Obituary of Bill Kivi

KIVI, William Walter “Bill” – After a short illness, Bill died peacefully with his family at his side at Bluewater Health on Saturday, June 19^th, 2021 at the age of 70.  Beloved husband of Peg (nee Sheridan).  Loving brother of John (Sandy) of Calgary and Allan (Sharon), of Toronto.  Dear brother-in-law of Lorne (Marian), and Nancy (Scott).  Cherished uncle to Derek (Bobbi), Jeremy (Julie), Aaron, Kari (Lee), Kimetha (Kelly) and Erica (Ryan).  Wonderful great uncle to Sofia, Ella, Madelon, Foster, Hannah, Henry, Max and Ben. Predeceased by his parents Aarre & Elina Kivi. 

Bill, a man of many talents, quietly contributed to the success of multiple community fundraisers: the Physician Recruitment Task Force, the Dream Home 2011 for Bluewater Health, St. Joseph’s Hospice, Suicide Prevention, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Ontario Lung Association.  Graduating from the University of Guelph in Hotel and Food Administration, Bill embarked on a career of lifelong learning.  Professionally, he was always up for a new adventure and met challenges with enthusiasm and interest.  He managed the Glenview Golf and Curling Club, ran a travel business, dealt blackjack, was a small business tax consultant, and ran a home repair and junk removal business.  His junk removal business was by far his favourite venture of all.  He could easily turn a one-hour job into three hours while helping someone with the difficult decisions and tasks associated with downsizing in senior years.

Travel, soapstone carving, curling and making Peggy happy were Bill’s passions.  He organized trips for friends and family, ensuring everyone was cared for and safe and happy.  At the 2010 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado, he was a member of the team representing Canada.  Their sculpture earned second place and its image was chosen for the 2011 promotional material appearing on banners, t-shirts and programs.  The Breckenridge event combined his interests in travel, sculpture and friendly competition. He was a lifelong curler beginning as a young man in Kapuskasing and recently played on three teams at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.  He enjoyed the friendship of his fellow curlers and always valued sportsmanship over competition.

Bill was a kind and talented man, a wonderful husband and friend.  He will be missed by all those who were touched by his gentle giving spirit. 

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia.   Mask or face coverings are mandatory. Social distancing and COVID attendance limits will be enforced. The care and expertise provided by Dr. Monk, Dr. Abdalla, Dr. Naidu, Dr. Cornila and the entire Care Team at Bluewater Health was greatly appreciated.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to The Bluewater Health Foundation, 4^th Floor Med Telemetry Unit, 89 Norman St., Sarnia, N7T 6S3.   Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com