William Albert (Bill) Kemp

William Albert (Bill) Kemp passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital on February 26, 2026, at the age of 91, following a brief illness. Born on January 2, 1935, at his family's farm on Guelph Line in Burlington, Bill was a lifelong resident of the community he served and loved. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marilyn (2024); his parents, Tom and Ada (nee Tregunno); his brothers-in-law, Bob and Allan; his sisters-in-law, Carol and Dorothy; and his parents-in-law, Seymour and Zelda Keir. Bill is survived and deeply missed by his children, Jennifer and Tom (Eleonore); his grandsons, Samuel (Naomi) and Brice (Francesca); his sisters, Marg and Helen (Harry); his brother-in-law, J. Arthur Keir; and many nieces and nephews. Bill grew up living and working at the family market garden farm and attended Fishers Corners School, Glenwood School and Burlington (Central) High School. A former member of the Jaycees and the Lorne Scots in his youth. He attended college in Toronto to be a diesel mechanic, working part time at Graham Hardware on Brant Street as a delivery driver. He then began a distinguished 36-year career at Stelco in 1956, eventually serving as a foreman at the Mobile Equipment Service Centre (MESC) until his retirement in 1992. During the Stelco strike in 1958 he drove a school bus for Norton Bus Lines in Burlington. In 1958, Bill married Marilyn Keir, who was a teacher at Lakeshore School, after a memorable engagement party at the historic Brant Inn. He was also a dedicated public servant, joining the Burlington Fire Department as a volunteer in 1963, rising through the ranks over 35 years to retire as Volunteer District Chief in 1998. Visitation will be held at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line, BURLINGTON, on Wednesday, March 11th from 12:30-2 p.m., followed by tributes at 2 p.m. Interment will follow.