In Loving Memory of
George William 'Bill' Ferguson
1954 - 2025
Obituary of George William 'Bill' Ferguson
It is with great sadness that the family of George William “Bill” Ferguson announces his peaceful passing at home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the age of 70.Bill is predeceased by his mother Doreen Ferguson and father Harley Ferguson; his sister, Heidi Ferguson; and extended siblings, Michael Carnahan and Susan Carnahan.
He is lovingly remembered by his sister Kelly Ferguson (Ed Melo), stepfather Richard Turner, and stepsiblings Stacey (Robert) and Justin (Melissa). Also mourning his loss are his beloved Maw, Marion Carnahan; cousins Shayla and Randy Thompson; nieces and nephews Matt (Christine), Meagan (Steve), and Jesse; and cherished family friend Linda Carnahan.
Bill was a man of deep devotion to his family and community. He proudly celebrated 25 years of sobriety, that started in Key West, Florida with the encouragement and support of his friends there and found continued strength, purpose, and lifelong friendships through AA and NA. His recovery community was a second family, and he was grateful to attend the AA conference in Vancouver just a week before his passing.
Bill lived life with passion and enthusiasm. He was an avid golfer, lover of corvettes, dedicated to staying active, and an enthusiastic cyclist, always eager for the next ride or round.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations in his memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Service Information
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Kidney Foundation of CanadaVisit Site
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Add to previous note : Tracy Bonifacio
I met Bill at the Georgetown farmers market as the happy tomato guy working with my girls, making up songs and jokes all morning to make the time pass. We shared a love of running and started doing the Longboat Run on the Toronto Island every summer. We had lots of fun taking the ferry across with my husband and two “goofy dogs” as Bill affectionately called them. We even ran along the water in Niagara Falls during Covid when the Longboat was cancelled. We had long chats as we ran and I always enjoyed Bills wonderful stories and outlook on a life well lived. Bill could always be counted on to text a Happy Mother’s Day wish or a Merry Christmas. Rest peacefully dear friend. You are missed. xo
We ran 2 marathons together side by side- Ottawa and Toronto. We cheered on the marathons that we were too injured to do. We handed out Christmas turkeys from the back of your red Pontiac. Couldn’t have done it without you my dear friend. See you on the other side xo
I have many fond memories of you and miss you much ❤️
Dear friend I was just starting to get to know u. U took me to a thundering waters where we had a great day laughing it up and u made sure to come to my home group to congratulate me on my celebration in advance cause u weren’t gonna make it u were going to bc … those were ur last words to me … ill never forget them or u … till we meet again Billy 💜 thanks for all u gave me and my recovery
So very sad to see him go , was a good friend for a long time and a great stepson too !
I met Bill.4 years at the beginning of my journey and he was a big part of my recovery.He will be greatly missed what a loss for NA love ya Key west Bill
Bill has helped me in my journey to recovery, a selfless man. He will be missed greatly by many. ❤️
I will miss Billy so much. He filled farmers’ market mornings with jokes for years, and every customer loved him. I’ll always remember his infectious laugh and good heart.
God if I knew this picture was the last time I saw you I would’ve hugged you so much longer you were a great man one of the best you saved my life a handful of times and I’m eternally grateful you also tried to kill me ahaha with convincing me to ride 20km on a bike ride with you it means a ton what you’ve done for me and the community you will be dearly missed you have inspired me and many others and I promise I won’t pick up I promise to honour your memory by staying clean for the rest of my life you have shown that dying clean is fully a option and that it’s doable so thank you so very much for existing in my life and showing me kindness in areas others didn’t. You will most definitely live on through the stories I will share about your inspiring journey thank you so very much and rest easy Key West Bill . 🥰❤️😭🥹
My siblings, Sam, Emily, Sarah and I worked alongside Bill at the farmers market for years and years. He kept those early mornings lively and fun with his witty jokes and tokens of wisdom. In January, my sisters and I drove to Niagara to have lunch and spend the afternoon with Bill. He was in such good spirits and spoke in depth about his upcoming trip to Vancouver for the AA conference… it brings us great joy to know he was able to attend. With love, the Gillon family.
We are bills neighbors for 8 years he has been in my children’s lives he was such an amazing person we will miss him so much he took them to baseball games bike rides always was outside with freezies we love you bill
I met Billy when I was 20 years old, in Key West. He would’ve been 27, I think. He was working at the 801 Bar and Harley was still around then selling hotdogs. We lived together for a time a few years after that. We almost got married but somehow I left the Keys and didn’t go back. Many years passed but we kept in touch and a couple of years ago we took a trip to the Canadian Rockies together. I will miss my lifelong friend greatly. The support I received from Lee and Bill during my cancer diagnosis was so key to my well being and I’m forever grateful. I’ll see you again one day my friend. We have some unfinished adventures.
I’m still in disbelief. Bill was one of the first people I met after arriving in Canada. I had just landed—new country, unfamiliar winter, and a whirlwind of emotions—and he showed up with warmth, patience, and kindness. He picked me up from my hotel to attend meetings, called to check in on me, and made time every chance he got. Because of him, my transition and integration into this new life were not just easier—they were meaningful.
I find myself grieving deeply. This is the first person I’ve ever mourned while sober, and maybe that clarity makes the loss even more profound. But I also feel, in my heart, that Bill would have wanted that.
He was a good man—the kind who quietly changes lives just by showing up. I’m almost certain he was happy in those final moments, because he lived a life that gave others comfort and belonging. I was lucky to have known him.
Rest in peace, Bill. Thank you for everything.
I met Bill at the Running Room in the Beaches in Toronto about 15 years ago. For years we were running buddies. Even creating a club called the ‘ass crack of dawn’ club, as we happily pound the pavement at 5:30am on Fridays for years. He was always a spreader of joy, positivity and smiles. If not that, why on earth would anyone get up and go for a run at 5:30am during Toronto winters??? We completed a few half marathons together, several 10km fun runs, even getting my growing girls envolved. We volunteered at the Toronto Marathons and always had a good time. A favourite memory was running the whole Toronto Spit one cold New Year’s Day, stopping to take in the view of the CN tower at the very tip.
I’ll miss you Bill! Thanks for being a great guy.
I’m forever grateful for knowing key west bill he was also my co.sponsor im in complete shock in hearing the news have some chocolate cake for me bill ….REST EASY my friend love ya brother
Bill will be sorely missed. He was my AA sponser and gave his time generously. Everyone in AA knew him as Key West Bill.
Love you Billy.