Dr. William (Bill) Kyle, age 81, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died with dignity on Oct. 9, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at his favourite place, the cottage he built on Lake of the Woods, Kenora, Ont.
Born in Toronto on June 19, 1942, Dr. Kyle, the eldest of four children born to Dr. Clarence, (Cam) and Wilma (Young) Kyle, grew up in Toronto and Niagara Falls Ont. In June 1961, he graduated as valedictorian from Niagara Falls Collegiate-Vocational Institute. Interested in all things mechanical, Dr. Kyle initially pursued engineering at the University of Toronto before switching his focus to science of the human body, graduating from medicine in 1968. While at U of T, Dr. Kyle made many lifelong friends, played football and rugby and met the love of his life, Eleanor Johnson.
Eleanor and William married in Kenora on Aug. 31, 1968, marking the beginning of a remarkable life together. After Dr. Kyle's internship at Toronto Western Hospital, they moved to Kenora, where Dr. Kyle worked as a family doctor. They welcomed the arrival of their first son, Larry, in 1970 before moving back to Toronto for Dr. Kyle to pursue a specialization. Initially interested in a surgical specialty, Dr. Kyle earned his fellowship in radiology in the fall of 1975. With two more children, Shannon and David, the family moved to North Bay, Ont., where Dr. Kyle started working as a radiologist. During his time in North Bay, Dr. Kyle forged enduring friendships, embraced new activities and enjoyed outdoor adventures. He and Eleanor also completed their family with the arrival of their fourth child, Brad, in 1977.
In 1981, Dr. Kyle was recruited to lead the radiology department at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, marking a return to Kenora. There, Dr. Kyle and Eleanor established deep roots, raised their family and became pillars of the community. His dedication spanned 30 years, including serving as chief of the radiology department, a period as chief of staff in the mid-90s, and playing a pivotal role in bringing new imaging technologies to the hospital.
A dedicated contributor to the Kenora community, and a firm believer in being active, Dr. Kyle was a member of, and involved with, numerous clubs, including the squash, ski, golf, rowing, curling, flying, yacht, swim and Rotary clubs. He was a volunteer soccer coach, served terms as president of the swim club and Rotary club, and worked hard to bring new sporting opportunities to town, such as cross-country ski trails and the Kenora Pickleball Club.
Dr. Kyle cherished time spent with family and friends. Always eager to share his knowledge and skills, he was the person to call if you needed tools, or help with repairs or projects. Dr. Kyle, who loved to keep busy, took up woodworking, crafting a hydroplane, canoe, kayak and a rowboat. His love for aviation even led him to build his own certified aerobatic RV6 airplane.
At the age of 59, Dr. Kyle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which altered the course of his retirement. Yet, his unwavering determination and enthusiasm for life allowed him to share countless adventures with family and friends. Dr. Kyle and Eleanor toured Canada and the U.S. in their airplane and RV, paddled in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, explored Lake of the Woods, and journeyed abroad with friends. He rejoiced in the arrival of his grandchildren and cherished time spent with them in various destinations, including in The Villages, Florida, where he and Eleanor spent many winters welcoming guests, golfing and playing pickleball.
Thanks to loving care from Eleanor, Dr. Kyle lived longer and more fully than would be expected given the progressive nature of Parkinson’s. His complaints about Parkinson’s were few, though the injustices of the disease were many. Dr. Kyle’s last summer was spent in Kenora, where he persevered with unwavering hope and positivity, focusing on what he could do as opposed to what he had been forced to give up. His resilience and courage in the face of adversity were remarkable, and he will be remembered with profound love and respect.
Dr. Kyle was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Bob. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, children and grandchildren: Larry (Susan), Lauren, Devon; Shannon (Phil Edgell), Ericka, James, Fiona; David (Dominique), Ella, Liam; and Brad (Kristin), Evey, Gavin, Silas; as well as his brother, Dr. Peter Kyle, sister, Patricia Hunter, and a large extended family and many friends.
No funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be scheduled for summer 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, Parkinson’s Canada or Dying With Dignity Canada.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared online.