Honouring Bill Webb
Since the announcement of Bill Webb’s passing last week, tributes from around Toronto, from coast to coast in Canada, and across the globe have poured in for our late President and General Partner.
The club has been touched by the hundreds of heartfelt messages and cherished memories that have been shared over the past days.
It’s clear that Bill’s impact was felt far and wide, and that he truly embodied the values of rugby in how he lived his life with optimistic zeal, led with his heart, and treated others with respect and kindness.
Major League Rugby shared the following statement, honouring Bill’s enduring legacy:
“With profound sadness, Major League Rugby joins the Toronto Arrows organization and the Webb Family in mourning the passing of Arrows President and General Partner, Bill Webb, after a courageous battle with illness.”
“His passion, leadership, and dedication to growing the game of rugby in Canada and the Arrows organization in his hometown are a testament to his legacy that will remain with our league.”
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Dozens of current and former Arrows have also shared their condolences, including fly-half and Arrow #10 Sam Malcolm, who has been with the organization since its inaugural season in 2019:
“Your passion and love for the game was second to none. You were the pillar for the Arrows organization and always ensured the community and fans were engaged and enjoyed the product, even through unprecedented times.”
“A man you could always count on to have a beer with after a game regardless of the result, you have given me and many players the opportunity to experience rugby in North America.”
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“There are no Arrows without Bill. There is no professional rugby in Canada without Bill. Bill was the inspiration behind the dream,” said former Arrow Andrew Ferguson. “An absolute class-act on the field and in the office. Bill may be gone, but his passion and teachings will forever be woven in Arrows Fabric.”
There are no arrows without Bill. There is no professional rugby in Canada without Bill. Bill was the inspiration behind the dream. An absolute class-act on the field and in the office.
Bill may be gone, but his passion and teachings will forever be woven in Arrows Fabric. https://t.co/1pyLIl0sjw— Andrew Ferguson (@a_ferguson9) August 31, 2023
Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario spoke of Bill’s sizeable contributions to the sport at the national and provincial levels:
“His hard work and fierce commitment to the advancement of rugby in Canada extended beyond Rugby Canada, to his local rugby community and the Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club.”
“Bill’s contributions to Canadian rugby will leave a lasting impact on the game across the country and he will be greatly missed by all of Canada’s rugby community.”
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“It is incredibly difficult to put into words what Bill Webb has contributed to the sport of rugby in Ontario and across Canada. Rugby was in many ways weaved into all parts of Bill’s life. He has made a profound impact on the game here in Ontario, devoting so much of himself to the growth of the game within his local community of Toronto, across the province of Ontario and throughout Canada.”
“His most recent pursuit of bringing professional rugby to Canada and leading the first and only professional rugby union team in proudly representing our nation across borders is just part of the legacy Bill leaves behind.”
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Condolences also arrived from several fellow Major League Rugby teams, including the Seattle Seawolves, Dallas Jackals, and Houston SaberCats.
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The Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation, a local non-profit community impact organization that was near and dear to Bill’s heart, shared a very powerful and poignant message:
“Bill was always so kind, and patient. He celebrated the very best in rugby and firmly believed in the potential and possibility through equitable investment in sport throughout its entire ecosystem.”
“He forged paths where there weren’t any. He boldly asked others to follow or walk alongside side him. He invited others to the table and made sure to hold space for other voices to contribute to a broader vision.”
“We mourn the loss of Bill, but we are so grateful for the moments he shared with us, the moments he created for others, and the courageous steps he undertook to mend the cracks within the system.”
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The Webb Family will receive visitors at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes (6191 Yonge St, Toronto, ON) on Friday, September 8 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Another brief visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 9 at Blessed Trinity Parish (3220 Bayview Ave, North York, ON), followed directly by a funeral mass. The funeral mass will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.
The funeral service will be followed immediately by a reception at the Miller Tavern (3885 Yonge St, Toronto, ON) from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the Webb Family respectfully requests a donation be made in memory of Bill to the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (https://tirfrugby.ca/make-a-difference/donate/), the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/) or True Patriot Love (https://truepatriotlove.com/).
Obituary: William Reid Webb | October 17, 1963 – August 28, 2023
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