Mr. William "Bill" Thomas Bage

He is survived by his daughter Chantel (Nick), son Trevor (Chanel), grandson Henry, sister Margaret, sister Lana (Ed), brother-in-law Guy, sister-in-law Elaine, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Adrienne, mother Elizabeth, father Ralph, sister Norma, brother James (Jim) and brother-in-law Rod.

Bill was born June 15, 1958 in Dauphin, Manitoba. He spent the first 8 years of his life on the family farm making cherished memories with his siblings before moving to Flin Flon. As a child he could be found playing hockey, skating on the outdoor rinks or fishing.

When he was a teenager he got his first taste of politics while helping the local NDP MLA, despite his fathers staunch Conservative views. But Bill knew he had found his people within the NDP. While working in Flin Flon in the local mine, Bill became involved with the local union, and from there his passion for social justice and workers rights grew. While involved with the NDP, Bill met the love of his life Adrienne. Shortly after meeting, they were married and their family grew with the births of Chantel and Trevor. One of his greatest joys was being around his family and supporting his children in their activities, whether that was hockey, curling, swimming, piano lessons, or soccer. Bill was quick to volunteer as a coach and took it as seriously as if he was coaching a team to the Stanley Cup. He loved all sports, with a particular love for those that involve a team – Bill truly believed that if you work as a team, you can accomplish anything. This belief guided him in the hockey arena, as well as the political and labour arena and shaped his values around how we treat each other and how we can work for change.

These values were the cornerstone of his involvement in the labour movement, and Bill was eventually elected to the position of President with the Steelworkers and as a representative on the Manitoba Federation of Labour Executive. When the family moved to Winnipeg, Bill started working in the Premier’s Office, beginning a 19 year career with the Province of Manitoba. He then took a job with Workplace Health and Safety, where he was able to continue his passion of fighting for worker’s rights.

After the passing of Adrienne in 2004, Bill worked tirelessly to ensure Chantel and Trevor were taken care of, and that they always knew he was there for them. Time with the family was cherished, whether it was dinner on Tuesday night, watching hockey games or sharing his love of music; whether that was listening a beloved song or playing his guitar for the family.

Bill had a love of music that dated back to sitting in the family room in his family home listening to his dad play his “mouth organ”. Once his children were older, he dedicated more of his time to attending “Jams” and playing with other musicians.

As a new retiree, Bill was excited to finally start checking off trips from his bucket list, share his excitement over the new guitar he bought to commemorate his retirement, and enjoy his life as a “Full Time Grandpa”.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will help those who knew him grieve during this difficult time. The family would like to thank the First Responders and the Medical Staff at St. Boniface Hospital for doing all they could.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on June 25, 2023 at Douglas Mennonite Church. As per Bill’s request – attendees are encouraged to wear their favourite sports jersey or clothing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.