William (Bill) Kempe
May 22, 1934 – May 16, 2017

It is with great sadness that the family of William (Bill) Kempe announce his passing. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Bill was born May 22, 1934 in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands. In 1953, he immigrated to Canada with his family on the Waterman ship, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The family was on route to western Canada when they stopped in Fort William, Ontario and never left. Bill made his career as a Mobile Equipment Mechanic. He married the love of his life Alma on November 5, 1960 and they have been married for over 56 years. Together they raised 5 children on 100 acres in Blake Township; a place he loved dearly and called “The Farm”. Bill loved music and he played numerous halls and clubs throughout northern Ontario. Later, he spent many hours playing for seniors in the different homes around Thunder Bay. Bill was extremely proud of his children and was eager to share his pride with the world. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill also loved sports and watching sports on TV. He would watch any sport from bowling to tennis but the sports he loved to watch the most were baseball and Nascar. He faithfully watched the Blue Jays, even when they were playing like a “bunch of bums”.

Bill is survived by and will be missed tremendously by his wife Alma, and his children Ron (Karen), Larry (Hope), Darrin (Clare), Tamara (Cassian) and Jolene (John). He will also be sadly missed by his 9 grandchildren Jason (Tanis), Kurtis (Meagan), Danyelle (Mike), Alex, Samantha (Tevin), Dylan, Tristen, Electra and Michael, and his 3 great-grandchildren Matthew, Avery and Jessica. Bill is pre-deceased by his parents Anthony and Jetje Kempe, his brother Mel Kempe, his sister Susanna Bakker, his brother-in-law and friend Bill DeVente, his Brother-in-law Gerry Bakker, his brother-in-law Bob Woods and his sister-in-law Henrietta Kempe. Bill is also survived by his brother Phillip Kempe, his sisters Jean DeVente, Betty Woods, Audrey (Morris) Olsen, brother Tony (Wilma) Kempe, and by his sister-in-law Orma Kempe, as well as, many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A celebration of life will be held at the Airlane Travelodge Hotel on Monday, May 22, 2017, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.