On Friday, August 31, 2019, William James Sedgwick passed away at the age of 67.
James was born on September 10, 1951 in Toronto to Dr. William Scott Sedgwick and Jean (Shortreed) Sedgwick. He grew up in Woodstock, ON and went on to study Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Business at Acadia University, and Computer Science at the University of Western Ontario. He moved to Orillia to start a family and worked at Kubota (Fahramet) Metal Corporation as the IT Systems Analyst for 30 years, retiring in 2016.
He had a quick wit along with a compassionate spirit and a gentle heart. First impressions often made people initially wary of James due to his gruff appearance and bear-like size, but soon with a twinkle in the eye and an easy smile he could win over the meanest of old ladies. He loved downhill skiing in the winter and riding his bike in the summer. A world traveler, sports car driver and motorcyclist in his day, and a connoisseur of fine food and beverages from around the world, James loved to feel the wind on his face and joined the few and proud ranks when he won the Sand Lake Sailboat Race with the smallest boat on the water. He stepped very much to the beat of his own drum, yet tempered adventure with a healthy desire for knowledge - constantly reading newspapers, novels, websites and staying up to date on all facets of IT and computing even into his retirement.
James was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jean, along with his sister Jane. He is survived by his son, Luke, along with his sisters Margaret and Elizabeth, and his nephew Scott. He didn’t want there to be much of a fuss over his passing and requested not to have a service or ceremony - but if you’re reading this and you feel inclined, then hold your glass aloft and toast the life of William James Sedgwick - fore he will be missed.