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BILL MARCH
Bill was predeceased by his first wife Karen, son Graham, brother Gord, father Don, and adoptive parents, Jocelyn and Grace.
He is survived by his wife Joan, son David (Amanda), mother Joan, sister Gloria, brother Don, grandchildren: Seth, Maren and Vivien, extended family and many friends.
After completing high school in Morris, MB, he attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree in 1976. This is also the time when he met his first wife Karen, who was an excellent typist and helped with many of his university assignments. Bill began his teaching career at Sisler High School where he made life-long friends and coached a variety of high school sports. He spent time at St. John's High School and furthered his education and transitioned to become a guidance counsellor, spending nine years at R.B. Russell High School and later Tec Voc High School. He was a charismatic teacher, and beloved by many students who continue to remember him long after he retired from teaching.
Bill combined his passion for the outdoors with his devotion to educating youths by taking students on wilderness excursions. He would reminisce on these trips with both students and friends as some of the best times in his life. He loved to fish and hunt, and taught his students how to do the same. When he was not in the boat pulling in a master angler Walleye in the Whiteshell, he could be found at the curling rink or on the golf course making a hole-in-one (of which he had several). At the golf course is where he met the second love of his life Joan. Joan and Bill quickly hit it off with their passion for golf and yearning for adventure. They enjoyed fun with friends on trips to Arizona, Portugal, a river cruise through Europe and Hawaii. It was on the Caribbean cruise where Bill proposed to Joan with a $10 Walmart ring as he was afraid she might say no and throw the real ring overboard. Joan did say yes (and got a real ring), and while they were only married for five years, Joan tirelessly carried for Bill throughout his battle with ALS. She is truly a saint and was by his side until the very end. Bill's kindness and genuine interest in everyone and everything, his gentle, sweet manner and easy laugh will be remembered and treasured always.
Special thanks to the ALS Society of Manitoba; to VIP home care, especially Lorie whose sense of humour and caring approach were so appreciated; to the WRHA Palliative Care Program, especially Dr. Bruce Martin, who so kindly helped us through the last two weeks; and to all the family and friends who supported Bill with visits, emails and phone calls over the last year.
In lieu of flowers, donations to ALS Society of Manitoba would be greatly appreciated.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private service by invite only will be held Friday, June 26 at 1:00 p.m. Live streaming will be available on cropo.com by clicking Obituaries at the top and searching Bill's name. The recording will also be available for viewing in the future using the same process. An outdoor Celebration of Life will take place in mid-July with details to follow.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Mr. March left a condolence on my son’s obituary when he died by suicide at 25 after a six year struggle with schizophrenia. I wish I could have told him how much it meant to me. I didn’t feel so alone in the whole thing. He must have been a very special person. Imagine, a complete stranger offering comfort to another in such a horrible time. It touched me like he could never have known. To have someone understand the struggle and the loss in that time made such a difference. I’m sorry for your loss of such a thoughtful, and I’m sure wonderful, person. - Posted by: Lesley (Appreciative stranger ) on: Mar 28, 2021
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I’m am so saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Bill was my colleague and friend from 1989 when we worked together at R.B. Russell. We worked so well together and had so much fun. We went through our adoption reunions at the same time. Mine with my daughter and Bill with his birth parents and siblings. Experiencing that together bonded us in a unique and special way. It remains a precious memory. My deepest condolences to Bill’s family. He was a very special man. - Posted by: Gaeta Shaw (Friend ) on: Jul 20, 2020
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My most sincere condolences to Joan and family in the passing of a quietly great gentleman. I knew Bill from our shared University days and have a high level of respect for him. My deepest sympathy for your loss. - Posted by: Lynn Smith (Colleague) on: Jun 27, 2020
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Its interesting how we cross paths with so many on our life's journey. Some of these are impactful and remembered while others pass us by. I remember Bill. He was my best friend growing up. From playing nice in his sandbox at age 5 to high school graduation. He was my buddy from across the back lane. Together we filled our rubber boots in springs overflowing ditches, sang duets in grade school, became Queen Scouts together, travelled the Red River on overnight canoeing trips and claimed we were 21 and bar legal when we weren't. My sincere condolences to Bill's family, I will not forget him. Memory hold the door. Pat Ulrich, Calgary - Posted by: Pat Ulrich (Friend ) on: Jun 25, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the family. Billy was a great person much like his father. I always appreciated the story of Billy and "The Card Game" He played cards all night and won all the money back as his friends were upset about losing. After winning all the money he then gave it back to all his friends. Said we should not play cards again to keep their friendship. His personal value of "friendship." - Posted by: Ray Shaw (Friend from Morris ) on: Jun 21, 2020
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I remember first meeting Bill and Karen as our next door neighbours on Talbot Ave. Bill was just starting his teaching career and I was a thirteen year old kid. Some of my very first "paid" jobs were with Bill. He had purchased a huge pile of used lumber that was full of nails and Bill hired me to pull nails out of the whole pile of lumber. I still remember and use some of his unique techniques when I am doing renovations. My other experience with Bill was a partnership selling nightcrawlers to the bait shacks in Lockport. I did all the catching and Bill did all the selling! Some very fond memories and experiences from those days. - Posted by: Timothy Sullivan (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2020
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I spent several years with Bill in the Boy Scouts (he was my patrol leader), and on the curling ice. Billiards, darts, and ping pong were also among his specialties back then. Sorry to see him gone so soon. - Posted by: Fred Johnson (Classmate) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Bill was a great guy. Didn't know he was sick when I saw him last summer. My condolences. Fond memories. - Posted by: Bob Swain (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2020
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My condolences on the passing of Mr. March. He was a Great Teacher & Coach. R.I.P. Mr. March. - Posted by: Bill Jones (Student Sisler High School) on: Jun 20, 2020
