It is with great sadness that we announce that Bill passed away peacefully at home with family by his side. Left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss are son Jim; daughter Laurie (Devin); grandchildren Dia, Khianna and Owen; brothers Matt and Eugene (Marion); sisters-in-law Olga, Elsie, and Carol Anne (Reg); brother-in-law George; and families.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Mary Lou; parents Stephen and Margaret; brothers Mike, Maurice, and John; sister Anne; mother-in-law Rose and father-in-law Art; brothers-in-law Gary and Richard; sisters-in-law Lola May, Elsie and Stella; and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Dad was born on July 24, 1935, in Stuartburn, MB. He attended school in Vita and worked on the family farm. After finishing high school, he followed his brothers John and Matt to Ontario where he met Mom, and together they started their 61-year love story. Son Jim was born in 1961, and the young family returned to Manitoba in 1963. Daughter Laurie arrived in 1968, and the family was complete.
After working for different construction companies, and with a wealth of knowledge and experience and an extremely high work ethic, Bill decided to start his own company in the late 70's.
Realizing Dad’s dream to return to life in the country, Dad and Mom purchased property in Springfield and built the house where they continued to live for the remainder of their lives.
Dad and Mom enjoyed traveling over the years to spend time in various warm places and to visit family out-of-province. Dad enjoyed playing cards (and cheating!), and he and Mom hosted many card nights. He also enjoyed bowling and curling and having a polka with anyone who would dance with him.
When Dad became a grandfather, he shared his woodworking experience with Dia and enjoyed his “Papa dates” at Home Depot as well as movies with Khianna. He very much loved being a Papa and made sure his grandchildren felt his love.
Above all, Dad was always there to help family and friends when needed.
Thank you, Dad, for your unconditional love and for all you have done for us. You will forever be in our hearts until we meet again.
“я тебе люблю”
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in honour of Bill to Cancer Care Manitoba
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Saturday April 6th, at 11:00 am, at Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Highway.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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