Wilbert "Bill" Thompson Heather

Bill passed away peacefully at home on the farm he loved on Monday, June 15, 2020.

Bill is survived by his wife Diane, son Burke and his husband Daniel Varela, son Wil and his wife Michelle Stewart, and grandsons Stewart and Alexander. He had a special lifelong relationship with Harry Peril, was a special uncle to Karen, Sheryl, Barry and Larissa and was a mentor and special person to Sean Black. He was dear to all our hearts and we will all miss his infinite love and guidance.

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Margaret Chongva and Diane's son Brad.

Bill had a long career in the field of education starting at the age of 17 in the one-room Uppingham School at Ostenfeld and progressing to teacher, consultant and principal in the Transcona Springfield School division. No matter what role or which school, Bill always stood up for his staff and students and tried to make the education fit the person rather than the person fit the education.

His main love, after his family, was farming and cattle. He and Diane worked side by side with their sons to expand the family farm and build a Charolais herd. A very proud moment was receiving a Heritage Farm designation in 2014 in recognition of the family having owned and operated the same parcel of land for 125 years.

After selling the purebred herd, Bill took a turn as councillor for Ward 5, R.M. of Tache. In his nearly 10 years in this role he felt the most important thing was to listen to residents and to help them in whatever way he could. He never believed in hiding behind policy and always looked for a solution.

In keeping with Bill's wishes and due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private burial will be held at Prairie Grove Cemetery. If friends and family wish they may donate to Bibliotèque Tache Library, 1082 Dawson Road, Lorette, R5K 0S8. A tax receipt will be issued.

The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone for their support and generous offers of help over the last year and to Dr. David Dawe, Dr. A. Bissonnette and Brigitte Remillard of the Palliative Care program who together made it easier for Bill to remain at home as he wished.