Obituary of Billy Speed

SPEED: Billy Jack. A resident of Aylmer and formerly Newbury, Billy Speed passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at the age of 85. Born in Blenheim, son of the late Letson and Florence (Wickwire) Speed. Beloved husband of Mary Lou (Holdaway) Speed for 62 1/2 years. Dear father of Alan and Beth Speed of Stratford, Ann and Don Burleigh of London, Terry and Debra Speed of Aylmer, Patricia and Dwight Rabideau of Charing Cross, Amy Lupa of London, and predeceased by Barbara Jean Speed (1954). Grandfather of 14, great-grandfather of 4, and predeceased by grand-daughter Michelle Lupa (1992). Brother of Helen McDonald of Ridgetown, Donald and Kathy Speed of Blenheim, and the late Vernon and Robert Speed. Brother-in-law of Evelyn Speed of Ridgetown, Eileen Sheppy of Chatham, Louise Claeys of Blenheim, and the late Ernie and Laird Holdaway. Billy began his career as an auto mechanic in Ridgetown where he operated his own garage. He later became a an automotive teacher and taught in Blenheim and several other communities. He was a member of Creekside Community Church, Aylmer. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Friday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Billy's Life will be held at Word of Life Church, 22 Talbot St. W., Blenheim on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tim Joyce officiating. Interment in Morpeth Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or C.N.I.B. would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141.