Perras, P. William (Died)

PERRAS: The Honourable P. William Retired Judge - Ontario Superior Court of Justice Peacefully at home in his 90th year, surrounded by the love of his family, after a brief and very courageous battle with cancer. Survived by Norma, his devoted wife of 64 years, Bill was a loving and inspiring father to his six children: Bill Jr. (Cindy), Terry, Paul (Pam), Mark, Kathi and Patti (Paul Shugart). Endearingly known as "Pops" to his eight adoring grandchildren: Kelly, Kristi (Brian Reid), Kim (Jamie Fitzpatrick), Tiffany, Michael, Devon, CJ and Haley - and his four great-grandchildren: Colby, Carter, Tessa and Chase. He was born in Ottawa on June 1, 1923 to F. William Perras and Patricia Elizabeth Grace. Predeceased by his parents, son Terry, daughter-in-law Carol, brother René and sister Grace Bryson. Bill completed Grade 13 at St. Patrick's College High School in 1941. Two years into his Bachelor of Commerce studies at St. Patrick's College, he left to join the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA); then travelled overseas to England and Italy in 1944, where he was posted to the 3rd Field Regiment, RCA of the First Division; and completed his service as part of the North-West Europe Campaign of 1944-1945. He returned to St. Pat's in November 1945 to continue his studies and graduated with his Bachelor of Commerce in 1947, along with his classmate Norma King. They were married on July 31, 1948. After attending Osgoode Hall Law School, Bill was called to the Bar in 1951 and opened a law office in Oakville, where he practiced alone and in partnership for the next 27 years. He considered his work as a Federal Drug Prosecutor to be one of the most interesting periods of his practice. Bill was appointed to the bench by the federal government in 1978 and served as a Judge in Hamilton for over 20 years, prior to his retirement in June 1998. Aside from practicing law (appointed Queen's Counsel) and his judicial duties, he actively participated in and contributed to a broad range of activities: the post-war militia in the 29th Field Regiment, RCA, as a Member of Oakville Town Council, the Planning Board and the Oakville Jaycees, and as a Member and Chairman of the Oakville Separate School Board. Bill was a Charter Member of the Oakville Council of the Knights of Columbus, the Oakville Curling Club and the St. Thomas More Lawyers' Guild, Diocese of Hamilton. Additional activities and memberships included Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association, the Halton County Law Association (former President), the Hamilton Law Association (Honourary Member), the Hamilton Club and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. And, of course, his major commitment and contribution to Oakville minor and junior hockey - where he served as a Director and Convenor of the Oakville Minor Hockey Association and as a Founding Director of the Oakville Blades Junior Hockey Club. For many years, Bill and Norma spent their winter months in Naples, Florida with so many of their family and close friends. Bill's strong Catholic faith provided great comfort during his illness. He is deeply loved and will be forever missed. If desired, donations to Ian Anderson House in Oakville (905) 337-8004, www.ianandersonhouse.com would be greatly appreciated by the family. T h e f a m i l y w i l l r e c e i v e f r i e n d s a t KO P R I VA TAY L O R F U N E R A L H O M E located at 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, ON L6K 1E1 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. A funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 47 Reynolds Street, Oakville, ON L6J 3J9 at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. Interment at St. Jude`s Cemetery, 250 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville. Condolences through www.koprivataylor.com