WILLIE ROBERT FALK

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WILLIE ROBERT FALK March 12, 1937 - December 10, 2015 After a long courageous and stoic battle with cancer, Willie Falk peacefully passed away, withy family by his side on December 10, 2015 at Victoria General Hospital at the age of 78. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Tina; nieces Pam and Heather and great niece Karina. He will be sadly missed by his wife Anita of 55 years; his children, Sigrid (Harold Strempler), Janice (Christopher Urwin), Alison (Thomas Crilly); grandchildren Robert (Andrea), Corinne (Cory), Sydney, Garrett and Declan; and great-grandchildren, Kayla, Jackson and Addison, siblings David (Irene), Anita (Edmund), Victor (Louise), Marlene (Orlando) and Frieda (Ike) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was born in Dundurn, Saskatchewan at the height of the depression, and some years later the family moved to Waldheim, Saskatchewan. Here he attended the local school for his elementary and secondary schooling. Thereafter he went on to the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a B.E. in engineering physics in 1959 and a M.Sc. in physics in 1961. He graduated both with great distinction. In 1960 he married the love of his life Anita. He and his wife then made the move to Vancouver where he continued his studies at UBC, graduating with his Ph.D. in 1965. During this time their first daughter Sigrid was born. Following a two year period of post-doctoral studies overseas in Switzerland they settled in Winnipeg where he joined the department of physics at the University of Manitoba. His entire working life was spent here until his retirement in 2002. He very much enjoyed his time as a professor and researcher where he mentored many undergraduate and graduate students. A highlight for the family was the annual summer camping experience which took them to many of the vacation spots in Manitoba and Northern Ontario. These were recalled with much delight and fondness in later years. His ultimate holiday was to have the adventure of an African safari. He was able to live this experience in the fall of 2011. Willie loved the great outdoors and its many activities including skiing, hiking, canoeing, tennis, and camping to name a few. Another passion of his was music, be it choirs, concerts or symphonies. Viewing and Visitation Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Fort Gary Mennonite Fellowship, 150 Bayridge Avenue. Interment on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Mennonite Memorial Gardens, 884 Symington Road, and Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Cancer Care Manitoba. Special thanks from the family to Doctors Maksymiuk, Butler, Kerr and staff at CancerCare. As well to Doctor Prenovault and all the caring staff on the fourth floor at Victoria General Hospital.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2015