DESLAURIERS, William James - Peacefully, with family, on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Sunnybrook Hospital, age 89.
Bill grew up in North Toronto and studied at the University of Toronto where he obtained both his undergraduate and his law degrees.
It was there he met Doreen, to whom he was a wonderful husband until her passing in 2005.
Bill was the Gold Medalist in his graduating year at U of T Law School and joined the practice of John S.D. Tory in 1954. In 1963, Bill joined forces with his U of T classmates John and Jim Tory and Art Binnington to found Tory, Tory, DesLauriers & Binnington. Subsequently renamed Torys LLP, the firm grew to become one of Canada's largest and preeminent law firms.
In the early part of his career, Bill was a busy corporate lawyer with a practice that focused on securities and mergers and acquisitions. He found his true calling as an international tax lawyer, travelling extensively in support of his clients. He became a trusted adviser to the Thomson family and The Thomson Corporation with their extensive business holdings around the world. Bill loved the law and he loved his clients, many of whom were or became his close friends.
He particularly enjoyed collaborating with colleagues in solving the most complex legal problems. In more recent years, Bill continued his work as senior counsel at the firm performing pro bono work and serving on the boards of a number of charities or institutions, including St. Michael's College, Henry Carr Farms St. Lucia Mission and the Mediaeval Studies Foundation.
Bill was a dedicated family man, and he was happiest spending time with his five children and seven grandchildren.
Bill leaves behind his children Mark (Wendy), Rick (Deb), David (Nicolas), Cathy (David Merry) and Jamie, his seven grandchildren Jay and Matt, Alexander and Danielle and Adam, Brian and Michael and his loving sister-in-law Beverley. He was predeceased by his two brothers Gerry and David. \Visitation will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Avenue West, on Wednesday, February 7th, 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, on Thursday, February 8th at 10:30 am. Reception to follow the Mass with details to be provided.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sheldon and the wonderful staff at Sunnybrook Hospital, including Dr. Ko.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Odette Cancer Centre – Sunnybrook Hospital or a Catholic charity of your choice.
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