William Clark Switzer

October 4, 1922 - October 31, 2021

Funeral Details: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend William Clark Switzer who passed away on Sunday October 31st 2021 in his 100th year at Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans Wing.  Bill was born in Midland Ontario on October 4th,1922 to the late Henrietta and William Switzer.  He had 5 sisters and 5 brothers, all of which are deceased, except for his youngest brother, Jack (Margaret).  Bill was a proud Canadian who served as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the second World War.  After the war he returned home where he married the love of his life, Helen Landra (pre-deceased April 26th, 2015) on June 1st,1946.  Bill and Helen raised 7 children while working at Avro and later a Dairy Queen that they purchased in Toronto, not to mention the countless hours of volunteer work in Toronto and Barrie, where they later moved.  The children are David (Marion) who passed away October 5th 2018, Tom (Barb), Carolyn, Nancy (Mike), Stephen (Christine), John (Lise), and Michael (Kathy).  Poppa will be missed by his 19 grandchildren and their partners and 25 great grandchildren.  Bill Switzer was a kind man who was loved by all and will be missed by everyone.  We would like to thank the staff at Sunnybrook LT SW Veterans Wing for all their excellent and compassionate care that Dad received over the last 4 years.  If desired, memorial donations can be made to: www.sunnybrook.ca/foundatIon (veterans comfort fund).  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.peacefultranistion.ca.  You may also choose to visit an online guestbook at the Toronto Star Obituaries.  There will be a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie,  on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m..  A Celebration of Life will follow at Tangle Creek Golf Course, 4730 Side Road 25, Thornton, Ontario.  Proof of vaccination will be required.  Online condolences and memories may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca

Peaceful Transition Simcoe

CONDOLENCES

8 Condolences
  • Paul & Mary Edwards
    Posted on: Saturday, November 6, 2021 Reply

    Tom & Barb- Very sorry to hear of the loss of your father-an exceptional person who leaves such a special legacy in his many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

  • Karen/Gerry McKeown
    Posted on: Sunday, November 7, 2021 Reply

    Your Dad was a gentleman dan, always upbeat with a big smile and interested in what you were doing.

    Great picture of your Dad with his Avro shirt.

    A Mass is scheduled for Feb 26th at 5:00 PM at St Margaret’s in Midland. It was the earliest that was available.

    Our prayers are with all the family. The Switzer and Wood family connection span 93 years.

  • Jacki Giddings
    Posted on: Monday, November 8, 2021 Reply

    I have many fond memories of “Mr Switzer” over several decades. First while working at the Dairy Queen. He was the best boss ever. I remember working during a banana split special and before he drove me back to the nurses residence, because he always made sure we got “home” safely, he asked how many girls were on my floor , then proceeded to help me make banana splits for everyone! What a treat!
    Years later I ran into him and Helen in RVH (Barrie) Emerg when she broke her arm…I was working there then. It was then he made me promise to call him Bill 🙂
    Then years later I had the pleasure to see Bill and Helen at Grove Park Home… first when they visited residents from St Mary’s Church…. and later when Helen became a resident and Bill lived on our Retirement side.
    Bill had a great smile… he was always a gentleman….kind… and a wonderful husband. Bill and Helen together again.

    • Nancy Benson
      Posted on: Thursday, November 11, 2021 Reply

      Jacki, thank you for your kind words, the entire family gave Dad what we think was a suitable send-off yesterday. He will be missed but as you pointed out – he and Mom are together again and that is a great comfort to us all. Regards, Nancy and family

  • Tony Corallo
    Posted on: Monday, November 8, 2021 Reply

    Dear Switzer Children. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father. My sister, my brother and I remember fondly our days growing up next door to the Switzers on Kingswood. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer were always very welcoming and friendly, often treating us as their own. May you be comforted with all the wonderful memories you share, knowing that you have lost a very good man.
    May perpetual light shine upon him.
    May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
    Tony Corallo and family.

  • Wendy Hooker
    Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 Reply

    Tom and Barb,
    Your father certainly led a rich and generous life leaving a remarkable legacy of family. We appreciate your loss. Alan Burt and Wendy Hooker

  • Paul Cullen
    Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 Reply

    Tom, my emotions are torn: sadness and sympathy at the loss of your dad and the warm glow of happy memories of us at Neil McNeil, 402 Kingswood and astride your Yamaha and Suzuki. I hope you and your family can find solace in similar joyous memories of your father.
    Paul Cullen

  • Donna Ritch
    Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 Reply

    Sending William’s family my deepest sympathies on his passing. I am sorry that I did not meet William as he was clearly a special man. It is never easy saying goodbye…especially to a parent. I am happy for you though that you had him such a long time!

    My best to you especially to Nancy and Mike.

    Donna

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