William (Bill) Roy Rogers

In Loving Memory

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of William Roy Rogers—better known as Bill—who peacefully slipped his moorings on Friday, December 5th, 2025. Survived by his partner and wife for over 60 years – Ann & Bill will always be joined in our minds and hearts.

Bill, a proud son of the prairie, was born in Regina, where his heart first learned to appreciate the vast skies and the simple, enduring charm of Saskatchewan and Regina Beach. The son of Roy and Grace, and big brother to Brenda and Maureen, he carried the prairie spirit with him, even after his early teenage years led him to the green coasts of British Columbia.

A Life Built on Water, Wood, Woofs, Whiskey…and a lot of NASCAR.

Bill was an accomplished engineer and business leader, a man who could navigate both a boardroom and a squall with equal skill. A man whose journey began in the west, but his heart was in Ontario.

   • The Water: He was a true-blue boat enthusiast—not just some boats, but all boats, from wooden dinghies and classic boats to Sunshine and Spirit 7. A passion he and Ann shared together - and we all know that sailing is truly the best test of a relationship, and they navigated it beautifully!

   • The Water (Frozen): Bill enjoyed the water even when frozen, and not just in a drink. An avid curler who learned to not only love the game but loved the friends he made on the rink – Go Rainbow!

   • The Woods: The call of Lake of Bays was strong for Bill. He adored the serenity of Muskoka, working in his woodshop, and building his dream home on the most beautiful of lakes.

   • The Dogs: If a dog was present, Bill was happy. He was a devoted, if slightly overly generous, treat-dispenser to his own canine companions and the countless grand-dogs that trotted through his life.

   • The Scotch: He really loved scotch. Really. He appreciated many of the finer things in life, but especially when served neat.

   • The Cars: We all knew where we would find Bill on the weekend from February to November, parked in front of a loud television watching NASCAR. From pre-race pundits to the final checkered flag, he watched and lived every moment of his favourite sport. We guess he just really liked watching folks turn left.

Family Man, Friend and Adventurer

Bill was blessed with friends from all his adventures...from high school, UBC, Montreal, Rogers Cable, curling, bridge, sailing, and most recently the fantastic folks at Huntsville PROBUS. We thank you all for your humour, kindness and love. But Bill's greatest legacy is his family. He was the devoted husband of Ann, his best friend and travel partner through decades of adventures, where they explored the world, often astride bicycles or afloat. He was the proud and loving father of Janine (Brian), Cara (Roger), and Mack (Kirsty), and was proud Papa to Maya, Sam, Max, Calvin and Henry - not to mention the many, many canine grand-pups.


Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched. May his sails always be full and his glass never empty.

Fair winds, Bill.

Photo Gallery

Memory wall

December 17, 2025

So sorry to hear of your loss, condolences to you Ann & your family.

LindaSproston

December 15, 2025

I could see Bill's smile as I read this. And, I heard his good natured laugh when I got to the part about scotch.
Over 60+ years of friendship with Ann and Bill, Gordon and I enjoyed so many good times and memorable adventures. I will treasure those memories.

Farewell Bill. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Betty McDougall

December 14, 2025

My family will always be in debt for Bill’s wisdom, mentorship, humor and encouragement. When we lost my mom in my early 20s, Bill and Ann took on a special place in my life, always talking the time – likely only a parent would do - for a chat and of course, incredible dinners where literally no subject was left untouched. My parents loved the two of you and you returned that love with warmth and a fierce loyalty to friendship, family and helping us all realize the importance of a positive attitude and of making every day count.

And Ann, Bill sure did love you! The two of you had a truly special marriage, friendship and relationship that I’ve always admired. You were best friends, and it showed.

We look forward to continuing to honor Bill’s way of life on the Lake for many years to come!

Kevin & the Greene family

Kevin Greene

December 14, 2025

Ann, how lucky John and I were to have known Bill. I loved his smile, his sense humour and his zest for life. John remembers many hours spent with Bill watching NASCAR and discussing the pros and cons of each driver and rescuing you and Bill at the Murray Canal. Dinner parties at the Rogers household were always the best of time and Bill, no one could cook a steak better than you.

