William "Bill" J. Kroes

William J. Kroes “Bill”, 70, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 7, 2024 with his sons by his side. He was born April 1, 1954, in Calgary, Alberta, but soon after moved to Point Claire Quebec, where he spent his formative years, son of late John and Leona “Toni” Kroes.

He fought an extended, fierce battle with colon cancer, all the while still going into every day with a fighting spirit.

He was a long-time employee of the Canadian Bank Note Company in Ottawa. Bill was known for his love of anything with a motor. He would tinker in his garage or talk cars with all that would listen. He was an avid car fan, particularly enjoying F1 with his sons. If not speaking about cars he would be riding around in his many sports cars, on his motorcycle or on his boat in the 1000 Islands.

Bill was predeceased by his father and mother, the late John and Leona “Toni” Kroes, sister Marilyn Cooke, brother-in-law, Gil Cooke and Micky Lanciaux; and best friend Doug Lipps (Maureen) whom Bill shared 60 wonderful years of friendship.

Bill is survived by two sons, Kyle Kroes (Ashton) of Orillia, and Cody Kroes of Clayton; two grandchildren, Addisyn Milligan and Kail Kroes of Orillia; former spouse Wendy Kroes (Lawrence), siblings, sisters, Linda Milne of Toronto and Susan Lanciaux of Montreal, brother Brian Kroes of Tweed; cousin Dianne Kroes of Burlington; loving nieces, Melanie Wadden (Greg) of Newmarket, Nancy Cooke (Brian) of Cornwall, Lisa Cooke of Nanaimo, Kira Barrett (Kevin) of Port St. Lucy, Tara Kroes (Andrew) of Sutton, nephews, Jim Cooke (Kathleen) of Edmonton, Michael (Joanne) of Nanaimo, Paul Barrett of Montreal, Cory Kroes (Azenith) of Ottawa and Tyler Kroes of Tweed, Jansen Lipps (Justyna) of Caledon and Ryan Lipps of Toronto. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

We wish to thank all the doctors and staff at The Ottawa General Hospital, but especially Doctor Derek Jonker who cared for Bill with great empathy and determination.

We also wish to thank the Venvi Valley Stream team, the coordinators, nurses and PSW’s along with the nurses and OT from the Carefor team for all their help and kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date, with information to follow.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Basic Funeral and Cremation Choices or those who wish, may make memorial donations to Canadian Cancer Society on Bill’s behalf.