William Paul

Peacefully, at his home in London, Ontario, Canada, London's joyfully Boisterous Town Crier, William "Bill" Paul, quietly left us. Bill was in his 67th year and leaves behind rare and wonderful memories to countless people in London and beyond, not the least being a surprise "Happy Birthday" telephone call and song from a gentle stranger: children of all ages will remember "The Balloon Man" of Victoria Park. Every Victoria Park celebration would find Bill in his own small area making animal-balloons for children. He collected names, phone numbers and birth dates of thousands of Londoners and would then call that very day and happily sing "Happy Birthday" to the Birthday Person. For many years Bill hosted the radio show Straight Talk out of 6XFM Fanshawre, was athe founder of The Laffguards and host of Socrates Cafe. https://globalnews.ca/news/8256809/london-town-crier-bill-paul/ has some nice photos of Bill as well as comments as do several other news sites. A search for his name will bring up lots of information, photos and comments.College Covid 19 restrictions prevent giving Bill the full Send-Off hehad requested and surely deserves, however friends are invited to attend the O'Neil Funeral Home parking lot, 350 William Street, on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. where a brief service will be held outside, followed by an opportunity to sign Bill's casket. There are no limits on outdoor funeral gatherings as long as Covid 19 protocols are observed. Please respect physical distancing, wear a mask if you can; Bill was a great believer in being vaccinated, so it is never too late to get your shot. The Funeral Procession will leave the funeral home around 1:45 p.m. It will make it's way up to Dundas street, then head west down to Wellington Street, then north on Wellington where, out of respect for Bill and his life-long respect for tradition, we will honour the Funeral Tradition of passing by the home of the deceased on the way to the place of burial whenever possible. For all intents and purposes, Victoria Park was Bill's real home. In recognition of his place in the history of this city, the funeral procession will honour tradition by circling Victoria Park before making it's way to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. (O'Neil Funeral Home 519-432-7136). For more complete details, please visit our website at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca and click into Bill's name in the Funeral List where you can also leave condolences and comments.Friends are also invited to visit the "Celebrate Bill Paul" facebookpage at:https://www.facebook.com/events/394165065512634/?ti=lsMemorial donations: in Bill's memory, please consider a visit ofencouragement - even a purchase - to lighten the day for our downtownand Richmond Row merchants who are going through difficult times; Wetrust this day of Bill's funeral will be respected for the solemnoccasion it is - we are certain any disrupting disrespect for a beloved member of our city - or for anyone - would only have a deeply negative effect. Bill was all about bringing joy and happiness to others - let us be made better by that memory.