July 27, 1954 – June 9, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Kinger, a resident of Pinecrest Home. After a thirty year struggle with diabetes, heart and kidney disease, Bill gently closed his eyes to free himself from all his pain.
Bill was born and raised in Keewatin, Ontario to Arlie Kinger (Coulter) and Tony Kinger who predeceased him. Bill attended Keewatin Public School and continued on to Beaver Brae. Bill is survived by his wife of thirty seven years, Sylvia Kinger, son Mike Neufeld (Nicole) and daughter Nancy. Bill was grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren, Charlotte and Emily Neufeld, Donovan Neufeld-Cederwall, and Rihanna and Landon Hall.
Bill is also survived by his sister Brenda Richardson (Bill) and brother Donnie Kinger (Angela); nephews Mitch and Lindsay Kinger, Josh Kinger (Lindsay), Clayton Green (Tammy) and Shawn Green (Ashley); Brothers-in-law Vance Boulet (Christine), Dan, Gary (Karen), and Donald (Rose) and mother-in-law, Charlotte Boulet.
Bill was employed for 32 years for Abitibi-Consolidated as a heavy equipment operator then after the mill shutdown went up to Fort McMurray to work for Mid Lite Energy and Suncor as a heavy equipment operator.
Bill enjoyed sports. Growing up he played hockey, baseball and later curling. Bill’s biggest love was darts and crib. In 1997 Bill won the Legion Dominion Cribbage Singles Championship at the cross Canada Crib Tournament in Winnipeg and did it again in 1998 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Bill enjoyed camping, hunting moose and partridge, fishing and of course he always had good fishing stories to tell.
Bill was a member of Kenora Branch 012 of the Royal Canadian Legion for 26 years. Bill served as an executive member for many years and carried the Branch colors with pride. In his spare time Bill enjoyed volunteering at the Legion and for many years at the Kenora Bass International.
I would like to thank all the staff at Pinecrest Home and to Bill’s home buddies Unit 2, for the friends he made and for the loving care from the nursing staff, physio and activation.
Special thanks to Dr. Wiebe, Dr. Brad Kyle, Dr. Watson, Theo Kuntz and Mike Limerick.
Bill so appreciated the visits from Barry Rose, his weekly crib partner; Abbey Rose for his reminders and rides to and from their weekly Tuesday luncheons; Doug Gan for his many trips to Winnipeg for Doctors appointments; Brian Gan for visits and crib games at Pinecrest; the Griffiths family for all their kindness so that Bill could enjoy his last years on the Winnipeg River where he so much loved to be; Randy McKay for his many McDonald’s coffee visits at Pinecrest; Marty Poirier for cleaning the snow after heavy snowfalls which helped Bill with his shortness of breath; our son Michael for filling the gaps when his dad could no longer manage. These friendships, visits and concern made Bill’s final years special. He never forgot the friendships made throughout his life and the many kindnesses extended.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and internment will be held once the Covid restrictions are lifted and gatherings are allowed with Pastor Cathy Giroux officiating as Bill requested.
Our Family Chain
We little knew that morning
That God would call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seem the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18