Obituary of William Reginald Armstrong

William Reginald Armstrong, age 86, of St. Marys passed away at Stratford General Hospital surrounded by his family on September 24^th, 2025.

He was the loving husband of the late Irene Armstrong for 61 years. He was an amazing father to Dan (Wendy) Armstrong, Dianne (Chico) Downing and Gloria (Al) Strathdee. He was cherished by his grandchildren Emily, Kevin, and Ben (Rashelle) Armstrong, Jacob and Casey Downing, and Andrea, Billy (Raven) and Rachel Strathdee.

Bill grew up in Heatherton, Nova Scotia and was the youngest son of 8 children. He is survived by one sibling, Betty Gray and one sister-in-law Sister Harriet MacNeil. He is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Bill moved to Toronto where he met Irene who was also from Nova Scotia. Together, they raised 3 children and in 1973, they settled in St. Marys where Bill received a transfer from Campbell’s Soup and began his role as a Production Manager. Bill worked for Campbell’s Soup for a total of 34 years until his retirement in 1993. Bill loved to drive so a few years later he established his own company, Armstrong Direct Courier, that he operated for over 25 years. He also loved to travel; especially back to Nova Scotia to visit his family and friends there. He was an amazing gardener and he enjoyed playing cards and watching old western movies. He was passionate about sports. He loved to golf, played hockey with the St. Marys Men’s League for The Billiards, slow pitch baseball for The Desperados and also was a regular bowler at the St. Marys Bowling Lanes. He learned to ski in his 50’s and enjoyed several ski trips with his children. He enjoyed watching all sports and cheered especially for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Canadiens.

When Bill and Irene married, their goal was to have a big home with a pool, where they could raise their family and entertain their extended family and many friends. They achieved this goal when they moved to St. Marys and all that knew them will remember the many, many wonderful times shared at their home.

Bill will also be remembered for his great personal strength and resiliency. He was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow blood cancer and received a stem cell transplant from his brother Don Armstrong, which extended his life for more than 20 years. Prior to his illness he was a regular blood donor and had received a certificate from the Canadian Blood Donor Service for his 125^th donation.

Bill was a faithful member of the Holy Name of Mary Parish. He was known for his ability to find joy in all aspects of life. He truly lived every day to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to express his appreciation and gratitude. His positive attitude was always uplifting and a source of inspiration to everyone.

The Funeral Mass will be officiated by Fr. Don Pumputis and will be held at Holy Name of Mary Parish, 149 King Street North, St. Marys (northeast corner of Peel St. N. and Widder Street E.) on Tuesday, September 30^th, at 2:00 p.m.

Click here to view a video of the Funeral Mass

Interment will follow the service at St. Marys Cemetery. There will be a reception to follow at The St. James Lodge / Masonic Hall at 45 Thames Rd. in St. Marys.

As expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to:

The Kidney Foundation of Canada

The Canadian Cancer society

The St. Marys Healthcare Foundation

Huron Perth United Way

or the charity of your choice