A Life of Faithful Ministry in the Diocese of Algoma
We announce with sorrow the death of the Rev. William John Ellam, a former priest of the Diocese of Algoma, who died on January 2, 2026.
Fr. Bill, as he was fondly known throughout the diocese, was a graduate of Huron College. He was ordained a deacon on May 11, 1961, and ordained to the priesthood on April 1, 1962.
He began his ministry in the combined parish of the Church of the Good Shepherd (Garson) and the Church of the Ascension (Sudbury), where he served from 1961 to 1974. In 1974, he moved to Thunder Bay, serving at St. Luke’s for four years. In 1978, he was appointed incumbent of Christ Church, North Bay, where he ministered until his retirement in 1991.
Following his retirement, Fr. Bill remained actively engaged in parish life, particularly within the Temiskaming Deanery. He served as Honorary Assistant at St. Brice’s, North Bay, and later as incumbent of Holy Trinity, Temiskaming.
Fr. Bill and his family were also deeply involved in the life of Camp Manitou. He is fondly remembered by many long-time campers as a welcoming presence and a friend to all.
In recognition of his ministry, Fr. Bill was named an Honorary Canon of St. Luke’s Cathedral on May 25, 1985.
Throughout the parishes he served, Fr. Bill was known as a priest with a pastoral heart, who served God’s people with faithfulness and care. We give thanks for his many decades of service to the Church and pray that he may rest in the peace of Christ and rise in glory.
A full obituary is available online: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/cornwall-on/william-ellam-12689274