Bill was born and raised in the Niagara peninsula and received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Wilfred Laurier University in 1975, and yes, he was there when it was called Waterloo Lutheran University.

Bill and his wife Dr. Susan West D.V.M. relocated to Parry Sound in 1986 when his then employer answered their prayers and offered a move out of the GTA. Since 1988 Bill has been a part of the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre, the Community Futures (CF) office for West Parry Sound most recently (1999) as their General Manager. Building the small business employment base through counseling and development lending has and continues to be a rewarding experience for anyone involved in the CF program... "Always look for a way to say yes".

Locally Bill served as President of the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce and sat on the West Parry Sound Health Centre and Georgian Bay Biosphere Boards. Provincially he served as President of the CF Ontario Board (2009/10) and Chaired the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (2006/06). 

Dr. Sue and Bill raised 3 children in their Nobel home, now spoil 4 1/2 grandchildren and remain at the beck and call of a dog and 2 cats, all very fortunate rescue pets.