WILLIAM BURCH

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WILLIAM BURCH July 26, 1925 - April 27, 2012 The family is sad to announce the passing of Bill Burch of Winnipeg on April 27, 2012. Bill was blessed with 86 years of a long and interesting life. Mourning his loss are his wife of 63 years, Millicent (nee Dipple), and his children Lynda Burch (Allan Smith), Robert (Donna), and Kathryn Burch, his granddaughter Michelle Burch (Allan Harvey) and great-granddaughter Marilynn Burch-Harvey. Also missing him are his sisters Edna and Betty, his sister-in-law Ruth, his extended family, and many friends including residents of Riverwood Square. William Cyril Burch was born in 1925 to Lanty and Amy Burch in Selkirk, Manitoba. He was the second-youngest in a blended family of seven children, with siblings Edna, Alvin, Roy, Marjorie, Betty and Lucille. His family struggled during the Great Depression, but Bill emerged with a strong work ethic and a real appreciation for life's joys. He kept up a close relationship with his siblings and extended family, and always enjoyed gatherings of the Burch and Dipple clans. After graduating from high school during the war years, and working for a while, Bill enlisted in the R.C.A.F. He took his navigator and bombardier training at bases in Western Canada, but the War was over before Dad could be deployed. He cherished the time he spent in the Air Force, and the wonderful friends he made. He was a proud member of the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association, and he was instrumental in the establishment of the Garden of Memories, honouring those who served in the Air Force. He married Millie in 1948 and they started their family. The years were filled with many activities from camping trips to sports. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing trips immensely, and the great outdoors in general. He was active in golf and curling into his later years. He enjoyed traveling with the family across Canada and the U.S., and to international destinations with Millie. Bill worked for the Winnipeg Free Press for 42 years, finishing his career in the advertising section. He valued the friendships he made at the Press, and in many other walks of life. Bill was a woodworker and handyman, and he often lent a hand to others. He touched many in his Fort Garry community with his offers of help. Dad was so grateful to his friends and extended family for their visits, phone calls, cards and good wishes when he was in hospital. The family wishes to thank Dr. Blouw and the staff of the fourth floor, Victoria Hospital for their excellent care. A memorial service will be held on May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, 929 Main St., www.wbgc.mb.ca or to Scouts Canada, 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, Ontario. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: May 9, 2012

WILLIAM BURCH The family is sad to announce the passing of Bill Burch of Winnipeg on April 27, 2012. A service to honour Bill's memory will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. A longer notice will follow. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: May 1, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2012