Obituary of Wilhelm Erich Eisenbichler

Wilhelm (Willy) Erich Eisenbichler, on Friday, April 12, after a wonderful life cut short by prostate cancer caught far too late.

Loved husband, best friend, travel companion, unappreciated golf instructor, and chef extraordinaire to Sheree Wilson. Father and cherished mentor to Alexandra (Allan Tanaka) his daughter with former spouse, Carmen Miron; stepfather and bookbud (if I buy it for you, it’s because I plan to borrow it) to Sara (Ashley Litster); and stepdad, aka The Wilster, of Kate (Anthony Dunn). Awesome, funny, loving, and proud Nonno of Athena and Karlina Tanaka, Jetsun and Wrenly Litster, and Avery and Amia Dunn. Little brother of Prof. Konrad Eisenbichler, and big brother of Erika Livock (Kevin). Son of the indomitable Ivette and late Erich Eisenbichler.

Golf partner and brother-in-law of Shawn Wilson (Patti) and Stuart Wilson (Carrie). Uncle of Cameron, Patrick, Sidney (Sara Michelle), Luc (Taylor), Cara, and Storm. Friend of many.

Willy began his library career at the Southeast Regional Library System in Saskatchewan before accepting a position at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library. Promising to stay at least five years, Willy stayed with the library for 29 years, serving as its Chief Executive Officer from 1993 to 2009. His contribution to the library’s development was recognized in 2009 when he was presented with the W.J. Robertson Medallion award as “Librarian of the Year” by the Ontario Library Boards Associations.

Willy was a lifelong learner, a student of history, and a lover of the arts.  He and Sheree loved to travel, with Italy being a favoured destination.

An avid history buff, Willy proudly served on the Historic Sites Board, the Municipal Heritage Committee, and Heritage Sault Ste. Marie Inc. Willy was also a tennis enthusiast, and a long-time member of the Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club before retiring to southern Ontario.

At Willy’s request, a celebration of life will be held in Markham on June 9, 2024. Contact Sheree at katemarycrowe@gmail.com for details. Donations in his memory may be made to The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, the Wilhelm Eisenbichler Scholarship at McMaster University (please make your gift online at givetomcmaster.ca and enter the scholarship name), the London Regional Cancer Program, or Tumaini Afrika SSM.

Willy encourages all those who have a prostate to have regular PSA tests and DREs (look it up). Prostate cancer is curable if caught early. Don’t wait.

Special thanks to the family and friends who supported him and his loved ones through this difficult final journey. Thanks also to Dr. Huyhn, Dr. D’Souza, Dr. Potvin and Jen Cushman and Rebecca at London Regional Cancer Program.