Obituary of William "Bill" Woodside
Woodside, William (Bill) -
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Kingston General Hospital on Sunday May 14, 2017 at age 85. Predeceased by his beloved wife Sally, son Dave and brother Bob. He leaves behind daughters Barb Woodside and Joan Raleigh (Jack) and daughter-in-law Sarah (Reid) Woodside. Treasured grandfather of Claire, Jimmy and Sally Woodside; also James, William and Julia Raleigh. He will also be missed by dear family in Northern Ireland and sister Margaret Bergin of Ottawa.
Born in Fort William, Ontario, he moved to Northern Ireland at the age of 5 where he eventually graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a degree in physics, later earning his M.Sc. and D. Sc. He returned to Canada in 1952, followed a year later by Sally; they were married in Toronto in July 1953. He began a teaching career at Ridley College in St. Catharines. He also taught Physics briefly at the University of Toronto where some of his students were older than he was. He also worked at the National Research Council in Ottawa and Gulf Research and Development in Pittsburgh in the late 1950’s, where he became a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He returned to teach at Ridley from 1960-1966, then moved to Kingston in 1966 to begin a 30-year career with Queen’s University at Kingston teaching in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He became head of Math and Engineering where he was held in high regard by faculty and students alike, winning the Golden Apple teaching award.
He enjoyed playing tennis, squash and snooker and was an avid reader and sports fan. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and graduations as their biggest supporter. Bill and Sally loved to travel, including spending three sabbaticals in Oxford, Stanford and UBC.
He always had a sunny disposition and had a kind word for everyone. He was a fine example of a true gentleman.
Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the University Club at Queen’s, 168 Stuart Street, Kingston on Saturday July 8, 2017 from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.
