It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Mercer, known to all as “Bill,” who passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 65, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After a long battle with multiple health issues, Bill passed peacefully, surrounded by his children and loved ones.
Born in Scarborough, Ontario, he was two minutes younger than his identical twin brother. At the time, they were the largest twins born at the Scarborough General Hospital. Bill spent his early years living in England. As a child, Bill and his siblings loved to play hide-and-seek and kick the can, often finding themselves in playful trouble. He spent many joyful days camping, fishing, swimming, and occasionally raiding gardens. A talented hockey player, Bill enjoyed the sport throughout his youth. He was also an avid reader, creative writer of stories and poetry, and passionate artist who loved to draw and paint.
Bill lived in Etobicoke, Ontario, for many years and worked as a skilled welder. Later in life, he returned to Manitoba and worked various jobs. Most recently, he worked alongside his good friend Brandon, restoring cars to be sold.
Bill faced numerous challenges in his life, including a courageous battle with addiction, colon cancer, cardiomyopathy, and other health issues. Through it all, he showed incredible strength, resilience, and heart. He fought tirelessly to stay strong for the people he loved.
Bill put forth immense effort to overcome his addiction, seeking treatment multiple times and experiencing stretches of sobriety. With each attempt, he carried a hopeful spirit and a sincere desire to live without drugs. Though he faced many challenges, his generosity never wavered — he gave freely to help his friends however he could. Bill’s kindness, quick wit, captivating stories, and fascination with conspiracy theories left a lasting impression. His resilience and the love he shared will forever be remembered.
Left to mourn his passing are his loving partner Stephanie Saunders; his children Jolene (Douglas), Nicole, Kimberly (Trevor), Mark (Sienna), Angela (Corey), and Jasmine (Mitch); his grandchildren Cody (Erin), Caylin (Chad), Kalista, Alexis (Tanner), Kiya (Jesse), Natalie, Riley, Kaiden, Desi, Jonathan, Dayson, Timothy, Kaysen, Kaydee, Ariah, and Maddox; his great-grandchildren Bella, Karsyn, Zariah, Kaedence, Armani, Kyro and Rhyatt; sister Pauline (Kyle); brother Graham (Joan); sisters-in-law Connie and Deb Mercer; uncle’s Chris Mercer (Chris) and Stan Janes (Phyliss); aunt Hazel and numerous cousins. Bill had numerous nieces and nephews, Sam, Jeremy (Aganetha), Angie (Donny) Tara, Jack (Gill), Shawn (Amanda), Justin (Karina), and Alissa (Kyle); great nieces and nephews Skyler, Summer, Kyler, Natasha, Jason, Angel, Dominick, Dayton, Ashlyn, Devon, Echo, Gavin, Olivia, Easton, Caroline, Myra, Sarah and Emmett; and great-great niece Azriella and his best friend Brandon.
Bill is now reunited with his mother Margaret, father Frederick, identical twin brother John, younger brother David, niece Alicia, and grandson Kristian.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Avenue, Winnipeg, MB (corner of Henderson and Hespeler). Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and honour Bill’s memory.
Honourary Pallbearers are Jeremy Mercer, Jack Mercer, Shawn Mercer, Mark Mercer, Justin Mercer, and Brandon Moar.
Though his journey was filled with pain, it was also filled with love. Bill was deeply loved—and he will be dearly missed.
A seeker of truths, both dark and bright,
A painter of worlds in ink and light,
With stories spun from stars and dreams,
And questions deeper than they seemed.,
Through battles fought in mind and bone,
You walked this world but not alone.
Now rest where colours never fade,
And words live on in those you made.
