BILL PETRIE

Condolences & Memories (33 entries)

• I have just learned of Bill's passing. I am so sorry to hear this. As kids, Bill and I played a lot of sports together and we were good friends. I will always cherish these memories. - Posted by: Glenn Hansen (Friend) on: Jun 09, 2017

• My how time flies. It just seems like yesterday we were all playing touch football in Elmwood field, Bill at the helm. Good memories. Good fun. Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Joe Daniel (School Friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• I knew Bill as a friend and teammate at Elmwood High. We lived in the same area, so walked to and from school often. I think his natural calmness made him a very natural leader ... even as he was being chased or laid out by a defensive lineman! He was one of those universally liked people ... without trying, people just liked and respected him. He will be missed even by those who haven't seen him in years. - Posted by: Rob McDougal (High School Friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• Dear Arlene, Graham and Duncan We are very sorry for your loss. We know that Bill will be missed as a husband, father and friend. He was a good man. The Bible verse that we are reminded of when reflecting on Bill's legacy is from Psalm 127:4. "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth". Your family was so blessed in this way. Duncan and Graham have been provided with the best of love, time, guidance and direction by a truly great man, a warrior for the family. We will miss him. God bless you and keep you. We love you. - Posted by: Rob and Sandra Janzen (Friend) on: Dec 02, 2015

• Dear Arlene, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved husband, Bill. No doubt you and your boys will miss him greatly! Please feel free to email or call if you ever need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. With deepest sympathy, Hildi - Posted by: Hildi Janzen (Friend of Arlene's from college) on: Nov 27, 2015

• Bill as a friend was a large part of my youth and success of which I will never forget. My heart hangs heavy form his passing. - Posted by: Walter Kozlowski (Friend) on: Nov 25, 2015

• Arlene, I was very shocked to learn of Bill's passing over the weekend. My deepest condolences to you and the boys, and my thoughts are with you all at what I am sure is a very difficult time. I will miss seeing Bill at the Bison games; I often noted his quiet presence and support for the teams. - Posted by: Karen Fowler (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2015

• Arlene, I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Too soon, always too soon. May your memories sustain you and your sons during this time of mourning and during the grieving to come. - Posted by: Armin Wiebe (Former colleague of Arlene's at Red River College) on: Nov 22, 2015

• They say only the good die young...it must be so. Though I have not seen Bill since shortly after university, the memories are strong and fond. He was always a good friend. Some of the best times we had were in our carpool to University with Bruce and Brian. The conversation was always lively. We would sing crazy commercial songs, passed the time waiting for our carpool member doing a "course" in "Fidology". You had to be there. One very cold New Year's Day, I joined the gang for the annual Snow Bowl. I can't remember if Bill ever tossed a pass my way, but I had a great time. Bill was always caring about his friends. He helped them thru difficult times. More than once I accompanied him to a friend's to try to encourage them to come out rather than be alone at home. Deepest sympathies to Arlene, Graham and Duncan from myself and Bob. I know you will keep him close in your hearts. - Posted by: Cindy (Gleason) Risi (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2015

• I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing, my sympathies to the family in this time of loss. In 1972 we didn't win many games, but Bill's play was so good that he was named to the all star team as quarterback. I also noticed that not long ago Bill was inducted into the High School Football Hall of Fame. No one is more deserving of that honor. Rest in peace Bill. - Posted by: Aubrey Settee (Teammate of Bill's on the Elmwood Eskimos) on: Nov 20, 2015

• Bill & I were co-workers at Standard Aero. We decided a few years ago that instead of having lunch we should go for walks. We walked all year as often we could aside from really bad weather days. The walks were a time to gain perspective. Bill would talk about Graham and Duncan and all their sports and events. We would talk about life, sports and things in general. We talked about retirement and meeting at the mall for coffee like a bunch of old codgers. I have missed Bill from the first day he was absent from our walk and continue to miss him when I am alone on my walks. Sorry for the loss of your husband, dad and my friend. Jim Kajpust - Posted by: Jim Kajpust ((Co-Worker StandardAero)) on: Nov 20, 2015

• Arlene, Graham and Duncan: It is hard to believe that Bill isn't with us. Bill and I grew up together on Talbot Ave. The scar on his cheek was from me at 6 years old practicing my golf club swing. Unfortunately Bill was checking it out a little too closely. I have continued to see Bill through university, going to the old and new Jets games, playing Team Handball (Wolfpack) into our forties, playing with our boys in soccer games Bill organized and then watching our boys play their sports. It was only just over a week ago that he sent an email saying that he was fading fast. He was a great friend and he will be missed by myself and his many friends. - Posted by: Brian Ridler (Friend) on: Nov 19, 2015

• I'm in shock this morning by a phone call to tell me that Bill passed away. My sympathies to you and your Sons. Hugs! ERNA - Posted by: Erna Bergmann (life long friend of Arlene's from Morden) on: Nov 19, 2015

