Obituary of Norman (Bill) Deakin

Norman “Bill” Deakin passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, April 27^,  2026 in Kingston. He leaves his wife of 74 years, Valerie, children Janice (Sue), Ian (Mirella) and his grandchildren, Ellie (Thibault), Lani (Joel) and Jake.

Bill and Valerie emigrated to Smiths Falls in 1953. What was to be a short stay turned into something much longer.  Together they built a meaningful and fulfilling life there.

Bill spent his entire career with Croyden Office Furniture initially as a “draftsman” and later holding management positions. He loved his work and found great joy in the relationships he formed through work. His community service included chairing the Public Hospital board during the time of amalgamation. 

He was one of the early members of the Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club but traded in the golf course for the family cottage on the Rideau. Many friends and neighbours had their first waterski behind the Deakin boat with Bill as their instructor.  During the winter months Bill was a member of the Rideau Ski Club and enjoyed his time on the slopes with his best mate Pat Smith.

Good health and a lengthy retirement gave Bill and Valerie the opportunity to explore the world and spend their winters in Florida where they joined new communities of friends.

Bill lived his mantra, lifted from the epitaph of his hometown hero, Captain Webb, “nothing great is easy”.

A reception will be held to celebrate Bill’s life at Blair and Son Funeral Home, 112 Beckwith Street North Smiths Falls on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sharing of memories will take place at 2:00 p.m. Followed by a private interment at St. Bede’s cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to SE Foundation (Saint Elizabeth) from whom Bill received companionate care in both Smiths Falls and Kingston.