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WILLIAM DOUGLAS EATON
Born: Nov 11, 1930
Date of Passing: Apr 18, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM DOUGLAS EATON Bill took his final flight April 18, 2013 departing the misery of Alzheimer's that had grounded him for years. Left to cherish Bill's memory are his daughters Diane (Alan), Gail (John), Kathy (John), stepsister Pat, grandchildren Morgan (Sarah), Meagan (Jordan), Jack, Will and Katie. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Estelle, in June 2011. Also predeceasing Bill were his mother Fern, father Donald, brother Bruce and infant son Billy. Born November 11, 1930 in Winnipeg, Bill got the flying bug in the early years of Canadian aviation. A nearly 45-year career as a pilot began at 16 with the purchase of a Tiger Moth. He later joined Transair which would become Canadian Airlines with whom he retired as a Captain on the Boeing 767. While a Bush pilot at Norway House, Bill met Estelle, where she worked as a nurse. Marriage and children soon followed. Bill was a quiet, honourable man - devoted to his family. He was the kind of man that sustained friendships from childhood throughout his life, all the while, gathering many more. He loved restoring aircraft at the Aviation Museum, gardening and long walks. Bill was the 'rock' we could all turn to in times of trouble. He guided us back to safe haven, just as this skilled pilot would do with any aircraft he flew. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Deer Lodge Centre T3 and T5 for their gentle and compassionate care. A private family service to honour Bill's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either of the following: Western Canada Aviation Museum (Restoration Department) Hangar T2 958 Ferry Road, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y8 or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue. West, Ste. 1600, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2013
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I had the great pleasure of working with Estelle and Bill at the museum. I will never forget them. I only knew them for eight years but to their family you are very lucky to be with them for all these years. - Posted by: Gary Boggs (Fellow volunteer at Western Canada Aviation Museum) on: Apr 23, 2013
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I first met Bill in 1965 while working for Transair; he also knew my Dad and befriended him, while in Lynn Lake, as Dad was an aircraft mechanic....Bill was a gentleman, a great mentor, supportive co-worker and a great pilot....He was truly one of the good guys and will be missed dearly! Wolf - Posted by: wolfgang walter (co-worker/ TZ -PWA-CAIL) on: Apr 22, 2013
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I knew Bill and his wife Estelle (Mr. and Mrs. Eaton)through my father Doug Rose and Mom Helen Rose. I still remember Bill and Estelle coming over to our house and they along with my parents would party for hours on end. Man, I miss those days. Bill was always very nice to me and I always liked him. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Bill work at Air Canada? My memory has slipped over the years and I could be wrong. To Bills family, I was sorry to hear about your Dad. That part of my life with parents and their friends is quickly becoming a thing of the past. My sincerest sympathy for you all. He was a cool guy. - Posted by: Don Rose (friend) on: Apr 20, 2013
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Bill was one of the first pilots I flew with when I started as a "stewardess" in 1966,with Tranair. He was the epitome of what people envisioned when the thought of airline pilots.! Strong,competant,sure of himself and someone you looked up to.I always enjoyed the flights I had with him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.This picture is so like I remember him. He is looking back at the wonderful life he had,the job he loved and the family he cherished. ........Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace. Where never lark, or even eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, - Put out my hand, and touched the face of God - Posted by: Maureen coutu (Felske) (co-worker at Transair) on: Apr 20, 2013
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I only met Bill through Estelle while feeding my mom at Deer Lodge. My mom has Alzheimer's as well. Bill was a good man & he had a very very good woman! My heart is happy that this wonderful person is finally at peace & back in the arms of his wife whom I think of often! God Bless. - Posted by: Carolyn Hill (Good friend at Deer Lodge with Estelle! Miss her very much!!!) on: Apr 20, 2013