• So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you. - Posted by: Stephanie Dueck () on: Nov 19, 2015

• I met Bill in the summer of '79 at the sports fields across the street from Elmwood High School. Our touch football team, the Furnasman Flames, were starting practice for the coming season and as I was getting out of my car I noticed this new red-headed guy throwing balls with an elegance I thought was reserved for only professional passers; a straight over the top release point resulting in tight spirals and the ball arriving at it's target in a hurry! I thought catching passes from this guy could be a lot of fun...sometimes painful, but fun! Well, as it turned out, it wasn't only fun catching passes from Bill for the next 10 seasons but it was even better being friends with him for the next 36 years. Bill and I had so many common interests; playing football...even if it was just the two of us playing catch which we tried to do at least once every summer, old NFL Films highlights, playing old school football board games (Arlene called those evenings our play dates), table hockey and electric football games, sports figurines (they're not toys!), old comic books, sports history, a love of McNally Robinson Booksellers (a common meeting place). Our common interests may have been related to us having birthdays one day apart. A great memory is of the Sunday afternoon of Bill's 53rd birthday when Arlene planned a surprise visit to the Petrie residence by legendary Blue Bomber Ken Ploen. Arlene secretly invited several of Bill's friends to share in the event and Bill had no idea why people kept showing up at the door. Finally, the invitees had all arrived and then there was one final knock on the door. Bill answered the door wearing his brand new birthday present...a Ken Ploen throwback jersey. Bill was shocked to see it was Mr. Ploen and Mr. Ploen did a double take when he saw Bill's jersey. We spent 90 wonderful minutes with Mr. Ploen that afternoon and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of it. Bill was a quiet leader. He was understated with a subtle mischievous side that never failed to surprise and always resulted in great fun and hilarity. He was a very special person. I'm thankful for the years he was part of my life. I'll miss him. My most sincere sympathies go out to Arlene, Graham and Duncan to whom Bill was a wonderful husband and father. - Posted by: John Horn () on: Nov 19, 2015

• I was saddened to hear the loss of a very special person, Bill. I worked with Bill at Sperry/Unisys and we became good friends. After moving away from Manitoba many years ago I lost touch, but not the memories. My condolences go out to the family, and my thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Donni Kolton (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2015

• Arlene, Graham and Duncan we are shocked and saddened with the announcement of Bill's passing. Bill was always great to talk to which was full of laughing. Always supportive with the kids on the hockey team win or lose. Our deepest condolences. Diego and Domenica Vassallo - Posted by: Diego and Domenica Vassallo (Friends) on: Nov 18, 2015

• Arlene, so sad to hear the passing of Bill .Though I haven't seen Bill for a while I always remember his good nature and humour . Unfortunately, we are out of the country but our prayers and thoughts are with you and the boys . - Posted by: Don & Debbie Kusano (Friends) on: Nov 18, 2015

• I was fortunate to have met Bill over 40 years ago when we both played for the Winnipeg Rods and then the U of M Bisons. Bernie Morrison and I lived in Transcona and occasionally picked Bill up in Elmwood on our way to practice. Bill was a quiet and unassuming guy but be had a sense of humour that Bernie and I came to appreciate on those long drives to and from football practice. I haven't trusted many men to put their hands between my legs (I was the center and Bill was the quarterback), but Bill garnered the trust and respect of all those individuals who were fortunate enough to have shared playing time with him on a football field. Heaven's football team just got a lot better. - Posted by: Ken Muzik (old friend) on: Nov 18, 2015

• Arlene, all my sympathy to you, Graham and Duncan. I know you gloried in the family you made with Bill. For that alone, he was a fortunate guy. May faith and family help you bear up. - Posted by: Duncan McMonagle (Colleague) on: Nov 18, 2015

• I grew up with Bill and was a childhood neighbour and friend. Bill was quiet, steadfast, gentle but strong even as a child. Those were the days that children played outside all day until our mothers called us in for supper. I still remember playing cops and robbers, having bike races and just hanging out on hot summer days. I was the only girl on that part of the block and was very lucky to be included in the activities. My heart goes out to your family. I too lost my husband to Pancreatic Cancer just 2 1/2 yrs ago and know how devastating the disease is. Please give my condolences to Bill's mother Margaret as well. - Posted by: Melanie Gilleta (nee Olynyk) (childhood neighbour and friend) on: Nov 18, 2015

• How do you describe Bill? Something like a leprechaun. (a tall, red-headed leprechaun). Bill and I met through my cousin Joe and we became good friends often sharing Friday and/or Saturday nights in my parents' basement with a revolving cast of characters blending East Kildonan and Elmwood. I do not ever remember seeing Bill unhappy, never even miffed unless it was skewering someone with sarcastic wit but always in a playful way. Sometimes you needed to listen carefully to hear all the clever comments and observations. What I wouldn't give for a recording of some of those now. He filled our atmosphere with smiles, laughter and joy. And I'm delighted that he found love and a rich life with Arlene and his sons, and his career. While it is so not fair for him to be gone so young, he will be remembered for his indelible legacy of humour and warmth. - Posted by: Laura Hawkins (Friends) on: Nov 18, 2015

