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WILLIAM ERNEST LARNER, SR.
Born: Jun 26, 1947
Date of Passing: Nov 18, 2013
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
WILLIAM (BILL) ERNEST LARNER, SR Sadly on Monday, November 18, 2013, we lost the center of our universe. William (Bill) Larner passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital Asper Cardiac ICU. After a short but valiant battle, he passed away surrounded by his family. He was born June 26, 1947 in Shoal Lake, Manitoba to Nell and William Larner Sr. A few years later his little sister Kathy came along and they were as close as any siblings could be. He grew up in Kings Park, Fort Garry where he and all his buddies created chaos and havoc to the best of their ability. In October 1974 Bill met his wife-to-be Donna and seven months later they were married. "Together Forever" was their motto and they were seldom apart and often seen hand-in-hand walking the dog or going to Home Depot on a date. In February 1977, a son - Bill Larner Jr. was added to the mix. How he adored that little man. Then in l981 Geoffrey made us four. Who likes even numbers? In 1982 Robbie completed our crew. Bill's boys were his world. He never missed a hockey, baseball or soccer practice or game, which was quite a feat considering there were three of them and one of him - but somehow he managed. Bill was a firm believer in teaching the boys the best values he could. Hard work, honesty, integrity and humour were traits he instilled in his little boys and today they live by that. His pride in how his sons grew up into mature men was his greatest achievement. After raising three boys, then came the grandchildren. Would you believe it? We got three precious girls. Bill wanted to teach them about cars and guy things and couldn't get over that girls really were very different from boys. He would play hairdresser and tea party just because it made them laugh. It didn't end there - two step-grandchildren were welcomed into our family circle in the last few years. The more the merrier! For the past 14 years Bill was employed at the University of Manitoba, Education Building. Many strong friendships were made during that time and his absence will leave a very large void. Helping people or animals came so naturally to Bill. He spent many years as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance attendant. He lead the cubs and scout organization in Sanford for 12 years and helped with the management of numerous sports teams. Wayward and stray animals always became family. Bill was a kind-hearted, caring man who was devoted to his family and friends. Always a smile and a kind word, he will be missed by all who knew him. Left to mourn are Bill's best friend and wife, Donna (nee Prystenski); son Bill (Michelle, daughters Molly and Raven, stepchildren Holden and Micah); son Geoffrey (Jennifer and daughter Lillian); son Robbie (and four-footed grandson Major); sister Kathy (Paul); nephews Erin and Shawn (and their families); brothers-in-law Brian and Bob (and their families). He will be missed terribly by his mother-in-law Elsie Petriew and by best friends Bob and Lesli; as well as by pets Abi, Fat Pauly and Pagan. Bill was predeceased by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his Mom and Dad; and numerous good friends who are waiting with open arms, ready to create chaos and havoc and get the party started. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 200, Education Building, University of Manitoba. See the attached link for parking. http://umanitoba.ca/education/media/Education_Building_Parking.pdf Sincere thanks go to Rick and Melanie (EMT's) from Macdonald Ambulance Service. Our family would also like to extend special thanks to staff and doctors at the Victoria Hospital for the care Bill received during his stay. Our deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Moon and the amazing team at the St. Boniface Hospital Asper Cardiac ICU that dedicated their time, energy and extensive knowledge to give Bill the best chance they could. Your exceptional care and focus to meet Bill's and our family's needs was overwhelming. There are no words to express our feelings. All of you are truly "Angels". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Cardio Vascular Research Fund, C1026 - 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 2A6. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com "Sweetheart, I have loved you so long and our life could never have been better. I know you are pain-free and dancing with the angels. Sweet dreams. We will always love you."