Liz and John Forder

December 13, 2025

Ann, I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.He truly enjoyed a life well lived and well loved with family and friends. I enjoyed many Probus activities with Ann and Bill - Bill was the only one who knew how to score wine tasting! May the wind be always at your back.

Betsy Rothwell

December 12, 2025

Condolences on Bills passing— well run good sir may you rest in peace and have a wrench in your hand…

Graham Hill

December 11, 2025

Andy and I were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We knew him as a kind and fun- loving neighbor at Lake of Bays. We had many Happy Hours either on our deck or theirs. We took boat rides on their lovely boats. We got to know their great kids. After they moved to Huntsville we would meet at “Wings” and have a great time.
He will be missed.

Joy Montgomery

December 11, 2025

No matter where we were riding in the car with Bill there would be an accompanying narrative about the area. Bill knew the history, the interesting facts, what drove their economy and the best places to eat.
Thanks Bill, James and I always loved our car rides with you and Ann.

Eleanor Kemp

December 11, 2025

Lois and I spent many enjoyable moments with Bill and Ann over many years. The Rainbow Weekend at their cottage on Lake of Bays was a highlight of our summers. Bill helped us get back into sailing.. We enjoyed having Bill at our place on Leonard Lake and when they visited us in Florida. Good fun always.
Rest in peace our dear friend.
Love
Lois and Bob Manning

Bob and Lois Manning

December 10, 2025

What a wonderful tribute! I truly enjoyed both of your brilliant minds through many Probus experiences. Condolences to all.

Barbara Burton

December 10, 2025

Dear Ann: Bill was so generous and kind. One very cold winter night when a group of us were at the home of Pat Hardy, we found ourselves in the position of being unable to drive back up the very steep and icy driveway. After several unsuccessful tries, Bill drove us home. The next day he went to Canadian Tire to get some de-icer and took Patrick back to Walkers Road to try again to get our car up the steep hill. After that failed he used his CAA membership to get a tow truck to pull the car out. Bill was so generous and helpful, and we were very grateful for his friendship. As time passed, Bill became quieter, but what was always evident was Bill and Ann’s devotion to each other. I’m sorry they moved far away from so many of their old friends. But Ann will be close to her family and hopefully she will join a book club and maybe a Probus group and strangers will become friends. Ann, please know you are always welcome to stay with us.

Cathie & Patrick Flanagan

December 9, 2025

Uncle Bill, your kindness, love, and quiet strength helped shape my life in ways I will always treasure. Some of my earliest memories are of you patiently painting the fingernails of Janine, Jennifer, Cara, and me. That alone spoke volumes of your generosity of spirit. In my teen years, you were a steady ship through turbulent waters, and I am forever grateful for your guidance and steady support. One lesson you gave me changed how I move through the world: “Every door I open, I expect the best. And if I do not like what I find, I am not afraid to keep opening more doors and trust that better outcomes will come.” Those words taught me how to move forward with confidence and courage when I needed to learn both. My life is richer because I had you as my Uncle. Love, Trish.

Patricia Hill

December 9, 2025

We love that photo in the blue shirt with the headband on the bike.
That guy had style! Our condolences to Ann and family. Your tribute was so beautifully written. Keely and Dave

KEELY SCHIERL

December 9, 2025

He was intelligent, incredibly generous, a phenomenal sailor, and a wonderful uncle who will be greatly missed.

Shane & Zoe Williams

December 9, 2025

I knew Bill first as a client and then as a client and friend. When we bought on Lake of Bays.I introduced Mary to Bill and Ann and as 2 couples we became "old friends" overnight. Bill's passing has left a.hole in our lives which will never be filled.

Stanley Neal

December 9, 2025

It’s hard to put into words what sixty years of knowing someone truly means. Bill has been part of our lives for so long and has been part of our family in every way that mattered. Bill was steady , reliable and endlessly kind. Whether it was his gentle humour, his willingness to help or the quiet strength he carried, His generosity in sharing with our family their wonderful cottage on Lake of Bays lives on in our own family memories.
We have been blessed with a lifetime of memories: many many family gatherings, shared stories and moments that feel priceless.
We will carry Bill’s memory with us always and we are grateful beyond words for the sixty years we had with him.

Jane & Dean Williams

December 7, 2025

Thanks Dad. Love you.

Mack

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