William Gordon Petrie

On “a beautiful day for a game of catch,” our strong, funny, wise and otherwise healthy Bill died at home of pancreatic cancer, a rogue wave of a disease with which he was diagnosed on May 18, six short months ago. He accepted this news in his characteristic fashion—with grace and quiet dignity.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 20 years, Arlene Petkau Petrie, their sons, Graham and Duncan, his Mom, Margaret, his extended family and his many, many friends.

He was predeceased by his Dad, William, his parents-in-law, David and Betty Petkau, his adventurous Scottish cousin, Dr. Marie Kellock Lawlor and his great friend, Curt Bloodworth.

Our red-headed Bill grew up on Talbot Avenue, the only child of William and Margaret Petrie. Bill cared unceasingly for his parents his entire life. Lifelong friendships were forged while walking to and from Kent Road School and Elmwood High as well as during all those neighbourhood street hockey and pickup football games. Oh, how Bill loved to play.

Whether it was on the Eskimos, Rods, U of M Bisons or touch football teams, everyone loved catching a pass from Bill, a most unassuming and gifted quarterback who threw a long, tight spiral.

In his working life at Sperry, Unisys, Kraus and, for the last 17 years, at Standard Aero, Bill continued to play fair. He was a great listener and always brought a refreshing and caring outlook to every work situation.

In his own quiet way, Bill was truly, madly and deeply in love with Arlene, Graham and Duncan. He showed his devotion to them every minute of his life. They will miss his hilarious wit, reassuring guidance and intense love, but will always know and remember how much he loved them. We are so thankful for this legacy.

Because you can take the boy out of Elmwood but never Elmwood out of the boy, Bill would be humbled if donations could be made in his memory to the Elmwood High School Legacy Fund with cheques payable to The Winnipeg Foundation,1350 - 1 Lombard Pl., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 0X3 or online at www.wpgfnd.org. A high school football player will receive a scholarship each year in Bill’s name because of his loyalty and commitment to the spirit of sportsmanship.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, November 20 at 2 pm at Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship, 150 Bayridge Ave.