Tag: Bill

William (Bill) John Werbiski

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August 25, 1941 – June 24, 2024

Family is saddened to announce the passing of Bill. He is lovingly remembered by Myrna, his wife of 59 years, children Kim, Darrell (Cherrie), Dean (Sandi), and Karen (Shayne), grandchildren Jordan and Marco, Alexandra (Mathew) and Brett, Josh, Ethan and Ella, Quinton and Shelby, and great-grandchild, John.

Bill was born in Portage la Prairie in 1941 and raised on the family farm in the Portage area. He received his schooling in Portage and later attained his Journeyman Plumbing Certificate. Myrna and he married in 1965 and lived in Portage 7 years, with 2 summers spent in the Yukon working for a gold miner. They started their family in 1966, with Kim, Darrell (1968) and Dean (1969) born in Portage. They built their home in the Carberry area and moved their family there in 1972, just before their youngest child, Karen, was born. Bill and Myrna have resided in that home on the farm for the last 52 years.

During his 32-year plumbing career, he operated his own business in the Carberry area and worked for the Manitoba Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Government Services. While working as a plumber, Bill and family operated a farrow to finish hog farm. He retired from Government Services in 2002. Following his retirement, Bill enjoyed times with grandchildren, fabricating in his workshop, fishing, hunting, and riding his quad. With declining health, Bill spent many hours touring the neighbourhood in his Kubota, doing puzzles, listening to classic country music, and watching Blue Jays baseball.

Bill was a self-taught carpenter, electrician, mechanic, and welder. His drive for perfection often resulted in work that had the integrity of a skilled craftsman. Bill also had a passion for current events, the environment, and politics and in 1977, he ran in the Gladstone Constituency for the New Democratic Party, campaigning with the late Ed Schreyer. Bill very much believed in equality and access for everyone.

Bill is survived by his sisters Vickie and Phyllis (Bob), and Brother Dan (Wilma). He is predeceased by his parents, Allen and Anne Werbiski, and brother Jim.

As tokens of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories on Bill’s memorial page using the comment field below.

William (Bill) Henry Vennard

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April 12, 1960 – April 20, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Bill, Billy or Whiz at his home in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 63.

He is predeceased by his parents Norman and Beatrice and his grandson Jacob.  Left to cherish his memories are, his daughter Melissa (Daniel), son Dylan, grandchildren Liam and Penelope, sister Wendy Bartlett (Ted), brothers Pat (Cheryl), David, sister Donna Kreker (Ernie), numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill started his life in Treherne MB and at 10 years old his family settled North of town on the family farm.  He played minor hockey growing up and then played for his beloved team The Treherne Barley Kings.  After High School he became a certified Agricultural Mechanic.  He worked for Metcalfe’s Garage in town and then went on to work with his friends on several pipelines throughout Alberta.  He took some time out to work up North in Gillam MB on a hospital project.  Eventually he settled back in Southern Manitoba.  He lived in Lockport and then made his home in Selkirk where he began to raise his two children while working for Mandak Metal.  Another career change led him to Winnipeg working at Litz Crane but eventually leaving again to work in several gold mines, one in the country of Kazakhstan and in Red Lake, Ontario.  After suffering an injury at work in Red Lake, Bill took an early retirement.  He moved back to Winnipeg and volunteered his time as a Handy Man for Winnipeg Harvest. 

Bill made friends wherever he went.  He had a quick wit and was always saying silly things to make people laugh.  He had an old soul.  He loved old cars, old fashion music, old pictures and he cherished his old friends.

An interment will take place in Treherne, MB on May 27th at 1pm at the Rossendale Cemetery with a celebration of life following at 2pm at the Delahunt Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:  Harvest Manitoba 1085 Winnipeg Ave Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Bill’s memorial page by using the comment field below.