William 'Bill' Russell Medland

MEDLAND, William Russell
(Known to many as Bacardi Bill; he retired from Bacardi Canada 1993)
After a very long battle Bill peacefully found his rest on January 28, 2017 at the age of 85 with his loving family and friends by his side. He was born and raised in Toronto and resided with his parents and grandparents on Degrassi Street. His love of Marching Bands began at the age of four when he Marched in his first Twelfth Parade with his Father Syd who played the snare-drum with Prince of Orange O.Y.B. 291.  Bill continued on to play flute in the Dian Juvenile Flute Band from 1941-1947, Tobermore Flute Band 1947-1960.  "Sons of Derry Flute Band" (currently Derry Flute Band) 1966-1994 serving as Band Master for several years.  In 1994 he began the Haliburton Highlands Silver Flutes and in 2007 Bill received a Governor General's Award for Caring Canadians for his dedication and volunteerism with the Haliburton Silver Flutes. Bill was a member for over 40 years At RCL419,  of the Masonic Lodge 428 and a member of the Orange Lodge 399. Besides his deep love for the flute, Bill was very athletic throughout his years; He was a quarterback for Danforth Tech, Pitcher for Toronto Tournament Fastball Leagues, and an avid Curler. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Donna, his son Philip and daughter Virginia, beloved step-children Vicki (Gregory) Pearson, Kimberly Everest, Tracey (Veselin) Lukic; Cherished Grandfather of  Dawn, Jennifer, Amanda, Brent, Holly, Amy, Adam, Russell, Elizabeth, and Logan; Adored by his Great Grandchildren Ashley, Lilly, Cameron, Pestlyn, Evan, Allison, and Hunter. There will be a celebration of Bill's life Saturday Feb. 4th, 2017, between 12pm and 3pm at Blackstock Recreational Complex, 3440 Church Rd.,Blackstock, ON. If desired, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.