William “Bill” Michael Lyford

William “Bill” Michael Lyford (July 1st, 1947 – November 6th, 2026) – Smith Funeral Home

Visit the Smith Funeral Home to send your condolences and support.

It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of William Michael Lyford (Bill) on November 6, 2026 at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was the beloved husband and lifelong love of Linda Lyford, nee Holmes. Together they shared 56 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their love for one another was the foundation of the family they built together.

Born in Sarnia, Ontario, on July 1, 1947, Bill was the eldest son of Alison (nee Street) and William Roy Lyford, both deceased. When his father accepted an engineering role with Falconbridge Nickel Mines, the family moved to Falconbridge and later Onaping. Bill had a wonderful childhood, spending summers at Falcona Summer Camp and at the family camp on Trout Lake, where his love of nature, fishing, and canoeing began. He was the proud and loving brother of Robert Lyford (Lynda), Susan Lyford (Don Ramsay), and Holly Richmond (Rob). In his youth, Bill loved time with friends, running track, swimming, and playing football. At age 11, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a challenge he faced with courage and determination throughout his life. Bill made it his mission to win each day, no matter what challenges came his way.

After losing his cherished father in 1970, Bill returned home from university with Linda, the love of his life, to support his family. Bill and Linda were married on February 13, 1971, and began their life together in Sudbury, where Bill completed his apprenticeship at the mines. It was there they welcomed their first three children, David, Shelley, and Lauri. In the late 1970s, they returned to Sarnia to be closer to family, where their fourth child, Lisa, was born. Bill went on to build a long and respected career as an electrical and instrumentation specialist with Imperial Oil and Sarnia Products Pipeline. Even after retirement, he continued to share his expertise with family and friends.

More than anything, Bill loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his children and set an extraordinary example of dedication, hard work, bravery, and kindness. He was the proud father of David (Monica) Lyford, Shelley (Bryan) Crnic, Lauri (Jason Trodd) Lyford, and Lisa (John) Gawdunyk. His greatest joy was his 12 grandchildren: Alex, Ben, Matthew, and Graysen Lyford; Mateo, Luka, and Julia Crnic; Jadyn and Evyn Trodd; and Aiden, Rylan, and Ava Gawdunyk. He loved them beyond measure and each of them will miss him every day. His gentle presence will also be missed by his faithful, furry companions, Ivy and Willow.

Some of Bill’s happiest memories were made at the family cottage in Howdenvale, which he helped build alongside his in-laws, Barb and Ken Holmes, both deceased. Whether he was building a new fishpond in his beautiful garden, boating on Lake Huron, fishing at the “Basshole”, spending time at the beach, or travelling the world with his wife and friends, Bill was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

Bill was loyal, funny, hard working, and deeply loved. He was a devoted Husband, an extraordinary Dad, an amazing Grandpa, a caring Brother, and a true Friend. We will miss his laugh, his stories, his steady presence, and the way he made us all feel so loved. We are forever grateful for the life we shared with him.

Loved beyond words. Missed beyond measure. Until we meet again.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Bluewater Health and the Nephrology Unit at Victoria Hospital in London, for their compassion and care over the past two months.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Friday, November 13, 2026. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by words of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Cremation has taken place.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada (cheques only at the funeral home please).