William J. Hushion (April 16, 1940-April 8, 2020), known to all as Bill, passed away in his 79th year on April 8, 2020. Bill leaves behind his adoring wife Evelyn (Jody) Hushion, sister Adene and William Corns, brother-in-law, Sarah Corns his niece, dear friends Dr. Robert McKellar and Lora Tamburri, and many cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his father William James Hushion and mother Marielle Herdt. Bill was proud that his grandfather, William James Hushion, was a Senator in the Canadian Parliament.

Bill’s humour and candour will be missed by many. He was a consummate storyteller, having thousands of tales from the glamorous book publishing world (when the book business was riding high!). The crazy tales from the Frankfurt Book Fair, BEA, CBA, the London Book Fair and meetings with many celebrities and celebrity writers will be sorely missed.

Bill was a veteran in the book publishing business, having worked in the business for the last 60 years. Up until three weeks before his passing, he was still making a deal. Bill began his career driving a book mobile for Eaton’s and worked for some of the greats: Gage, Methuen, McClelland & Stewart, amongst others. In 1996, he started Hushion House Publishing – a book distributor for international and Canadian publishers and many self-published authors. Recognizing that there was a market for self-published authors, he co-wrote a guide to self-publishing called Self Publishing: A 60 Minute Guide. No one knew more than Bill.

When Hushion House closed its doors in 2006, one would think he would be disheartened or defeated. Not the case! He continued selling for Fitzhenry & Whiteside, White Knights Books, and opened a short-lived company with his great friend Jimmy Chalmers called TOF (Two Old F&*%$). Until recently, he sold books for Promotional Book Company.

Bill gave countless people their start in publishing or helped them climb that wobbly ladder to the top. He was proud to have helped so many.

Bill would always say that he wanted to live until 75, but he pushed the boundary as always. He is now in the great cocktail lounge in the sky, having a white wine or a vodka with his pals who predeceased him.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In the meantime, raise a glass to Bill and remember him as he was – a witty and charming charmer.

This obituary is a paid notice.