Bill Cheek, sailing judge and race officer, passes away at age 86

by Katie Nicoll on 25 Jul 2012
William 'Bill' Anthony Cheek, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2012 at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice.

Bill, in his 86th year, as the wind went out of his sails. Beloved husband of Helena Cheek (Koziol) for 63 years. Loving father of Christine (Lloyd) Maclam , Gerri (David) Staples and John (Rose) Cheek. Devoted grandpa to grandsons John, Andrew, Corey and Ryan, and great-grandpa to Savannah, Austin and Everly. Brother of Jennifer Cheek of Bristol, England.

Throughout his 12 year struggle with cancer, he lived with optimism, determination and a positive attitude, living each day to the fullest. He had a wonderful sense of humour, made those around him feel comfortable with conversation and his stories and was especially proud of his hobby of building ships in bottles.

He was Past Commodore of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Past President of OSA and CYA, and an International Race Officer serving as a race officer and consultant for the Olympic Games in Korea (1988) and in Atlanta (1996). He received a great deal of pleasure running sailing events at the RHYC as well as judging at International Regattas. Bill took pride in his involvement as an officer with the Sea Cadets and the Naval Reserve at HMCS STAR.

After Bill retired from Stelco, Superintendent at Canadian Drawn Steel, he spent many years serving as a CESO volunteer. Sincere appreciation and thank you to the staff of the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Ward C3 at the Juravinski Hospital, Dr. S. Hotte, Dr. P. Craigie, and the staff of the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice for their caring and compassion. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences can be made at www.canadiancremation.com