About Bill
Bill Pickering was born in Cochrane, Ontario and raised in Smooth Rock Falls, ON. He started his career with the CNR in 1962 as a Telegraph Operator in Northern Ontario. He then followed the career path of his father Douglas and grandfather Carmel when he became a Train Dispatcher in 1967.
Bill's railroad career of 36 years included many experiences and a variety of different positions which included Superintendent of GO Transit, Toronto; and Manager, Rail Traffic Control Centre, Winnipeg.
In 1997, he retired from the position of Manager, Systems Operation CN Rail, System CN Headquarters, Montreal after commuting from Cornwall for five years.
In 1967, Bill married Annette Gregoire, a school teacher, in Cochrane, Ontario. They have two children: Connie born in Hearst, ON, now living in the Thomasburg area, north of Belleville, with a family of three young sons; and William, Jr. born in Hornepayne, who is single and lives in Cornwall.
Bill's Pickering ancestors came to Canada, from Yorkshire, England in the summer of 1850, and were among the first settlers founding the Hamlet of Zephyr, Ontario.
His grandmother Maggie Chisholm was born 1884 in Dunvegan, daughter to Donald A. Chisholm and Isobella MacLeod.His grandmother Maggie Chisholm was born 1884 in Dunvegan, daughter to Donald A. Chisholm and Isobella MacLeod.
Maggie Chisholm married William Eaton of Caledonia Flats, Prescott County in 1904. They were among the first settlers to Cochrane, Ontario 1908 when the T and NO Railroad finished building the roadbed north from North Bay.
Annette retired two years after Bill; they continue to live in Glen Walter, just east of Cornwall, and are busy everyday with some quest taking precedent over everything else.
Annette's parents' ancestors were found in the Montebello and Bernierville areas of Quebec dating back to the early 1700's, helping make the history of New France.
Bill obtained his private pilot's license and owned various aircraft over a period of 20 years. He enjoys hunting and fishing, traveling, woodworking, boating, and on and on.
His interest in genealogy dates back to his early days. Since that time Bill has virtually spent almost every day meeting the challenge left by his mother in finding the footsteps in the sands of time left by his forefathers.
