It is with great sadness that we share the news of Bill's passing due to accidental drowning on August 27, 2023 in Red Lake, Ontario.  Bill was born in Treherne, Manitoba on March 9, 1929.  He worked his way west to B.C. before driving a friend to Madsen in 1949.  Before his vacation was over, his friends had him working at the mine in Madsen and thus began 74 years of life in the Red Lake area.

During his time in Red Lake, Bill had several jobs including: driving transport, plumbing and heating, building maintenance for the schools and operating heavy equipment. While moonlighting as a bartender he met June, a Red Cross Nurse, in 1958.  They married in 1959.  They had two children, Irene and Walter, and they expanded their Red Lake Family with special friends.

Bill believed in hard work, doing things the right way, doing your best and serving your community, which he did as a fireman, Legion member, member of the Elks of Canada and through the church. Bill displayed a real zest for life and he believed in "work hard – play hard".  He had many interests, but some of his most notable passions were for horses, playing hockey, wood-working, curling, fishing and playing cards.  Whether working or playing, he thrived on time spent with family and friends.

Bill set goals for himself, which he was excited to meet and exceed.  He reached milestones such as 60 years of marriage with June and 70 years of curling.  His strong spirit let him rebound from multiple knee and shoulder replacements, cancer, and even recent carpal tunnel surgery at the age of 94.  He embraced life whole-heartedly and his riches were his family and friends.  He will be missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Chukuni United Church on Saturday September 9th at 1:00 p.m. with Irene Chabluk officiating.  A reception will follow at the Red Lake Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital Foundation or Tbaytel Tamarack House in Thunder Bay

Donations may be arranged through the Red Lake Funeral Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON  P0V 2M0