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BILL (WILLIAM) JON APPLEBY
Born: Jul 12, 1953
Date of Passing: Dec 11, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBILL (WILLIAM) JON APPLEBY
Bill Appleby passed away peacefully on December 11, surrounded by his partner Laurie Phillips and his daughters Stephanie Appleby (Wilkinson), Kathleen Appleby (Jessiman), and Melinda Appleby (Strawn). Predeceased by his mother and father, Connie and William Appleby Sr., and brother Richard Appleby. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Cathie Eliasson, Liz Appleby (Levin), and Maryanne Appleby, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Oliver Wilkinson, Avery Wilkinson, Elliott Strawn, and those yet to come. He was immensely proud of them and deeply loved being an "Afi."
Born and raised in the River Heights and St. Boniface areas of Winnipeg, Bill spent his childhood winters at the rink. However, his heart belonged to the family cottage on Coney Island at Lake of the Woods. A passionate fisherman, Bill was known for spinning tall tales about the "lunkers" he caught. He was a proud member of the Wooden Boat Club (especially Chris-Craft), Esox Club, and the Classic Boat Motor Club.
Bill earned an Arts degree from the University of Manitoba and was a lifelong reader. He spent over a decade in Colorado, where he found peace—and plenty of hard work—in building the family’s cabin in the mountains. He loved skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking with his daughters. To the very end, Bill's quick wit and humor remained intact. He’d want us to include: “Afi is the greatest.”
A loyal friend, Bill maintained lifelong connections with childhood buddies. He was always ready to strike up a conversation, particularly if it involved a shared love of the lake. Whether or not he knew the subject matter, he was always willing to offer advice. His friends supported his larger-than-life ideas and joined him on many memorable, and questionable, adventures.
Laurie brought out Bill’s tender side, and he cherished the 22 years they shared together. Together, they cared for their beloved "cat kids"—Finnegan, Holly, Sketch, and Radisson. The warmth of their nightly wood fires and the melodies of the songbirds at the lake brought him comfort and joy.
“There are places I remember, all my life, though some have changed... In my life, I love you more.” – The Beatles
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at his favorite place, Lake of the Woods. In the meantime, honour Bill by playing a little Dylan or The Band and toasting him with his favourite drink: Bacardi White, Diet Coke, no lime.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit or charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2024
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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My family moved to Winnipeg in the summer of 1963. I was 10, didn't know a soul, and found north River Heights eerily quiet. It was as if the whole neighbourhood had been displaced to cottage country. That all changed on Labour Day when the next door neighbours, the seven-strong Appleby family, rolled into town after their summer at Lake of the Woods. Bill immediately embraced me as a friend, and for the next several years we were pretty much inseparable. We both played on the Grade 5 Queenston softball team that made it to the city finals. (Bill was the star pitcher and our clutch hitter.) In Grade 6 we schlepped together to Brock-Corydon for "major work." In junior high, we walked to school together almost every day, picking up friends (like Jay Stuart) along the way. Throughout, I thought I had completely lucked out to have Bill - this handsome, athletic, smart as a whip, adventurous kid - as my best friend. And I was right. We drifted apart thereafter, so I was delighted to re-connect at a Kelvin reunion two-plus years ago. With age comes gratitude: I will always be grateful to Bill for having extended a hand of friendship to me - the nerdy newbie on Waterloo Street. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Rob Vipond - Posted by: Rob Vipond (Friend) on: Dec 22, 2024
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like many others whose lives were enriched by knowing Bill I have many fond memories of playing baseball & hockey with him. I also remember the great times at 131 Waterloo. - Posted by: David McGoey (friend) on: Dec 22, 2024
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I moved from Winnipeg’s north end to River Heights in the fall of 1965 and first really got to know Bill at the RH community centre, as we were teammates on the Playground C Cardinals and various subsequent teams. Many fond memories of our shared passion for hockey, including out of town tournaments and hours of “tweeter” on the Appleby’s driveway on Waterloo St. I also benefited from Bill’s passion for tinkering with various used vehicles; I think his favourite was a Sunbeam Alpine convertible sports car that he drove us to Kelvin HS in and piloted on legendary road trips to Lake of the Woods. Although we lost touch after high school, I will never forget our friendship and the many laughs we shared. - Posted by: Hart Searle (Childhood friend ) on: Dec 21, 2024
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I grew up with Bill and shared many a "moment" with him. Although I have not seen him for many decades (I live in Victoria) I will not foget him. He is the person who gave me my nickname "Puff" which to this day is what my Winnipeg friends still call me. I will miss him and everytime I here someone call me "Puff" I will think of Bill with fond memories. - Posted by: Robert Richardson (Friend) on: Dec 21, 2024
