It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bill Tuomi announce his passing on June 2, 2023 at the age of 63. After a short battle with ALS, he left on his terms, with dignity and courage.
Billy grew up in the heart of Westfort where he attended St. Elizabeth school and Fort William Collegiate. It was in high school where he met his sweetheart Mary Ann, and they celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this past May.
Bill loved sports of any kind and it didn’t matter if he was playing it, watching it live, or on TV. He started his hockey career playing for the FWCI Blue Bears and continued playing at least twice a week until he could no longer skate. He played touch football and organised the league for many years. Bill loved to ski when he was younger and curled in both the men’s league and the stick league.
He and Mary Ann were proud members of the Purple Haze softball team where they made many lifelong friends. By far, his greatest passion was golf. Playing almost every day during the summer with his regular group of guys. He loved going in tournaments and travelling to the States with the boys. He always came home with many stories about how much fun it was and who was left with the snake.
Bill started his working career right out of high school at Abitibi Mission mill, just as his father Ernie did, where he worked his way up to paper maker. He took great pride in what he did and made many lasting friendships with the people he worked with. When the mill closed Bill used his many skills to work renovating apartments. After this, he started what could be called his dream job of working on the grounds crew at Chapples Golf Course. He loved going to work, cutting the fairways and greens, waking up at 5:00 am to be on his tractor with a coffee when the sun came up. But what made it truly a dream job, was the amazing crew who were caring and compassionate and who he loved like family.
But Bill’s greatest love was his family. He adored his daughters, taking pride in their many achievements. He spent many days and nights at the arena watching the girls figure skate, and was always up to take them, and anyone else who needed a ride, to every out of town competition. Along with skating, he was always their biggest supporter in whatever sport they were competing in that week.
Taking his family on road trips was his favourite way to spend quality time, especially if they happened to be driving past theme parks where he and Julia could ride roller coasters all day long. His greatest pride and joy was his grandson Benjamin. He was so happy to be able to spend time with Benji and be able to celebrate his 2nd birthday with him in May. He was proud to be his Papa.
Bill will always be remembered by his loving wife Mary Ann, his daughters Kati (David), Julia, grandson Benjamin, brothers Richard (Sue) and Robert (Carol). Nieces and nephews, Neil, Ritchie, Jordan, and Maggi. He was a special uncle and was especially close to Ryan (Tracie and Kira), Colin (Vanessa and Brielle), Riley (Greg and Theo) and Samantha (Breandan). He will be greatly missed by his mother-in-law Shirley Rogowski. Bill was blessed to have many close friends that were like family. He appreciated each and every one of you.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Ernie and Margaret, sister Judy, father-in-law Ray Rogowski, brother-in-law Bob Rogowski, and sister-in-law Carol Tuomi.
A celebration of life will be held Friday June 9, 2023 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the DaVinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St, Thunder Bay in the Michelangelo Room. Please drop in when you can to raise a glass to our friend Billy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ALS Canada or Hope for Wildlife.
