William Knox

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother William “Bill” Knox in his 89th year, on March 10, 2025. He passed peacefully on a beautiful, sunny morning in his home in Guelph, Ontario, with his family close by and his loving wife Joan, holding his hand.

Bill was born on March 29, 1936, in Glasgow, Scotland to loving parents William (Bill) and Colina (Ina) Knox. He was welcomed by his proud “big sister” Margaret Knox.

Bill always admired the artistic and strong work ethic of his parents. Inspired by his father’s craftsmanship, he developed his passion and talent for carpentry, building and design. He completed a three-year program in millwork and drafting at Glasgow Stowe College of Building and a two year apprenticeship in fine cabinet making. In his fifth year he earned his Journeyman’s Papers.

Bill served two compulsory years of military service in the Highland Light Infantry, stationed in Cyprus. After returning to Scotland he co-founded two businesses, an interior design company and a boat-building business with his best friend, Jim Ross. Their company, Mark Craft, was known for its elegant wooden designs.

In June 1963, Bill married Moira McCallum and together they emigrated from Scotland to Canada, first creating a home in Burlington, Ontario and then moving to Guelph shortly thereafter. In 1968, Bill began his career at Conestoga College. It was there that he found the perfect balance of his talent for design and carpentry and his love of teaching. Bill worked at Conestoga College for 28 years, creating and leading new programs and being revered for his patience, compassion and ability to inspire and encourage his students.

Outside of his work at Conestoga, Bill dedicated himself tirelessly to his community, participating in the Guelph Lions Club, The Gideons (Shareworld Global), Habitat for Humanity, Wyndham House and Kortright Presbyterian Church. Bill’s faith, enthusiasm, and kindness touched the hearts of many.

Bill often expressed his love for his family and community by creating furniture, art, and gifts that he generously shared. One piece, in particular, was designing and building the bible stand at Kortright Presbyterian Church. Through the legacy of these lovingly constructed works of art, we remember the joy, devotion and care that he poured into both his work and the people around him.

In August 1991, Bill met Joan Davies at Kortright Presbyterian Church. They fell in love and were married just three months later. Their union showed that, while Bill was known for his measured approach to life, he also knew when things just felt right. For 33 years they shared a beautiful love story - they danced, enjoyed long walks and drives, travelled, and spent time at cottages, never running out of conversation and ways of expressing their love for each other. Bill loved to spend time with his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, his sister, extended family and friends, as well as his cherished dogs: Casper, Moses, Dreamer, Angus and Duke.

Bill’s exceptionally peaceful, patient and diligent approach will live on in his children, grandchildren, students, and everyone who had the privilege of learning from him. His life is a testament to the wisdom and strength of a man who knew how to craft not only objects of beauty but relationships filled with love, grace and generosity.

Bill is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Joan Knox, his children, Susan Knox (Brian Cluff), Carol Knox (Jim McIntosh), of Guelph, Ontario and Kimberly Dennis (Sean Dennis) of Dundalk, Ontario. His grandchildren Alexandra Cluff, Taryn McIntosh, Sabrina Dennis (Austin Fischer) and Max Dennis will miss him greatly as will his “big” sister Margaret Knox of Glasgow, Scotland. He will be sadly missed by his extended Scottish family Kenneth Thompson (Marian), Iain Thompson (Anne), Elaine Bain (Stuart) and their children and grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Deirdre McCallum and his nieces Rachel Anderson, Louise Oliver (David), and their children.

Bill lives on in all of our hearts and will be forever cherished by his family, his many friends, and all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Bayshore nurses: Tammy, Laura, and especially Loveina for all of their care at home, as well as to Dr. Thomas, Dr. Webb and staff and Dr. Spadafora and Elizabeth.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 23, 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Kortright Presbyterian Church, (55 Devere Drive, Guelph, Ontario).

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday April 26, 2025, at 2pm, at Kortright Presbyterian Church (55 Devere Drive, Guelph)

The Celebration of Life will also be livestreamed starting at 1:45pm. Please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/us0vlq1wxGc

If you wish to make a charitable donation in Bill’s memory, please donate to Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington, the Salvation Army Guelph Citadel or Wyndham House.