January 19, 1956 ~ June 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Willie at his residence in Pine Falls on June 17, 2021.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 39 years, Beryl; sons Dustin and Matthew (Jaime) and grandchildren Blake and Savannah; sisters Louise Bodnar, Betty Balness (Howard) and sister-in-law Fay Davidson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Willie was predeceased by his father Jean, his mother Zelie, his brother John and his brother-in-law Gerry.
Willie was a millwright by trade and a proud member of Local 1443.
He started when he was 16 years old when his dad sent him up to Jenpeg to work for the summer and he didn’t like that, but he took it in stride. He worked numerous jobs all over Manitoba and later moving to Alberta to work. They moved back home and he worked some jobs in Ontario before accepting full time employment in Pine Falls at the paper mill until its closing.
Willie loved to hunt and fish and like any other guy he liked to brag about how big the fish was or how big those horns were on that deer or moose. He loved to travel and started making going to the states an annual event to watch his New Orleans Saints play, whether it was a home game or going to a different city to watch them. Mom would buy the opposing teams shirt and wear it and cheer them on just to bug him, but it was all in fun. He also got to travel to France twice to see family and he was very happy to have done that.
But the thing that brought him his most joy were his grandchildren and although he didn’t have much time with them, he made the most of it. He always said that being “Pappa” was the best honour that he could have. We the family hope he knows how much he is so missed and loved.
We would like to thank the Pine Falls Paramedics for everything that they did to help him and to the doctors and staff at Pine Falls Hospital for doing everything that they could to help. We also would like to express our sincere gratitude as well to Constable Liam McLeod and Constable Sharon Trauzzi for the support that you extended to our family.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date once Covid restrictions have eased.
In lieu of flowers donations in Willie’s Memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
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Lorne and Patsy
To Beryl and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Willie was a great guy and will be truly missed by those that knew him. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Love from Lorne and Patsy
Joan Kleyh
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
Liz and Pic
So sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences
Mike Bodnar
My dear uncle Willie.
We never got to get out on the boat and enjoy some of life’s precious time together. My heart goes out to Beryl, Mathew and Dustin and all the family Willie has left behind. My door is always open on the west coast family. Rest Well Willie. Your nephew Mike.
Ed & Karen Papineau
Our deepest Sympathy Beryl on the loss of your dear husband , father & grandfather. Our thoughts are with you & your family at this difficult time .
Viv Cure
So sorry to hear of your loss! Condolences to you and your family .
Lisa kemball
Oh Beryl! Such sad news…my heart goes out to you and the boys.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Brenda & Kyle Chilton
Sorry to hear of your loss . Sending our deepest condolences
Frederique
Nous nous sommes pas vu souvent , les moments passés ensemble je ne les oublierais jamais,
Courage à toutes la famille
J envoi un bisous volant à Willy , je l oublirais jamais
Kim n laurie
Our prayers are with all the families and Beryl. Willie was a great guy. We can not believe he is gone. Best wishes.
Patti-Jo Papineau
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and our boys ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Cindy
Uncle Willie, you will be missed. Our thoughts go out to Beryl, Dustin and Matthew and those grandchildren he loved.
Love,
Cindy (Louise’s daughter) on the west coast
Jean Philippe Cauchy
We are very sad about the death of Willy, we had just found each other. I will never forget our fishing trip in Lac du Bonnet and the evening before the wedding, singing and laughing in the hotel room. Beryl, Dustin, Matthew and Jaimie, the children, we think very hard of you and you my cousins in this moment of sadness we present our condolences in memory of Willy. We have to stay in touch, our door is wide open. You come when you want. We love you very much.
Auntie Denyse Frédérique Jean Philippe
Chris and Netta Balness
Beryl and family, Chris and I are so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. You are all in our thoughts.
Kelly Sharpe
As were so many, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Willie’s sudden passing. As reflected in his obituary, life was good, albeit far too short. Beryl please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Lyle OConnor
Rip Willie.
Annie Davidson France
Rest in Peace Wilie, I will miss you. Love always your cousin Annie.