WILLIAM BARRY JAMES MOFFAT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM BARRY JAMES MOFFAT November 2, 1949 - July 28, 2017 Bill has passed away in his new home in Campbell River on July 28, 2017. He will be sadly missed by his beloved sister Janice Marshall (Christopher Strong) and sister Bonnie Hill (Dennis Hill) and his many cousins. His past illness and ALS are now in the past and will be greeted with open arms by his mother (Margaret Moffat), father (William Moffat.) Bill was born November 2, 1949 in Winnipeg. Bill was an amazing individual and athlete and being such a gifted athlete, he was fortunate to have parents who supported him. His father, William, was a visionary and mentor to the youth of Winnipeg. His mother, Marge supported and loved him unconditionally always, and was his star to look up to. Bill was an accomplished swimmer in his early years. He was both an instructor and lifeguard. Bill kept the love of swimming throughout his years and swam every day, until his health forced him to give up the sport. Bill was an exceptional baseball player, and his first coach was his mother Marge who had played professional baseball during the Second World War in Vancouver. His father William helped Bill in his love of baseball pushing to establish leagues and diamonds throughout the Fort Garry area not only for Bill but all youth in the area. Thus, "Moffat Field" bears his name in recognition of these efforts. Bill (Muff) had a love of football, as he was fast and strong, making a great defensive end for the St. Paul's High School Crusaders and Winnipeg Rods. However Bill's greatest love was "the good old hockey game" which he played for many years, starting at the Victoria Community Club in Fort Garry, then high school hockey for St. Paul's Crusaders, and then on to the Fort Garry Blues, a team which his father was one of the founders and creators of the league and team. Bill continued playing hockey at the University of North Dakota, for two years, where he was taking his Physical Education Degree. He then worked at the CN in his twenties, followed by his own lawn service and snow removal business until he was forced to retire because of mental disabilities, caused by previous head traumas. Bill was very happy in his last few years, under the care at Riverview in Winnipeg, and his new home, New Horizon in Campbell River. He had many friends, and was treated with love and dignity by all the staff. There are no words to describe how much happiness they brought to his life and thank you to all. He passed away peacefully and had spent his last days with his sisters and cousins who loved him in Campbell River. Interment to be arranged at a later date in Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2017