F. W. BELCHER

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F. W. (BILL) BELCHER August 25, 1924 - October 24, 2016 F. W. (Bill) Belcher, 92 years of age, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 24 at Victoria Hospital. Beloved husband of 67 years to Winifred, father to Brian (Liz), Ken (Pam) and Joyce (Glenn), and grandfather to Derek, Iain, Kurt, Bruce, Will and Owen, Bill was predeceased by his seven brothers and sisters, and will be dearly missed by sister-in-law Irene, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Born and raised on the farm in Bield, Manitoba, Bill joined the Air Force and served during the close of the Second World War, returning to farm in Bield and completing a diploma in Agriculture in Winnipeg, where he met Winifred, the love of his life. After marrying in 1949, Bill and Winifred spent seven years on the farm. Bill took a mechanics course and they moved to Winnipeg where he started his job at the City of Winnipeg Transit. Bill and Win started their family and moved to five acres south of Winnipeg where they built many happy memories and continued their love of farming, keeping a big garden and an array of pets. They enjoyed travel, camping with the kids in summers and occasional visits to more distant lands, including trips to England, Europe, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia. Bill had a way of drawing others in - people and animals alike and spent many content hours wandering, often with a happy dog at his side. In 2009 they moved to a condo and then to a suite overlooking the Seine River. One of Bill's greatest interests was cars, and he spent hours under the hood, both at work and at home. He loved an old car and the challenge of making it run, and every car he owned had its own story. He was the go-to guy for all things automotive, helping countless people buy, sell and repair cars. After retirement in 1988 Bill turned his attention and his hands to woodworking, joining a carving group and "making shavings" as he used his lathe to make lamps, urns and bowls. If you said you liked his work, you often walked away with a "Billy Bowl" in hand. Bill enjoyed life, and the many people he met along the way. He always had a story to tell or a hand to lend. He quietly shared his quick wit, wisdom, practical knowledge and good cheer, and he made the world a friendlier place. The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the kind and competent staff of ward 4 North at Victoria Hospital who made Dad's last weeks comfortable and peaceful, to the supportive staff at Seine River Retirement Home and to the many relatives and friends who have provided help and company to Dad and to Mom, with special thanks to Glen and Trish and to Ann for being there when needed. A Memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at a later date. Donations in honour of Bill can be made to FortWhyte Alive or a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2016