William Patrick  Lahey
In Memory of
William Patrick 
Lahey 
1942 - 2017
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Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Services - Archdiocese of Toronto
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Obituary for William Patrick Lahey

A SHORT HISTORY OF A GOOD MAN'S LIFE

William (Bill) Patrick Lahey
Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Father-in -Law, Uncle, Cousin, Friend

Born on Bell Isle, Newfoundland in 1942. Whether March 12 or 13 we were never quite clear, right dad!? Met his beautiful bride-to-be on that same island. He came to Toronto at the tender age of 18 to begin pursuit of a long and illustrious career in education. After several months of romantic long distance correspondence his Julie followed him to Toronto (Mimico) where they wed on Dec. 26, 1962. He was 20 years old. His first child born to them when he was 21; his fifth and last child when he was 38.
Together Bill and Julie endeavoured to provide a home filled with love, encouraged the importance of education and faith, and provided opportunities for their family to develop skills and talents (music, sport, Girl Guides, Irish dance...). They were blessed with 7 grandchildren, the eldest now 25, the newest just 2 months.
His interests and passions were many: besides being a devoted husband and father, he enjoyed playing guitar and singing ("with those windshield wipers slapping time and Bobby clapping hands, we nearly sang up every song that driver knew..."); loved music (Neil Diamond, CCR, Gordon LIghtfoot, and of course the Jolleyballers amongst his faves!); a die-hard Habs fan!; an avid reader and always well informed on the world's current events; active in the church where he was a lector at Sunday mass, lead the RCIA and ran Marriage Encounter weekends with mom. A chef extraordinaire, self taught (no better Prime Rib and Yorkshire pudding dinner this side of London). And as anyone who knows Billy well can attest, he was an avid golfer and loved his time on the course.
The last several months of his life presented some health challenges and included surgery and several stops at RVH and Collingwood Hospital, but he never stopped setting goals for his wellness in the future. He found a new home at Waterside Retirement Lodge where he could live comfortably and join his new friends for meals in the dining room, Friday afternoon poker (nickels and dimes only), and movie evenings in the theatre room.
Many happy moments were spent with his family, him regaling us with tales of the past. All 7 grandchildren spent time with him in his new home this past year.
In spite of the difficulties he experienced, he was ever gracious, gentle, kind, and grateful. He kept a positive outlook and attitude, never complained, always smiling, ever thankful. A lover, not a fighter. But never a quitter.
Thank you for everything you gave to us.
We are better ones, for the knowing of you. Your hard work is done and we wish you peace as you rest alongside your Julie, the only woman you ever loved, and you her only.
We miss you Dad. We miss you Papa Bill. We love you. Forever. xoxo