William 'Bill' Tannahill

William (Bill) George Tannahill passed peacefully at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, Bracebridge, in his 87th year, on January 31, 2022. His passing is mourned by Mary Elizabeth (Bell), his beloved wife of 60 years and his son, Provincial Constable William Alexander Tannahill (Kathleen), of Bracebridge. Bill was a loving grandfather to MacGregor (Renée), Keegan and Jordyn. He is survived by his brothers David (Eleanor) and Bernie (Sue).  Predeceased by his parents Bill and Myrtle Tannahill.

Born and raised in Toronto, Bill travelled the world, later to serve in the British Air Ministry prior to joining the Ontario Provincial Police in 1965.  Sr. Provincial Constable Bill Tannahill became a dedicated officer having served his complete thirty-year career at the Mount Forest Detachment doing traffic and criminal investigations.  His passion within policing was focused upon his school liaison efforts with the students at numerous schools plus teaching safety and first aid programs within District #6.  During his married life, while raising his family and fulfilling his law enforcement obligations, he completed his degree from Western University in Sociology at age 51.

Bill was proudly recognized by OPP District Command on many occasions for his outstanding innovative efforts for his community activities.  He also received an award for supporting educational excellence in the many schools in the jurisdiction. This award included his efforts in classroom instructions and developing crisis counselling for the student body.  Additionally in 1987, Commissioner Archie Ferguson presented a Commissioner’s citation to Bill for his unique and outstanding “Operation Child identification”, an effort to save and protect children’s lives.

Later OPP Commissioner Thomas O’Grady wrote in 1991 outlining Bill’s many contributions stating, “As one of this year’s nominees for the I.O.D.E Community Relations Award, I am proud you are continuing this honourable tradition.”  With great pride as an OPP officer, Bill wrote of his exciting career in the Ontario Provincial Police later to write his recollections written in a memoir, entitled, “As I Remember”. For many years Bill was a Master Mason receiving his respected Master Mason Third Degree in 1962.

Bill was a man of tremendous principles and great pride in his career, and country, always maintaining his high values and ideals.  He had a great sense of humour, curiosity and love of life, but most unique was Bill’s ability to whistle like a concert professional. He loved to study, enjoyed a good book, classical music, fine art, fine dining and of course, fine wine. Most importantly, family meant everything to Bill.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation https://www.healthmuskoka.ca/ or the St. Thomas Anglican Church in Bracebridge http://www.stthomasanglicanchurch.ca/ .  Cremation has taken place.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, February 4th, 2022 at St. Thomas Anglican Church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Visitation will be conducted in half-hour intervals from 1:00-3:00PM, and in half-hour intervals from 5:00-7:00PM

All MUST RSVP with the names of those attending in their party. Please RSVP below for your desired timeslot.

A private family Memorial Service will be held. A recording of the service will be available and posted below this obituary in the coming days.