Obituary of William Gordon Goss

William Gordon Goss
June 28th 1946 - March 2nd 2022

Billie, as he was affectionately referred to by his mother and close friends, lived with bright eyes and a mischievous grin. Selfless by nature - always willing to help others, sacrifice himself for the benefit of people he cared about and strangers who needed it. He was a loving son, warmhearted brother, devoted father, grandfather, caring friend and a stubborn mule to those who knew him best.

The heavens are lucky as Wild Bill has been called back home. As we say our goodbyes with tears in our eyes and ache in our hearts, Bill is being welcomed with joy and celebration by the people he missed and those who have missed him.

Bill is predeceased by his father John Franklin (Jack) Goss (1955) & his adoring mother Muriel Pearl Dodridge (Lamontagne)(2009), and he is survived by his loving partner Lynn, influential uncle Ross Dodridge (Marie), siblings Terry Goss (Jana), Beverly Stirling (David), Ronald Goss (Leo), Calvin Goss (Marlene) Step siblings Rachelle Doucette, Karen Bates (Kevin) & Michael Lamontagne (Pam), and his fortunate children Alan Goss, Amber Randolph (Tim) & Adam Goss (Naomi) and adored grandchildren Tres, Ransom and Parker.

Bill would want to acknowledge his extended family, cousins, nieces & nephews, and Lowbanks neighbours - friends Ray, Melanie, Dave, Sharon, Linda, John, Marcella, Joanne, Karen, Jim, the Dainer crew and countless others who shared time with him.

On June 28th 1946, 3:30pm, Dr. J.E. Dowd delivered baby William at the Welland hospital. With a fair complexion and light blue eyes, Billie had arrived. His first visitors were Grandma & Grandpa Dodridge, Mrs. Moote & Aunt Rhoda, and Grandma & Grandpa Goss.

His upbringing on the farm at Forkes Road shaped his outlook on life and his work ethic. Bill worked hard to provide for his family and had many jobs in his career: Farmer, Milkman delivering on a horse and carriage, Welder, and Forklift Driver at John Deere. He enjoyed sharing his favourite work stories, mostly from the dairy. He would regale listeners with tales about his horse ‘Jack’ who knew his milk route so well that he would make the deliveries without a driver. (Okay, I guess it wasn’t Bill that was the hardworking one!) His time with the horses at the dairy must have had an effect on Bill, because when he lived in Effingham he acquired a horse of his own and named him ‘King’.

Bill had many hobbies, including his first love, baseball. He idolized his Dad and took pride in talking about how Jack was scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers, and loved talking about the legend of Jack completing an unassisted triple play. Bill had his own baseball prowess: He was a dedicated softball player - ‘Greyhound’ was his nickname - and he played in several leagues. A personal highlight for him was when he won a championship with his team that he shared with his brothers Terry and Calvin and nephews Terry and Jack, the ‘Raiders’. Bill also competed at various fork lift competitions and did quite well. Above all this, Bill was most proud of his children - that's why he gave them all ‘A’s.

Bill came into this world as a 7lb 4oz being, and he left on his own terms, with friends that loved him, siblings that adored him, children that respected him and grandchildren who will remember him. He was surrounded by people he loved, and who were thankful to give it back to him. Thank you Bill, the world is a much happier place because you were a part of it.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share your fond memories about Billie.

There will be a private graveside gathering on April 22nd at Hillside cemetery at 2pm. Family and close friends are welcome. There will also be a celebration on June 25th for all that cared for Bill. Location and time is undecided. If you would like to attend, please contact his family.