful, Bill and Marg opened and successfully ran another floral business in Lethbridge, before choosing to retire. Bill and Marg went back to school to complete their high school diplomas together, wholeheartedly immersing themselves as adult learners, embracing with enthusiasm reading, studying and discovering. Their retirement gave Bill and Marg opportunities to travel the world together–Europe, the UK, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Arizona, and Florida. They were continually broadening their horizons, as well as volunteering regularly in their community.
Bill loved to make chocolate truffles, serve his grandchildren a grilled cheese sandwich anytime they dropped by, and made delicious Cornish Pasties, served the right way–with HP sauce.
Dad was a humble quiet leader in his family, his community, and in his Church service. Dad came to know, love, and follow His Savior throughout his life. Many lives were blessed by Dad’s gentle and willing ministering touch. You always knew that Dad would be there for you if you needed help. He served his sweetheart faithfully, especially these past four years, giving her his loving and reassuring companionship.
Bill is survived by his sweetheart of 72 years, Margaret, and their five children: Craig (Allison), Lori (Mike), Cindy, David (Janet), and Peter (Colleen), 23 grandchildren, and 43 great grandchildren. We will all miss the fun, noisy, sometimes chaotic Drew family reunions-the warmth, the love, the “I love you” group hugs as we departed, with our wonderful Dad, and Grandpa at the helm. He was just the best.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Bertha Drew, his brother Del, his sister Bette, a great granddaughter, and many extended family members. We know there is a long line of loved ones waiting to welcome Dad home on the other side of the veil!
A Memorial service for family and friends will be held at Salmon & Sons Funeral Home in Lethbridge, Alberta, on Bill’s birthday, Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm.
We, as a family, wish to give special thanks to the amazing, kind, and warm staff on the 3rd floor at Legacy Lodge for their exemplary care and friendship to Bill during the last four years. They are professional superstars!
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca