WILLIAM KLASSEN

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WILLIAM KLASSEN

It is with great sadness that we, the family, share the loss of William Klassen. The most loyal and fair man we know and a wonderful dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.

William (Bill) is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Beth (son-in-law Greg and grandchildren, Amelia, Elliot and Hattie), Emily (son-in-law Xavi and grandchildren, Noa, Jake and Finley) and John (daughter-in-law Nicole and grandchildren, Bowen, Cooper and Codie). Also left to mourn his passing are his brothers, Corny, Rudy and Peter, sister Betty, extended family and friends. Bill was predeceased by his eldest son Ian in 2008, his wife Dale in 2015, his brother David, his sisters, Mary and Helen, his niece Katherine, his nephew David and his parents. We are comforted he will now be with Dale and Ian as he has been missing them for a very long time.

Bill was born is Ammeloe, Germany on June 10, 1947 to Cornelius and Maria Klassen. Bill was the baby of a large close-knit family. His childhood was spent exploring his neighbourhood with his brothers and friends and working alongside them at an early age. Some of the family’s favourite stories are from those days (bananas, “chocolate” and firecrackers) and we knew it was going to be a good dinner when Bill started a sentence with “Have I ever told you the one about…”

Bill went to both Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Elementary before graduating from Mennonite Brethren Collegiate (MBCI). Following that, he got his teaching degree from the University of Manitoba. His first and only teaching job was at River East Collegiate and his students were so sad when he left that they hung his tie in the gym and serenaded him! From teaching, Bill went back to school to become a Chartered Accountant and opened Klassen and Company with his brother Peter. Many busy years at Klassen and Co. followed working in the same building as his brothers and friends allowing lunchtime meetups to be a regular occurrence. From Klassen and Co., Bill went to work at Procurity where he (and especially Dale!) enjoyed all the socializing and friendships they made during that time.

In 1965, Bill met the love of his life Dale and won her over with a meal from A&W and a signature move only shared with family. Dale and Bill married in 1969 and became a real team. While Bill was working on his career, Bill and Dale were also building their family. In quick succession, they had four little kids (“jewels”) and Bill showed everyone fatherhood was a perfect match for him. Nothing made Bill happier than being Dale’s husband and taking care of his family. He loved parties at 43, travels with Dale (especially to Florida and Spain), volunteering with Manitoba Special Olympics, football trips with his boys, weekends at the lake, following the stock market with his sons and brother, and making treat packs for those he loved. Bill wanted his family to have everything they wanted and was very generous in making that happen. The equalization plan was always in full force!

In retirement, Bill connected closely with his kids, grandkids and brother. During that time, nothing made him happier than sponsoring a big grocery haul and a family bbq. He would always say, “this is way better than you can get at any restaurant” with a smile on his face.

At Bill’s request, there will be no funeral service, rather his family will have a big dinner with good food, wine, treats and lots of stories to remember their dad and grandpa. Not sure anyone can top the pickling onion story though!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or consider making a treat “haul” to brighten someone in need’s day and think of Bill while you do it.

We love you dad and are very proud to be your family. As the half left here, we will do our best to keep the next generation of 43 inspired dinners going strong and live life with your generous nature. You have taught us well. We love you.

THOMSON FUNERAL HOME

(204) 783-7211

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www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2023