William Bill Begal

On August 31, 2017, William (Bill) Begal passed away peacefully at Kildonan Personal Care Home after struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for many years. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 55 years, Sophie, seven children, Jean (D’Arcy), Chris (Malcom), Greg, Janet (Richard), Bob (Lily), Bruce and Brian (Stacey), twenty two grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, his sisters Eva and Jean (Adam), brothers in law Wally (Colleen) and Merv (Barb) and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Bill was born in Kapuskasing, Ontario on September 17, 1933 and grew up in Swan River, Mb with his parents, John and Polly, his two sisters and his younger brother Peter. He came to Winnipeg as a young adult and at the age of 26 met and fell hopelessly and endlessly in love with Sophie. Along with Mom came five young kids, but that didn’t deter Dad at all. They married on September 30, 1961 and added another two boys to their family. He was a devoted family man who loved us all unconditionally.

Dad was a hogger, a locomotive engineer for the CN for 37 years. He was the Legislative Representative for BLE (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers), working tirelessly to improve government policy regarding safety and other issues. He retired in 1994 and, after many pre-retirement years of hard work to build their lake front home in St Laurent, they moved there permanently. They travelled to many far off places, but always loved returning to the lake, enjoying their Happy Hours and the gorgeous Lake Manitoba sunsets. He never tired of moving huge boulders on his own and pouring yards and yards of cement.

Our Dad truly was one of the good guys. A strong generous man with a soft heart, who always had time for his family and friends and never said no to a call to come help out on one project or another. He was a jack of all trades and master of many.

He will long be remembered for his many favorite sayings, better known as “Begalisms”, most of which have been passed down to the next generation, his big bear hugs, and his famous Shirley Temples for the grandchildren.

Dad will be sadly missed but has left endless cherished memories and will live on forever in our hearts and those of the many other lives that he touched.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Kildonan Personal Care Home for the loving care they provided to our Dad for almost five years, going all out to put the “personal” in their care home. The devoted care and attention they provided during Dad’s last few days was exceptional right up to the time he left the home.

Cremation has taken place. Respecting Dad’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. There will be a family gathering next year at a date yet to be determined. In memory of Dad, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4G2, www.alzheimer.mb.ca.