Obituary of William (Bill) Gerrard Stocker

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Gerrard Stocker at the age of 91. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Gisele (Florent); daughter Deborah Palmer (James dod 11/11/22); daughter Linda Hewitt (Ward); son Randy (Artur Wilczynski); grandson Michael Palmer; great-granddaughter Lina; predeceased by his brother Douglas and his wife Marion Stocker and parents Alfred Stocker and Irene (Cooper).  

Bill was born and raised in Perth, Ontario.  While attending Perth and District Collegiate Institute he was active in rugby, basketball, hockey, track and field and the Perth Collegiate Band. At graduation he was awarded the John McLeod Hogg Scholarship Award as the student who best exemplified the characteristics of leadership, loyalty, integrity and interest in athletics and literature. 

In 1952 Bill joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  After completing his basic training in Regina Saskatchewan he worked as an officer in Regina and Lytton, B.C. 

In 1953, while home on leave from the RCMP, Bill met the love of his life, Gisele Florent, at a local dance.  After returning to Regina, he and Gisele corresponded regularly and eventually were engaged.  In those days, RCMP officers could not marry until after having served five years.   After a two-year engagement, Bill made the decision to leave the RCMP to be with the woman he loved.   He was hired as a police constable with the Smiths Falls Police Department in 1956 and on Grey Cup Day (November 24, 1956) Bill and Gisele married. 

Bill progressed through the ranks of the Smiths Falls Police Department, being promoted to Sergeant in 1959, then Deputy-Chief in 1969 (the first-ever Deputy-Chief in the department), then Chief of Police in 1975.  He served as Chief of Police until his retirement in 1990, marking 37 years in police work. 

Following retirement Bill took up wood carving and created many beautiful, detailed bird carvings.  He also enjoyed golfing and curling with a great group of friends.  He owned and enjoyed riding several motorcycles over the years, only giving it up in his 80’s. 

Throughout his life, Bill remained active and engaged with his community and wholly dedicated to his family.

He was a proud and independent man, who possessed a kind and gentle nature that endeared him to all who knew him. 

Following a long and challenging struggle with heart disease, he left this world on his own terms, at home, peacefully, surrounded by his family and his long-time friend Ace Halladay.  

Special thanks to Bill’s sister-in-law Mariette McRae, building managers Joan and Randy Smith and the many PSW’s and nurses, all of whom helped care for Bill during his long illness. Thank you also to Dr. Kuchinad for his medical care, kindness and compassion. 

We will miss him forever. 

in lieu of flowers, donations to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation or the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated.

Friends and members of the public are welcome to attend Bill's funeral at the Blair & Son Funeral Home Chapel, 112 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery,  A reception will follow at the Blair & Son Reception Centre to offer condolences to the family and join for a luncheon.