Obituary of William "Bill" Proulx

PROULX -William “Bill” It is with great sadness that the family of William “Bill” Proulx announce his passing on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Hospice. The only son of Roger (1967) and Alice (1985) Proulx (nee Fitzgerald) and special son in law to Everett (1978) and Loretta (2012) Quinlan (nee Janisse). Bill chose to write his own obituary. I married the love of my life and best friend and audience Denise (nee Quinlan) in April 1959. We have four amazing and talented children, William “Bill” of Calgary, Donna (Ken) Ditty of Windsor, Robert “Bob” of Windsor and Catharine Proulx-Simon (2005) & son-in-law Steve Simon of Toronto and Thorbury. I am so proud of our 7 wonderful grandchildren – Britt Proulx (Kirsten) of Halifax N.S., Ian and Matthew Ditty of Windsor, Colin and Stephen Proulx of Windsor, Laurel and Michael Simon of Thornbury, ON. I also have a great family of loving and supportive in-laws – Donna Quinlan C.S.J. of London, Ron and Carolyn Quinlan of Kitchener, Colleen and Frank McMorrow of Kitchener, Beth and Dave Schmelfske of Heidleburg, Barbara and Bruno Mancini of Guelph, Mary Margaret and Mike Hughes of Harrow, Laurie and Chuck Bosnyak of Windsor, Jane and Phil Boots of Windsor, Jim and Eve Quinlan of Munich Germany, as well as 24 nieces and nephews. Denise and I have spent 61 and a half wonderful years together having met in the school yard of De LaSalle school on Marion Ave in 1948. I was doing yo-yo tricks and she fell in love with me on the spot. I’ve had many occupations over the year in Windsor and Detroit, mostly in sales. My first job was at age 12, I delivered for Charlton Drugstore in Riverside on my bicycle. At age 20, I opened the first skate shop at Riverside arena, and also had a Bic Pen franchise at the university. At that time, I also started work at Chrysler where I worked for the first 15 years of our marriage. I founded my own company “Creative Impressions” as a promotional advertising business which I owned for 30 years. Later I passed it on to our son Bob, but I continued working for 5 more years. I retired at the age of 80. I have been active in our community over the years also. I’ve been president of Riverside Minor Hockey, President of Riverside Credit Union, and President of Sutton Creek Golf Club. I enjoyed my time on the board of Windsor Better Business Bureau, Windsor St. Clair Rotary Club (member for 32 years), and a Paul Harris Fellow, Knights of Columbus 4924 deputy Grand Knight and recently volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Society. I have had a fantastic life of fun and travels. I’ve para-sailed, hot air ballooned over the California desert, been to the Superbowl and Masters Golf Tournament. I’ve even had a hole in one! I’ve enjoyed playing golf at Sutton Creek for many years with the “Retreads” and playing senior baseball. My current hobby was discovering new bakeries and sampling their goodies. Denise and I have enjoyed a great life to travel to many destinations in Canada, U.S.A, Europe, and Mexico. In the last few years, Palm Springs, CA, has been our special haven. “What a wonderful world” I am so grateful for a life of many blessings, family and friends. I have truly enjoyed my Thursday lunches with a great group of gentlemen – Barrie, Dick, Ivan, Bob L and Bill O. I have loved my life, there is nothing I would change. If I have made you laugh over the years then I am happy. “If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. “Thanks for the memories” I’m out of here, it's been fantastic. - Bill With Special thanks to the Hospice of Windsor and their special angels. Special thanks to Dr. Sheldon Lewis, and Dr. John Samolia. Visiting at the WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (Banwell Chapel) (519)253-7234 11677 Tecumseh Rd E on Thursday September 10, 2020 from 2 to 4:30pm and 7 to 9pm. Visitation to continue on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Theresa Church (1991 Norman Rd) from 10:30am until time of funeral mass at 11am. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Hospice of Windsor or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Online condolences and shared memories may be shared to his family at www.windsorchapel.com To view the Service Video, please click the link below: https://youtu.be/16xa321hoWI