Surrounded by the love and laughter of his family, the stubborn and lively spirit of William "Bill" Gilhuly passed to his next adventure in heaven at the age of 85 on Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

Bill teased and danced and laughed and loved his way through his life.  He is survived by his best friend Donna (Shepley) Gilhuly.  He and Donna enjoyed many antics and adventures at family gatherings, parties and sports arenas.  He is survived by his younger brother Bob and his wife Mary.  Bob must now head the Gilhuly clan and keep the Gilhuligans in line.  He is survived by his Shepley-in-laws: Dale, Chuck, Rick and their spouses.  He is predeceased by 3 brothers and their wives: Tim and Russie, Gerry and Marg, Micky and Penny.  Four special nephews have also greeted him in heaven, Scott Gilhuly, Michael Cobb, Michael Gilhuly and Joey Shepley and niece Jayne Shepley.  Bill and Donna nourished, supported and enjoyed the company of their four children and their families: Kelly and Hal from Corunna: Mike (Sara), Mara (Pat) and Matt (Dani) De Laroche: Bo and Shelly of Port Lambton: Jesse (Erin) and Brad (Heather) Gilhuly: Kathy and Colin of Port Lambton: Karri (Dan), Richelle (Jordan) and Reid Miller: Jeff and Jodi: Valley and Parker Gilhuly.  The grandchildren have produced thirteen great grandchildren to date: Louis and Vivienne DeLaroche: Marley, Joni and Eddie Siddall, Seth and Logan Bouman; Lily, Ella and Violet Gilhuly; Layla, Liam and Deklan Gllhuly.  Bill and Donna were close companions to their siblings and their children.  They played and holidayed for many years at Paul Bunyan Camp in Bayfield, Schalamar Creek in Florida and at family reunions.  For this reason Bill will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and their children.

Bill was an employee of Dow Chemical for 30 years.  He is remembered (fondly) by his co-workers and the many people he pranked there with his buddy Neil.

Bill loved sports.  He was an extremely competitive and gifted athlete who loved to win.  While he played hockey and basketball in his youth, his favourite sport was baseball.  He played fastball, softball, lob ball, two pitch and slow pitch with many teams over the years.  He played on a Seniors travel team in Florida until he was 75.  Bill also coached and managed baseball and hockey teams with the Moore Minor Hockey and Corunna Minor Baseball.  He met many friends through his involvement as a player and coach/manager.  He was loved and respected for his commitment to the teams and for his fun, in his retirement Bill moved on to golf.  He never successfully transitioned from a baseball swing to a golf swing so he found this game to be a bit more aggravating than ball.  He persevered as he loved to be outside and in the company of friends and family.  Bill was a loyal follower of professional baseball and an ardent fan of the Detroit Tigers. Bill was fortunate to be able to travel to numerous World Series series over the years.  Also a hockey fan, he was a great supporter of the Chicago Black Hawks.  Bill was a lover of music.  He had stacks of albums.  He loved to dance and is remembered for his wild legs at wedding receptions and house partied.  Bill will be best remembered by family and friends for his wit and playfulness.  He was always teasing and playing jokes on his children and grandchildren.  He was a welcoming host and willing to lend a hand or a car if necessary.  He was generous to a fault.  Bill lived life BIG.  He laughed often and loved hard.

Recognizing that Bill was always concerned about the welfare of others, in lieu of flowers, please do something to make a difference in someone's life.  Whether you decide to donate to a charity, do some volunteering or reach out to someone you have drifted away from, do it in the memory of Bill Gilhuly.

Donna's charities of choice are Mental Health Association, Alzheimers Society and the Nature Conservancy.

Family and friends will be received at the Eric F. Nicholls Funeral Home Ltd., 639 Elgin Street, Wallaceburg on Monday, July 22, 2019 from 2 to 7 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Wallaceburg at 11 a.m.

The family have asked for everyone to dress casual or wear Detroit Tigers or Chicago Blackhawks attire.

Cremation will follow with the interment of ashes at a later date in Riverview Cemetery.