Obituary of Bill Koot

Bill Koot

December 28, 1931 - October 18, 2025

Bill Koot, master mechanic, craftsman, husband, father and grandfather left this earth surrounded by family.

The former auto mechanics teacher at Arnprior District High School taught a generation of shop students (1963 - 1987). He was very proud of his students’ many top-rank finishes at the Chrysler Troubleshooting Contests in the 1970s.  A good many students went on to work in the field and open their own garages.

Bill could usually be found in his workshop or garage, both full of projects on the go. He chose to settle near Braeside, Ontario for its proximity to the beautiful Ottawa River, flanked by the forests and natural spaces where he found solace. After retiring, he designed and built his second house, moving from the Braeside Road to the Goshen Road. He relished driving around in his Kubota and working in his beloved wood lot.

Willibrordus Joannes Koot was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the youngest sibling to Frank, Miep and Adi. His parents Nicolaas and Maria ran a transport business, initially using Belgian draft horses and carts to haul freight in the port city, then trucks after WWII. Bill specialized in Mercedes-Benz engines and brought his expertise of European made cars to Canada when he moved in 1957 and opened a garage near Sarnia, Ontario. It was there he met a large Dutch community that included his future wife Betty Vandersteen, to whom he was married 63 years.

Children Norbert (Margo), Maryanne (William), and Cathy, grandchildren Jason and David are grateful for having had such a creative and resourceful role model. We all share his love of nature, love of music and love of the DIY ethos!

Will’s final care and arrangements have been entrusted to the

Pilon Funeral Home in Arnprior

Where visitation will take place on Friday, October 24, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and again on Saturday morning, October 25^th from 9:45 am - 10:45 am.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated in the Pilon Family Chapel on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock followed by a reception at Pilon’s.

The service will be webcast live for those unable to attend.  (Click Here)

Interment Malloch Road Cemetery, Arnprior.

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In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Arnprior and District Food Bank would be greatly appreciated by the family.