• Arlene, Graham and Duncan: I had the pleasure to know Bill throughout the years he worked at Standard Aero. As I scroll thru the words that have already been posted. It reflects how truly Bill reached out and touched so many people's lives is a gift and a blessing. Bill will be very much missed but will not be forgotten. For his friendship will be treasured. Whenever we came across each other he would also stop to chat and see how I was doing. His boys was everything to him. He enjoyed talking about you and was a very proud father. The best gift you can give to you and your dad is to treasure the memories, to keep them alive by freely talking about him and those fun moments because he will always be with you in spirit. My heartfelt sympathies to your family at this difficult time - Posted by: Sandra Campbell ((CO-WORKER) StandardAero ) on: Nov 18, 2015

• Bill and I First met at Elmwood High on the football team. He was the passer and I the running back/receiver. He gave me the ball a lot and passed it to me so many times. After High school we both had desires to play Bisons,......and so on Many an afternoon in the hot mid day sun we would be out on the Elmwood field running patterns up and down the field until new exhaustion. Following High school we did play Bisons. Bill,then went on to star with the Rods. We then resumed our team work as members of Sante Fe Express touch football team, where as an underdog team, gave the top teams a run for the championship........following the football season was Team Handball.......we played Team Handball together for the twenty years. Following high school! Bill and I had that QB - receiver bond! Hard to explain but you can imagine him waiting in the pocket with 300 pd gorillas beating down on him, and him waiting patiently for me to run the pattern and get open. That kind of faith, trust and belief is rare. His faith and toughness allowed me to get open and be successful. Like all great friendships, even though we may have missed a few years her and there, whenever we got together again, it was as if it were yesterday since we last saw each other. It's unbelievable that such an influence in my life has left us so soon! You will be missed! - Posted by: Darrell Mazur (Friend) on: Nov 17, 2015

• Arlene, Graham, and Duncan: We are so very saddened for your loss. We certainly remember how great Bill was with the boys when coaching them for soccer. Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Hugs Love Light and Blessings from the purest highest source. - Posted by: Sheila, Kevin & Trevor Rusnak () on: Nov 17, 2015

• I met Bill shortly after I married his cousin Marie in 1974. The first time Marie went to pick him up at the train/bus station, our two beagles wouldn't let this tall red-headed stranger into her car. He finally calmed them down and in the following forty years I learned why Marie loved her cousin so much. He became part of my life through our frequent visits between Manitoba and Ontario. My condolences to Arlene, Graham and Duncan and long may our friendship continue. - Posted by: Mike Lawlor ("Cousin-in-law") on: Nov 17, 2015

• The definition of a class act. Whether playing sports with him, or catching up after one of Graham's hockey games, he was someone you looked forward to being with. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Trevor Westwood () on: Nov 17, 2015

• Very sad to hear the news about Bill. Through the 18 years that I have worked with him I found him to be a gentle soul, erudite and with a sly sense of humour. He will be missed and I offer my condolences to his family. - Posted by: Hal Tonsaker (Colleague) on: Nov 17, 2015

• Arlene I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Bill. My thoughts and prayers as with you as God takes you on this journey. love & prayers Elfrieda & Walter - Posted by: Elfrieda Nickel (Paetkau) (cousin to Arlene) on: Nov 17, 2015

• I know Bill through my brother Brian Lindblom. Brian & Bill have been friends since childhood so I have always heard lots of stories about their adventures. I was pleased to be able to see Bill again this summer for a short visit with Brian & Nancy. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies to your family at this difficult time. May God keep you and give you peace. - Posted by: Gayle Lindblom () on: Nov 17, 2015

• Well now where do I start, Elmwood High 1972-73 basketball team. Wolfpac team handball. Steelers Touch Football. Plus so many other places, teams and events we seemed to cross paths with each other. Always an even tempered friendly man, never a complainer. Even when he tore his Achilles tendon during a touch football game we played together. He will be sorely missed by myself and "all" his team mates for sure. - Posted by: Terry Neplyk (friend) on: Nov 17, 2015

• I worked Bill at Standard Aero for many years. He's always happy and easy going nice guy to work with. Every time I came to his supply cell to help out never fails to give me 2 dollars for my coffee. I see him everyday when goes for walk and coffee break with Jim Kajpust. He'll be missed here in Standard Aero. - Posted by: JEAN RONDOLO (CO-WORKERS) on: Nov 17, 2015

• Arlene, Graham and Duncan: We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Long may his love for you fill your hearts. With love, Amanda and Val - Posted by: Amanda Le Rougetel () on: Nov 17, 2015