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WILLIAM WATKINS
Date of Passing: Aug 23, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM (BILL) WATKINS It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Watkins at Charleswood Care Centre on August 23, 2015. Bill was predeceased by his parents George and Mavis, his brother Ted, his sister Betty and her husband John, his brother-in-law Raymond, his son-in-law Dennis, and his granddaughter Danica. He will be remembered by his wife of 66 years, Patricia (Patsy), sister Barbara and husband Nestor, sister-in-law Shirley, daughters Marilyn, and Charlotte (Bob), son William (Angie), grandchildren Darren (Dani), Damon, Adam (Sophea), Lindsey (David), Laura, Sarah (Tyler), Victoria and Alannah, great-grandchildren Josh, Sean and Josiane, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill grew up in Winnipeg on Dominion Street and shortly after leaving school he began working for the C.P.R. He left the company to serve in the Armed Forces as a paratrooper from 1944 to 1946, but returned to the company after the war and worked as a locomotive engineer until his retirement in 1986. It was shortly after the war that he and Pat met and were married. In the 1960s Bill transferred to Kenora and became an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. While living in Kenora, he became active in local politics and ran for office as an NDP candidate in two federal and two provincial elections. It was also during this time that the family cottage was built with the help of family and friends. Bill had many interests that kept him busy during retirement. After moving back to Winnipeg he became a founding member of the Ashbury Place Seniors Club and served as its president for a number of years. Summers were spent with Pat at the lake, where he passed the time fishing, gardening, playing cards, having fun with his grandchildren and bird watching. Hummingbirds were always his favourite. Pat and Bill enjoyed travelling together, particularly to Barbados, where they made many friends over the years. Bill loved to entertain family and friends and hosted many memorable barbecues at the lake and dinners in the city. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Charleswood Care Centre who provided such wonderful care to Bill in his final years and for the warmth and compassion shown to family members. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery), at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2015. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2015
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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We have many fond memories of our Uncle Bill, he was a good man and will be missed. We were honoured when he gave "the toast to the bride" at our wedding, he was a gifted speaker. But his sense of humour and story telling is what we will remember the most, he was always the life of the party. Love to the family at this very sad time. Sandra, Mark and family - Posted by: Sandra and Mark Fuller (Niece ) on: Oct 03, 2015
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I will always cherish the stories, card games and all the good times out on the lake. A great man that will be missed by many. - Posted by: Tom Jacks (Cousin) on: Oct 01, 2015
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Bill Watkins, a fine man who loved and was loved by his wife, his family, his relatives and friends. Bill had a grand sense of humour and lived life to the full. He will be missed by all who knew him, and, as one of the few remaining first cousins, I will especially miss Bill at Baubee Lake. We so looked forward to our nightly card games with Bill, his stories and the laughter we shared. To Pat and the family I extend, on behalf of my family, our deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Rosemary Jacks (Cousin) on: Oct 01, 2015
