COLLINS WILLIAM (BILL) JONES

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• A lifelong friend growing up together. I'll cherish all the memories of us making plans as kids, the fun of playing sports, socials, weddings, building careers, and growing families. I'll never forget Bill's spirit and humour  behind his mischievous smile and laughter. I admired his genuine compassion of others, a deep caring and genuine love of family and friends. I miss you so much my brother, you will be held forever in our hearts. Our condolences to Bills family, with a hope that you may feel some comfort knowing we and many others share your grief. - Posted by: Randy Stefanyk (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2021

• My deepest sympathy to Jessica, Melissa and their families. Bill left us far to soon and I will treasure many fond memories starting with being on the Sisler Junior High Junior City Championship Basketball team back in 1972. We later spent many years playing on the North End Frontier Men's Slo-Pitch team. But one of Bill's special projects was making a documentary called "They Came To Play The Game They Loved." Sadly Bill passed before it was completed but glad to hear that friends ( Anthony Towstego) plan to see it through. (see below) Anthony Towstego wrote When Bill Jones (Jonsey) Bill Jones approached me with his dream of creating a documentary series about the black African ball players who found refuge, playing in western Canada in 1950s , I must admit I knew little about it-and was curious Consequently in 2016 we started having weekly lunches at Manhattans and the development started and our project partnership solidified. As I tore the onion peal away , I began to really look forward to our next lunch. Bill began to reveal the “real” passion as to why this was important. I learned more about his early routes in Detroit, his love of basketball, all sports! I learned about his father who played baseball in Canada as well. I learned more about Bill the man. His family , his struggles as a caregiver for Deb. I learned about his humanity. Bill like a student applied every bit of what he learned from me and his long time friend Brian Swidrovich towards his end goal, to produce a nine part nine million dollar documentary series that tributes these men and their legacy. When his friend Bruce Hoggard came to Saskatoon from his home in Europe (I as well knew him) they were off on a research journey to The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in North Battleford and meet with Jane Shury who herself has become a historian on the subject of baseball history in our province, inspired by her husband Dave who created the legacy. Bill took this project on vigorously and he meant business ! He worked tirelessly to reach out to philanthropists all over North America that had a connection to the story. He was insistent in interviewing a renowned big league player that came to Saskatchewan to be inducted into the Saskatchewan baseball hall of fame. Consequently we have a top notch interview shot by Shannon Scott Zbeetnoff. Anthony personally participated with Bill in conference calls with writers and historians from all over North America. By the end of 2020 the wheels were well in motion. We had “flushed out” the concept and the story was making better sense in terms of the “Big Picture “. George Floyd was sadly brutally murdered , the riots in the USA. Racism. Bill was more driven then ever. At the time Brian and I questioned him , “is this worth so much effort with so much adversity?” Bill sadly faced so much rejection on the project that past 24 months. But he stayed the course , rolled up his sleeves and his mission kept him going. Here we are , February 2021 in Black history month. With a heavy heart , I say Bill is gone. But his project still breaths life. I am going to do my best to honour Bill and his father and all who came to play. The “higher purpose” of the story Bill wanted to share with the world. A story of compassion. The story now involves Bill. He is part of this message of faith in the kindness of strangers . I know Bill will be helping us from above. Stay tuned. Ray Dulos — feeling confident. - Posted by: Greg Ferguson (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2021

• Bill was a great friend from the time we met when he was in grade 7. Playing basketball and baseball with him was a pleasure. He was a loyal and thoughtful friend. I'll miss his smile and chuckle. He was my brother. My sympathy to his family and friends. - Posted by: Brent Corrigan (Friend, colleague) on: Feb 20, 2021

• Bill you were one of the first people I knew in High school. Your mischievous smile always made me laugh. I’m glad we reconnected a few years ago, I still have the funny memes you’ve sent and will cherish the laughter you brought to my life, particularly when I needed it most. Rest easy my dear friend. I’ll remember you every Thursday with some Hot Buttered Soul. - Posted by: Kathy Ewatski (High School friend ) on: Feb 20, 2021