HEELEY, William Derek

(WWII Veteran; Retired Vice President of Marketing for Aeroquip Canada, Toronto)
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, at the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the age of 94.  Derek, beloved husband of  Audrey (nee Parker).  Devoted father of Carole Chicorli & husband Brian of Kitchener, Barbara Sinclair & husband Douglas of Washago.  Loving Papa of Kirsten and Derek Chicorli and Jennifer Ferry (Aaron), Hilary Hawkins (Robert) and great Papa of Dreyden, Kyver, Jaceyk, Erika and Lee. He will also be missed by his nephew, Ken (Vicky) and his nieces, Ann (Ian) and Alison (Peter, deceased) of the United Kingdom. Derek was born in Liverpool, England and served in the British Army with the Irish Guards from 1939-1947 where he drove a Sherman Tank. He emigrated to Canada in 1951. After retiring from Aeroquip he divided his time between his home in Bonita Springs, Florida and his home in Washago on the Trent Severn System. Due to his passion for golf he could be found almost daily at Hawk Ridge or on the course in Bonita Springs, Florida. Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Thursday April 5, 2018 from 1 PM until time of Funeral Service at 3 PM.  Cremation to follow.  If desired, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.