William (Bill) Francis Keyzers

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Keyzers on October 2,2022 in his 90th year.

He will be so greatly missed as a beloved and loyal husband of 66 years to Ricki; amazing dad to Dorothy (Tim) and Frank (predeceased); wonderful Opa to Candace (Ryan) and their daughters Sophie and Calie, and step Opa to Ben (Nicola) and son Luca, Amy and daughters Evy and Nevaeh, Elise and daughters Elizabeth and Isabelle; dear sister to Marjory and predeceased brothers John, Peter and Tony.  He will also be greatly missed by his extended family, nieces and nephews and dear friends. 

Bill was born in Deurne, The Netherlands to Guillaume and Dora Keyzers. His family owned a newspaper and printing business where he learned the trade. He moved to Canada as a young man in July 1953.  He first worked on a farm in Grossle Isle, north of Winnipeg and then decided to settle in Uxbridge in March 1955.  He worked as a printer at the Uxbridge Times-Journal.  In 1960 Bill and Harry Stemp formed Uxbridge Printing Co. Ltd.  Over the years they purchased eight weekly newspapers including the Uxbridge Times-Journal in June 1974 as well as operated a large commercial printing business.

Bill was married on October 13, 1956 to Ricki Janssen, also a native of the Netherlands.  They met at the Roxy Theatre in Uxbridge.  They raised two children Dorothy and Frank.  Frank’s life tragically ended at the age of 16. 

He was an active part of his community through involvement as president of the Kinsmen Club, chairman of the local Catholic Separate School Board, served on the committee of minor variances and the Uxbridge Credit Union Board and more recently involved in the Quaker Hill Printing Shop at the Uxbridge Museum as well as his continual involvement at the Sacred Heart Parish Church and cemetery board.

Bill and his daughter Dorothy also owned Uxbridge Travel Centre for 31 years.

Bill will be remembered and deeply missed for his dedication and provision as a husband, father and Opa, his hard work and intellect, love of people and loyalty to his community.

Many, many thanks to Drs. Patricia Wong and Spencer Chau for above and beyond personal care and Home and Community Care Health services, especially the nurses for their tender guidance and care.

Visitation will be at Low and Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Box 388, Uxbridge L9P 1M8 (905-852-3073) on Thursday, October 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  A celebration of life will be held at Sacred Heart Parish Church on Friday, October 7 at 11:00 am.  Internment to follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Donations to the Uxbridge Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul or Uxbridge Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.