Bill Peon has had a lifelong passion for woodwork. For as long as he can remember, he always had a woodshop and spent many hours tinkering on various home projects there.
In 2018, as his health began to decline Bill moved into the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. A veteran of the Second World War, he served with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps as a truck driver from 1942 to 1945.
Leaving his home of 57 years and the realization that he wouldn’t be returning there felt like the end of the line. But for a fun loving 92-year-old grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of seven there is a lot to smile about and enjoy.
Once he was settled, Bill found the move easier than he had imagined and found himself taking part in numerous activities and outings that were offered. In particular, he was thrilled to learn that there was a woodshop and an art therapy program open to all.
Each week, Bill attends a group session with other veteran residents. The opportunity to regain control and connect with others at a time when mobility and loneliness was an increasing concern has been extremely satisfying.
“I didn’t think I could do it, being in a wheelchair now, but it has been really good for me and since I’ve been here, my overall health has greatly improved,” Bill says.
Together with his art therapist, Susanne Watson-Bongard, Bill is now sharing his artistic-expression and legacy with a whole new generation, his great grand-children.
“I look forward to coming down to create in the woodshop and my great-grandson really loves his rocking horse. It truly is a kind of therapy.”
