Mr. William ( Bill ) Francis Markwick

Nov. 7, 1945 – June 19, 2017 William (Bill) Francis Markwick, passed away peacefully at his residence in Toronto, on June 19, 2017. Born in Owen Sound, Ontario to William and Gwen (White) Markwick, he grew up in Smiths Falls, spent some years in Montreal, discovering folk music and learning to play guitar. He then moved to Toronto, where he worked building and helping design electronic equipment for the music industry at Pete Traynor’s Yorkville Sound. In Toronto, at the Whistle Stop Coffeehouse, he met and soon married Eileen (Scott) and they spent 23 years together sharing an active involvement in the folk world of music and Morris dance, along with Bill’s mad sense of humour. After their separation, Bill spent a year in B.C. and on returning to Toronto, he enjoyed a reconnection with Markwick family members and spent time with his cousins; Barbara Barclay of Beaconsfield, Barbara Willson of Markham and Ann DeBenedetti. Bill will be greatly missed by these cousins and his very good friend Ed Zapletal, of Scarborough. Bill and Ed met, as editors at Mooreshead publications and Ed remained a strong support for Bill sharing a love of writing, music and unique humour. Though he struggled with finding his place in the world, Bill was extremely talented in many areas and was exceptionally good at whatever he attempted. His writing, photography and humour were sources of much entertainment for so many including his recent creation, a monthly newspaper, “The Toronto Moon – All the News That’s Fit to Mock”. The recording soundboards he designed and built are still being used in studios today and his beautifully crafted woodwork pieces are treasured by those lucky enough to own them. Many friends and family members enjoyed the results of his cooking and have fond memories of 10 course Chinese feasts and of the infamous $200 steak dinner. In recent years he was cooking again and shared old favourites and newly discovered recipes with his cousin Barbara in Beaconsfield. Bill found much pleasure and peace in music and loved playing guitar and singing. He was often asked to play back up guitar for performers at concerts and festivals. He enjoyed many years playing guitar and singing with two partners, Peter Baughen and then Jim Armour. Two special musical highlights gave Bill happy memories and much joy. On a trip to England with Eileen, he played Martin Carthy’s guitar in a Grimsby folk club joining Martin on stage for a few chorus songs. And at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Toronto, performing with Jim Armour, they had the dream opportunity of talking with and sharing the stage with Gordon Lightfoot. Although cremation has taken place, there is the opportunity to share memories or leave a message through this website. In the fall, there will be a gathering to remember Bill and share stories, his writing and humour and to sing a few songs together. More information will be sent out later in the summer or write to: markwickej@hotmail.com for details. In the meantime, you can be sure Bill has joined that ever-growing chorus lead by Woody, Pete and Leadbelly, playing his guitar and singing his heart out.