WILLIAM FERNIE

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• I first met Bill at John Pritchard School. I was so very fortunate to be the full time teaching assistant in his classroom. I was also in University studying for my education degree. I learnt SO much from Bill. He was a hands on teacher that spend so much time cutting out wood for his students to sand. They all went home with beautiful hand crafted Christmas decorations every year. I still hang mine every year. Bill had a heart of gold and a steel trap mind. That guy knew something about everything. I hadn't seen him in years and I was so excited to run into him on New Year's Eve at a Thrift Store. He was always on the hunt for leather or copper or something that he could contribute to the Festival du Voyaguer! He gave me his business card and we made plans for him to come to my school and make snow goggles with my class at Hampstead School at the end of the month. I am so glad that I ran into my old friend. We had such a nice visit. He was concerned about his wife's health and said he was feeling well. He wanted to downsize their home and start living a simpler life. I told him that I still treasured the Hudson's Bay blanket and old fashioned butter bowl he gifted me. I will always treasure those items a little more. I am so very, very sad to hear this news. I offer my condolences to the family and just hope that I can attend a service for him to pay my last respects. RIP my dear friend. You will be missed. - Posted by: Liz Loewen (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2016

• Bill was a friendly giant, filled with compassion and creativity. Michael (Bill's son) and my son Mark were good friends since Day Care. Bill and Janice always made Mark feel welcomed even when his health took a hard turn. With many sleep overs Bill would engage the young boys with his knowledge and good humor. Bill you will be missed by many, especially the people you have touched with your time and generosity, and empathy. - Posted by: Francine Allan and family (friends) on: Jan 09, 2016

• Bill was an amazing neighbour. Julia and Lucy (dogs) awaited everyday for me to come home and let them outside to see Bill. As usual Bill would be in the middle of one of his projects . Either mowing the lawn fixing flowers or making some new wood master piece. Lucy would sit by the fence and bark... Bill I am hungry where are my treats! Everyday Bill would wander over and you would hear "Ok, OK, Hello girls do you want some treats... " Lucy and Julia would sit at the gate not so patient but Bill always greeted them with a smile a pat and a good chat. Bill always had a huge heart for animals and I am very glad to be a part of his stories of what dog adoption fairs he has gone too. Again he was a great story teller and I also enjoyed him sharing the stories of his adventures with Janice going to the lake or the past trip to Victoria and his family visits with the grand kids. May all these memories give the family strength at this time. Julia, Lucy , Brad and Heather - Posted by: Heather and Brad (neighbour ) on: Jan 08, 2016

• BILL FERNIE The Hudson's Bay Company carefully itemized the tasks that were allotted to a blacksmith. A blacksmith was expected to "prepare scythes, make nails, make hinges, make tongs, sharpen saws, mend guns, and more. Bill Fernie, following in the footsteps of his ancestors, mastered the skills necessary to carry out these various tasks. Along with his love of metalwork, Bill developed a tremendous enthusiasm for fine carpentry. When he encountered a problem, he worried it to death until he had discovered a solution. He enjoyed frequent visits to Value Village and garage sales, looking for either tools or a piece of material that his fertile imagination could see merit in converting into something historic. He most certainly enjoyed working on small gifts for all and sundry, which he generously pulled out from behind his back and presented to his friend and the many children who flocked around his work bench. He was a valued member of Manitoba Living History Society for many, many years, and he touched all with his enthusiasm and gentle approach to all, especially children. As we look around the house, we can see many small pieces of woodwork and ironwork that Bill created and presented to us. He was never afraid to ask questions about things he did not quite understand, and he cheerfully made one sure that he appreciated any help that he could draw in. Bill will be missed and it's truly sad that he was taken from us so suddenly without giving any of us a chance to say goodbye. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bill's wife, Janice, and to his family. Barry and Judy McPherson - Posted by: Barry and Judy McPherson (friends in living history) on: Jan 07, 2016

• Our first encounter with Bill was at a living history event many years ago. He hung around for a bit and started to ask questions and was soon drawn in. Over many, many years as a member of Manitoba Living History Society, Bill could be counted on for almost any activity – big or small. Bill came to our MLHS Baggage sewing events in order to make what he was doing better - and to share. His problem solving skills of transforming the craziest item into something historic astounded many. Quirky facts about the latest tool find, how to remake or repurpose things with that little history anecdote made Bill a loveable guy. Bill was an example of a true friend. Bill never spoke loudly or harshly of anyone and was a friend to all in the living history community. Bill was always quick to say "I’ll be there", no matter the time or place - no matter if a historic event or to lend a helping hand to a friend in need. Bill was a quiet, gentle, and kind man. Bill loved history; he loved researching it, talking about it, sharing it and living it. He was both a talented carpenter and a talented blacksmith. He was an original recycler – taking something new and making it old again. Bill was an educator in real life and an educator in his living history life. He always passed on information and learning and passion in what he found and created and re-created. We will miss him greatly. The members of Manitoba Living History Society - Posted by: MANITOBA LIVING HISTORY SOCIETY (a member of our society) on: Jan 07, 2016

• I am truly sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He had a sense of humour like no other. I appreciated how he often offered to cover my class so I could have a break, since I didn't get recess breaks. I will forever treasure the Christmas decorations he crafted and sold in the staff room. I decorate my home with them every year. May Bill rest in peace and may his family find comfort in knowing he will be fondly remembered by so many of us! - Posted by: Ricki Daly (Colleague) on: Jan 07, 2016

• Mr. Fernie was one of the best teachers I had as a child. He made learning fun in a way I had never experienced. Even running into him as an adult, he never failed to make me smile. I still have my loon magnet and wooden Canada Goose! Thank you for everything Mr. Fernie, B2 (B-squared) - Posted by: Brittany Kolisnyk (student) on: Jan 07, 2016

• Bill had a huge heart. He would bend over backwards to help his fellow teachers.I always looked forward to lunch hour when he would entertain me with his wit. Nobody could make me laugh like Bill could. I truly admired Bill for standing up for what was right! I will always cherish the many years that I worked with Bill. - Posted by: Brent Willows (co-worker) on: Jan 06, 2016

• Bill was a good guy. I know many people say that of their friends and loved ones, but Bill was the yardstick by which all others are measured. Generous to a fault, and a tool-hound of the highest caliber. I can't recall how many times he'd call and tell me to come over to "clean out his tool collection". We'd talk for hours and he'd shove more tools onto my trunk, never asking for anything in return. He spent his time working at the Festival du Voyageur engaging with the kids. Making small rings out of horse nails or other small items to delight them all. His love of the craft, his bad jokes, his easy smile and friendly demeanour will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. The world is a poorer, and less interesting place by his passing. Rest easy old friend, we miss you already. - Posted by: Pedro Bedard (Friend and brother Blacksmith) on: Jan 05, 2016