Obituary of William (Bill) Assaf Aziz

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bill on August 9, 2022 at the age of 99. Bill leaves behind his devoted wife of 64 years, Clarice (Lally) (nee Nakash) and their two sons, Andrew (Betsy Harvie) and Stephen, as well as grandchildren, John, Annie, George and Andrew.

The youngest and last surviving child in a family of ten children, Bill was born and raised in Toronto, attended Upper Canada College and then enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Nicknamed “Blazes” in high school for his speed, he was athletic and competitive on the field. A Spitfire pilot during World War II, Bill saw action overseas, including on D-Day, and forged enduring friendships with his fellow Squadron mates that lasted the rest of their lives.

After the war, Bill joined the family wholesaling business, J&A Aziz and Sons, where he worked until his retirement. An attentive son and brother, Bill visited his parents every night after work before heading home and he was especially close with his sister, Daisy, throughout her life. A wonderful dancer, Bill loved big band swing music, especially Glenn Miller.

In the late 1950s he was introduced to Lally, whose family was from Montreal, and in 1958 they began their married life together in Toronto. An era comes to a close – Bill was predeceased by his parents Assaf and Haseeby, who immigrated to Canada in the late 1800s, and by all his sisters and brothers, Emma, Nellie, Edna, Louise, Daisy, Sam, Abraham, Frank and Alexander. He is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and relatives.

Bill and Lally moved to The Briton House during the pandemic. A recent solo outing to visit his childhood home on Forest Hill Road earned him a spot in memory care, where he spent his days with several wonderful souls. Dad was devoted to Lally and their family, wanted the best for them, looked after us with Mom and provided for us in every way. Thanks for being a great husband, dad and man. Bill’s strong work ethic, modesty and love were measures of the man over the years. Many thanks to everyone at The Briton House for their tender care of Dad these past two years.

There will be a short service and gathering at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville) on Friday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choosing.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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