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2013
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. You may remember me Donna. I was the MTS repairman from 1988-2001 in Sanford. I first met Bill at the Sanford high school when I came to the Sanford area. I greatly appreciated Bill. I didn't know where any of the wiring was at the school. He frequently helped me out. We always got along well. - Posted by: Bill Lyall (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2013
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What a big loss for the family! I knew Bill because I also work in the Education building at the U of M and I saw him there almost every day. We always greeted each other, sometimes chatted. Once I lost an important receipt in the piles of recycled paper and asked him for help to trace it back. He put all the work he was doing at the moment aside and spent more than half an hour to help me to get the darn paper back. I thought then what a kind and patient man! Indeed he was an intelligent, patient, helpful person. It's so sad that I won't be able to see his friendly face anymore while at work. It's so awfully sad. Bill, you will be greatly missed by all people who knew you. I send my sincere condolences to the family. Tatiana. - Posted by: Tatiana Galetcaia (We both worked in the Education building ) on: Nov 26, 2013
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This is a beautiful tribute to a good man. That tribute lives on in the amazing family he leaves to remember him. My deepest condolences to the Larner family. - Posted by: Elaine Brick () on: Nov 26, 2013
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It is with great sadness that I heard about the passing of your husband, father and friend. When I was 11-12 years of age I often took Bill to the Matinee at the Furby Theater on Portage Ave. on Saturday. He would have been 4-5 years of age. I moved to B.C. when he was about 18 years old and I have not been in Winnipeg for many years. However I have been in touch with his Mother until her passing in 2006, and still am in contact with Helen Cowell, especially as she will be visiting her sister Joyce Draper in Victoria very soon. I have many happy memories of Bill when we were children and I hope that the memories that you and your family share with him will sustain you at this sad time. - Posted by: Christine (Hazelwood) Motyka (My grandmother,Marina (Kiez) Baubie was Catherine (Kiez) Tesarski's sister) on: Nov 26, 2013
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Bill was such a friendly, caring, and happy person. We were really shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. We both work at the University and we would often have great conversations with Bill which was usually a story regarding his family. The most recent was regarding the motorcycles he bought, and the old farm truck. We can't imagine the enormous loss you are feeling, but please know that Bill would not want you to be sad, he was always focused on the happy and positive aspects of his life. We pray for you to find the strength to help you through this very difficult time. - Posted by: Gerry & Amanda Costello (U of M friends) on: Nov 25, 2013
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Donna, I was so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I have very fond memories of us visiting you in Sanford. I am sure that Ken greeted Bill at the gates. My love to you and the boys and their families at this very sad time. Cathy Bachynski - Posted by: Cathy Bachynski (friend) on: Nov 25, 2013
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Our path often crossed with the Larner family throughout the years in Sanford and we were very saddened by Bill's passing. He was a proud family man, caring, thoughtful and the obvious foundation of your family. May you hold everything that he has given you & taught you close to your hearts and keep you strong. - Posted by: David & Maureen Epler (Friend) on: Nov 25, 2013
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Bill was a kind and fair man. He always had a smile and kind word. We will remember him with kind thoughts. - Posted by: Stuart Cuddy & Brenda Laudin (Neighbour & friend) on: Nov 24, 2013
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I remember him as Mr. Larner at Sanford Collegiate. Quiet and kind, and his kids' biggest cheerleader. While it is hard losing a loved one so dear, believing that he is watching over everyone keeps him near. My thoughts and heart go out to your family. - Posted by: Kellie Williams () on: Nov 24, 2013
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My deepest condolences to the Larner family on the loss of a truly great father, husband and friend. I will always remember his jolly laugh, big hugs and all around great attitude for life. Your tribute to him in the obituary is everything I remember and will cherish about Bill. May God hold you close in his hands giving you strength and courage as you follow this journey of sorrow ahead of you. Know that he is well and revelling in the joy of heaven. Sending you love, peace and hugs. Doreen - Posted by: Doreen Boyd (friend) on: Nov 23, 2013
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Our condolences on your sudden loss. Our entire office will certainly miss his friendly visits and the stories that were attached to his cherished families. - Posted by: Dr. Mark Buettner (Family Dentist) on: Nov 23, 2013
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So very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Ken, Stacee, Kyla and I extend our sincerest and deepest condolences to Donna and family. In our prayers at this sad time in your lives. - Posted by: Ken and Margaret Chase (Former neighbours) on: Nov 23, 2013
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