It was so moving hearing the hymns at Uncle Wink's memorial service on Saturday. I could hardly stop weeping. I felt so sentimental and blessed to have all those happy childhood memories. We were fortunate to grow up surrounded by loving family including aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. It reminds me of a world that no longer exists but I was lucky to have been part of in my childhood. 

Uncle Wink was my last uncle and I am grateful to have had so many wonderful relatives. When my own father died Uncle Wink told me he knew he could never replace my dad but he wanted me to know I could always rely on him and that he would try to be a father to me if I could. He meant a lot to me and we will all really miss him. I am glad to know that he died peacefully with his girls around him.

Marion, Colleen, Syble and Bill's entire family:
We are most privileged to have met Bill; an honorable gentleman and a great friend to Shirley Ruffell (Mum).  The Ruffell-6 (Gloria, Louise, Gordon, Brian, Stan, Ron, and their families) share in the sadness of your loss. He will be dearly missed by Mum;  know that he will remain in our hearts always. We hope that Bill's family will keep in touch with Mum and the Ruffell-6.   Our lasting friendship will be a wonderful legacy of Bill.
Love, warmth, comforting wishes,
Gloria Miller
Louise Mesaros
Gordon Ruffell
Brian Ruffell
Stan Ruffell
Ron Ruffell

I will be remembering Bill as a friend. I met him through my mom, Shirley Ruffell. I could quickly see how mom found Bill to be such a special friend. Bill and I had a great conversation while he was on his summer vacation to PEI, he was full of laughs and jokes. A great man who will be missed but not forgotten.

We as a family have so many wonderful memories.  We got together at least a couple times a year, either in Chilliwack or Saskatoon.  We could hardly contain our excitement as we drove through Hope, knowing we were very close to Chilliwack.  We appreciate Aunt Chris And Uncle Wink helping us through our highest and lowest moments.  Love the Wiebes, Olsons and Vawters

I remember his visits to our farm in Aberdeen. He taught us one neat trick when he would rest his hand on the table with his fingers relaxed. He'd tell me to smash his knuckles as hard as I could. It always sounded so painful because his palm would hit the table and make a loud noise, but the impact was absorbed by his fingers and it didn't hurt him at all. He'd tell us to smash harder and I was always scared that I was gonna hurt him but no matter how hard I smashed, it never hurt him at all. I thought he was he toughest man in the world. 
I was glad to know you, uncle wink, and I'll always remember all of your jokes and how much fun we had when you visited. With much love Jared Thiessen

I have to call him Uncle Wink. Tried to change that for a few years but then he said it was ok to call him Uncle Wink so I did. It felt right. He was always there for our family especially after my dad died. We knew we could count on his love. When I found out I had breast cancer I didn't tell him but he found out from someone else and when I said I didn't want him to worry,he said it was up to him whether he worried or not. What a wise thing to say. That statement has actually been a great help to me in several situations since he said it. Isn't it wonderful that we had this man in our lives. We will miss him but we were so lucky to have known him. Thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us. Beverly Dahl (Thiessen) Saskatoon SK

Our Family has some great memories of our dear Uncle "Wink" during his traveling years to the Thiessen Farm. He always loved interacting with our kids. Our youngest son, Jared, vividly recalls the 'Hand Slamming' technique game where Uncle Wink would cup his hand palm-side down and tell Jared to slam it as hard as he could, so he did. Uncle Wink would just laugh. Jared was always afraid he would break Uncle's hand but of course never did. Also on another occasion while visiting Ike and Anne, Jared would look quizzically at Uncle Wink then at Grandpa Ike a few times and finally burst out with "you have my grandpa's face". Andrea was always amazed by Uncle Wink's uncanny ability to take power naps. He maybe didn't need much sleep but it certainly didn't take him long to fall asleep... then he was ready to go again. Darren remembers the times Uncle Wink would help out during harvest time. Uncle Wink would pick up a rock from the field, at random, and ask Darren if he knew what kind of rock that was. Darren would reply, no to which Uncle Wink would answer, naturally it's a leverite rock, and do you know what you do with a leverite rock? Darren resounded another no, then giving a hardy chuckle Uncle Wink would say, well, you leave 'er right here and they would both chuckle again. Another of our kids favorites was hearing him recite, for memory, Ociffer, Ociffer. We still have that piece of paper he wrote it on for them to remember. All these memories and many more we will hold dear to our hearts. Your kind heart, good advice and laughter will be missed but not forgotten. Will certainly miss those phone calls just to say hi and see how everyone was doing. Love you lots!

I remember on my first of many visits to Chilliwack, Uncle Bill bought me my first ever Dairy Queen sundae. I loved our yearly visits to BC and the time spent with Aunty Chris and Uncle Wink. They both held a special place in my heart. Happy to know they are together again.

I will always remember him with a smile.  I recall the corny jokes and felt his love for you all.  He was a special person - Uncle Wink - glad to have known you

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

William Alexander Thiessen

30 avril 1930 – 7 décembre 2014

Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home

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