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WILLIAM (BILL) ROCKWELL
Date of Passing: Aug 14, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM (BILL) ROCKWELL With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Thomas William Rockwell on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at the age of 55 years. Left to mourn Bill's memory are his brother Bruce (Alison); nephews Ray Dock (Maureen), Keith Dock (Claudia), Russell Dock, Scott Rockwell (Aly), Brenden Rockwell; great-nephews and nieces Jordie, Cherise, Shawna and Bryon. He was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Winnie; sister Roma (Polet); and brother Barrie. Bill's struggles in life started early as a teenager. He injured his back and missed nearly two years of school. He tried hard to get his education but never finished. He found his place at the Boys and Girls Club on Dufferin Avenue. There, Bill learned about life and made many friends. Years later, he returned as a volunteer where Bill truly developed a passion for helping anyone and anywhere from his experiences at the club. After moving to the West Broadway area, Bill found another home at the West Broadway Community Ministry. Bill also became a referee with the River City Wrestling group. He had so many great stories of the matches, the fun, and just being part of his biggest passion, Wrestling - thank you boys! Bill had a special place in his heart for Scott, Brenden and Jordie; he was their Uncle Buck. He loved every minute he was with you guys. Diabetes took its toll on Bill. In 2012, he had a leg amputated but being in a wheelchair certainly did not slow him down. He kept up with the ministry and his family there. He will always be remembered for his beaming smile and his witty comments. A Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in West Broadway Community Ministry Church, 222 Furby Street. The family would like to thank all the wonderful people who were so important to Billy; you were such a big part of his life. A special thank you to Jackie, Tammy and Lynda for always being there for him. Thank you to all that have touched his life one way or another. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to West Broadway Community Ministry, 102 222 Furby Street. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Aug 20, 2014
WILLIAM (BILL) ROCKWELL On Thursday, August 14, 2014, Bill died at the Grace Hospital at the age of 55 years. A longer obituary notice will follow. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Aug 16, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2014
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My family lived two houses from Billy. We lived at Dufferin complex. I remember him as a very lovey person. He always had a smile on his face and always around to lend a hand. Billy was a very kind soul with so much to offer. He was a big teddy bear. My Auntie Ann always ran into him at Portage Place. Everytime I visit my Auntie's we'd go there in hopes Billy would be there. But I'm left with beautiful memories of a person that made this world a better place cause he was in it. RIP Billy and may you be with the angels and pain free. Blessing my heart goes out to yours and friends. May your family have comfort knowing you're pain free and you're with the angels. xo Yours truly, Melody Pfeiffer - Posted by: Melody pfeiffer (neighbor and friend) on: Aug 26, 2014
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To Bruce and family sorry to hear about your loss. Billy was s fixture in the Lord Selkirk Park complex and loved by all. I don't think the big man had a mean bone in his body, and for us that was a good thing. - Posted by: Al Sansregret () on: Aug 20, 2014
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I first met Rocky about 5 years ago when he was dating a good friend of mine, Rocky would give u the shirt off his back, I remember going to visit him just after his surgery at the hsp. we were outside and he asked me for a smoke, when another gentleman asked for one too. That's when Rocky told the guy to get lost that he was the only one that could ask. Rocky u where a great man in and out of the wrestling business. U will be missed just not by ur family n friends but also by ur wrestling brothers n sisters. We love n miss u Rocky. RIP my friend (dynamite"Dougie"valentine) - Posted by: Dynamite"Dougie"Valentine (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2014
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he was a very kind loving man. he did not dislike anyone. he would help anyone out if he could. we here at r.c.w. s.p.w. l.c.w. will miss the greatest referee in winnipeg pro wrestling history. my name is laurence fozzworth the 3rd mgr of champions for local wrestling. we are making up a championship belt and holding a yearly show in his memory with proceeds going to his favorite place west broadway community drop in at 222 furby street. 100% funds going there. keep ears open for first show soon. to all local wrestlers/refs/promoters lets get together and help send him off the right way with decent coffin and burial he deserves it. 15 years he spent and reffed while he was suffering from parkinson's disease. r.i.p rocky. see you soon at your funeral .love from your very close friend louis hendrickson. a.k.a. weazel retired pro wrestling mgr. - Posted by: louishendricksona.k,a.weaselmgrof champions. (very close friends) on: Aug 18, 2014
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I met Rocky through wrestling. He always was very kind to everyone he talked to, and never had a bad word about anyone. His presence at the shows will sadly be missed. RIP, my friend... Gone, but not forgotten! - Posted by: Sheila Westling (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2014
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I remember Rocky as he wanted to be known in wrestling where we both worked for 14 years, we were having a show at a community center and Rocky asked if he could ref our match so I said I'll see what happens then Rocky said I won't ask for any smokes for a month so I said okay you're in (he was going to be our ref anyway) and after the match he asked for one smoke only so I gave him one, the next week we had another show and he asked if I had an extra smoke so I gave him a pack.....that was Rocky. - Posted by: Elie Muir (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2014
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I have known Bill for many many years. We became friends almost instantly. I have so many fond memories of my friend,which I will always hold in my heart. Bill was a very generous and kind soul,and also had a roughed edge to him. I will miss him dearly always and will hold him in my heart. I now have another wonderful angel looking down at me and see his smile and hear his laugh.I blow you a kiss up to the heavens Bill and know you return it.Rest in peace always dear friend. - Posted by: Susan Pegoraro (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2014
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