Obituary of William Francis Ennis

William (Bill) Francis Ennis of Delaware, Ontario, passed away at Strathroy Hospital on June 5th in his 75th year. Partner and good friend of Dianne. Father to John (Kendra), Eric, Crystal and Scott. Loving Grandpa to Kellen and Farren.

Survived by sister Sharon (Richard) Abel, Jo-Anne (Jim) McInnis, and brother Patrick Ennis. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by nephew Sean Abel (2004).

Bill's parents, Gloria and Bill,  moved from London to Arva when Bill was around seven years of age. He loved the outdoors and over the years learnt how to garden, fish and hunt. His father, Bill (Skinney), was a true mentor in teaching these skills. Bill  also carried on the hobby of training "homing pigeons" after his dad passed away. Bill was a member of the Lucan Pigeon Club for a number of years. While training the pigeons for a race, he needed to drive quite a distance out into the countryside, release the pigeons and hope they found their way back home before he did. This was usually the case as Bill enjoyed taking the long route home, or as he called it, the scenic route home.

Southampton held many good memories for Bill. His parents built a small cottage, piece by piece, hauling materials up to Southampton on weekends. A truck was used which was nicknamed "the Bell telephone truck". Cousins, aunts and uncles all enjoyed many family get-togethers at the cottage. Swimming would take place not at the sandy  beach in town but rather at a more private beach they called "the rocky beach". Southampton remained a favorite destination for Bill to visit with family over the years.

Bill was blessed with two grandchildren, Kellen and Farren, and it was for these two youngsters that he battled to overcome so many health issues over the past few years. It was an easy decision for Bill to proceed with a double lung transplant, knowing that this would give him more time to be with his grandchildren. 

Sadly, Bill lost the last battle. He will surely be missed by family and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. 

Father Steve Wlusak will officiate a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Lucan on June 25th at 11am.  Cremation has taken place, and the internment of the ashes will be on July 3rd at 11am at St Peter's Cemetery. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Toronto Lung Transplant Program at UHN Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Please visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300.