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WILLIAM GEORGE FERNIE
Date of Passing: Jan 02, 2016
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WILLIAM GEORGE FERNIE (BILL) Suddenly on the morning of January 2, 2016, Bill Fernie passed away at the age of 65. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years Janice, his son Michael and wife Amber, his grandchildren Hudson and Julia, his sister Carol and his cat Charlie. Born in Winnipeg in 1950, Bill grew up in the West End, where his love of Winnipeg and its rich history would first develop. Bill attended Clifton School, Sargent Park, and finally Daniel Mac. After finishing his education degree at the University of Manitoba, Bill began his long career in the River East-Transcona School Division teaching grade five. His humour and obvious love of learning changed the lives of many. Bill had a keen interest in science and invention, and he was always working on one project or another in his basement workshop. After retiring in 2005, Bill was able to dedicate himself to his hobbies. He reinvented himself as a carpenter, leatherworker, and blacksmith. He was dedicated to Fort Gibraltar, and working on the forge at Festival du Voyageur. Bill taught us the importance of kindness and generosity. For Bill, the measure of a man was defined by his love for his family, and the importance of caring for those around you - even in small measures. He was a selfless caregiver to his wife Janice for many years. Bill loved animals. He spent many hours collecting toys and blankets for the dog adoption fairs. Bill was kind and gentle, and animals could sense that. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to Bill's favourite charities: Hull's Haven, and the Winnipeg Humane Society. A celebration of Bill's life will take place on January 31, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Gibralter.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 16, 2016
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Mr Fernie was a beautiful, empathic person, and the best teacher I ever had. He had a way of *seeing* each student, and nurtured and guided them in the classroom. I was in a grade 4/5/6 combined classroom in the seventies, and he made such a huge impact on my life and development. He recognized my insatiable love of reading and encouraged me and my parents to borrow adult books from the library; he also deeply supported my creativity. I’ve thought of him fondly over the decades, and feel so blessed to have known him. - Posted by: Jan (Student from the 70s) on: Mar 07, 2025
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I'm sorry for your loss. I wanted to express to everyone what a wonderful teacher he was. As an adult now I look back at him fondly, because he made such an impact on my life. He kept us engaged in learning. I remember him filling up tote trays with dirt and artifacts, and teaching us how to excavate an archaeological site. He would bring people into his class room and have them leave finger prints. Then he taught us how to dust, lift, and read finger prints. He brought out my love for science. I now work as a nurse. My 3 children, now young adults all had the pleasure of having him touch their life while going to Maple Leaf school. - Posted by: tracey carli (grade 5 student Donwood school) on: Jan 17, 2016