WILLIAM (BILL) GERALD LOCKHART

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WILLIAM (BILL) GERALD LOCKHART

April 8, 1935 – January 23, 2026

Bill passed away, as he wanted: in his sleep surrounded by those who loved him. He left us in the early morning hours of January 23, 2026, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre after a brief illness. He was known as Bill to most, but to us he was Dad, Willy, Grandpa, Gramps, Great-Grandpa, Uncle, brother, friend, mentor, and so much more.

Bill was born to Charlie and Daisy Lockhart in Oak River, Manitoba and grew up in the Lenore area. Times were lean in his early years, and he often related how the family survived on venison and Jello! In 1953 he met the love of his life, a beautiful, young schoolteacher named Flora (Flo) Ashcroft, who was working near Lenore. In 1957 they married and their love flourished unconditionally for the next 68+ years. That same year, the young couple moved to Brandon and Bill began his plumbing apprenticeship with Maguire Plumbing.

In 1958, daughter Sheree was born, followed by son Gerald in 1960, son Dallas in 1966, and daughter Lorelei in 1971. Around 1970 Dad embarked on his career of self-employment by starting L&J Plumbing & Heating with his business partner, Ken Jaworski. Bill then set out on his own in 1976 as Lockhart Plumbing & Heating, a business still family owned and operated by grandson, Tyler Warburton! Bill was very proud to have Tyler continue his business under the family name and considered it his legacy: we think it is just one of many! Dad finally “retired” at age 75, though he continued to act as a consultant until his death. He could still recall where a specific water shut-off valve was located in a building, despite having worked in thousands of homes and businesses.

In 1969, Bill and Flo built and moved onto a 5-acre parcel just outside of Brandon city limits, at 1805 – 34th Street. This was the beginning of his desire to have a place of their own on which to have horses.

Dad loved horses! Bill and Flo brought some of the first Arabian horses into Manitoba in the early 1960’s. From then until 2018, there was always a horse (or 30!) around and it was a family affair with all of the kids showing in a variety of classes. Bill’s love of horses never waned, and he still loved going to shows and visiting with the many old and new friends made around the horses. Sheree has mini-ponies which Dad loved, and he was very proud of his grandson, Landon, who trains cutting horses in Texas. Dad had many horses over the years, but his most beloved was an Arabian stallion, known as Pistol. Bill and Pistol, and friends, shared some very memorable back-country trips, and the family treasures the pictures and memories!

In 1978, Bill and Flo moved 5 miles south of Brandon onto a ¼ section that became their home for the next 40 years and was known as Win-Dee Acres Arabians! From this blank canvas, a loving home was built, a barn and outbuildings were built, as were corrals and pastures. This was the backdrop for a lifetime of memories for our families to be made. Mom & Dad’s farm was always the go-to place for family gatherings, with room for the grandkids to learn and be themselves! More than once, the golf cart needed a dent repaired or a wheel straightened after a minor mishap with a tree or fencepost! Through hard work and the desire to have a show place, the farm was always immaculately mowed and trimmed. Dad had high expectations of himself and of us!

In 2018, when Bill was 83 years old, the tough choice was made to sell the farm and relocate into Brandon. He never completely adjusted to city living but it was made easier by Tyler developing his home on the same quarter as the farm, and building a shop where Bill could putter. Right up until the first week of January, Dad was busy building birdhouses in the shop! He was also a regular attendee at the Table of Knowledge, held most mornings at the 18th Street Humpty’s!

Countless trips were made over the years to watch the grandkids’ sports and school events, attend weddings, and celebrate the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren! The first grandchild, Tara, arrived on Bill’s birthday of April 8th and, for 45 years, they celebrated their birthdays together! There are 10 grandchildren and 13 great-children, who have many fond memories of their Grandpa Bill, and he developed a unique relationship with every one of them!

Dad was a hardworking, genuine, and generous man with a sharp mind and a natural ability to think outside the box. Known for being able to fix just about anything, he approached life with skill, determination and practicality. He had a good sense of humor, a quick wit, and never minded being the recipient of the odd prank, always shared in good fun! Dad appreciated life’s simple pleasures and treasured his time spent with family and friends. He was always happy to unwind and relax at the end of the day with a cold beer, usually in the shop.

Bill also contributed to the local horse associations by giving his time and energy. He was one of the original (founding) members of the Manitoba Gymkhana and Rodeo Assoc (MGRA), served as both a director and the president of the Manitoba Arabian Horse Association (MAHA), and also served as a director on the board of the Provincial Exhibition.

A little later in life, Bill and Flo began to travel. They visited Gerald in Australia three times for extended stays, and travelled to New Zealand, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, Cuba, and did a very memorable road trip of the Alaskan Highway. If Dad had a regret, it was maybe waiting too long to start travelling and seeing the sites!

Life was not without some adversity for Bill. He underwent a 4-vessel bypass open chest surgery in 2001. That was followed ten years later, by 4 stents, and another 5 stents a few years after. He then underwent an aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We often joked that he had a bionic heart, but were so grateful for the extra time it gave us with Dad.

In September, 2025, Dad was hospitalized with pneumonia. After 11 days, he was discharged, but his fire was gone. He was admitted again on January 7th and never left. As fate would have it, we were able to celebrate Christmas 2025 with all 4 of Bill and Flo’s children being together with them, for the first time in many, many years. The eldest son, Gerald, lives in Australia and had decided earlier on that he would be home for Christmas this year!

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Daisy Lockhart; his in-laws John and Isabella Ashcroft, and his sister, Jean Brownridge. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Flora Lockhart; daughter Sheree (Kim) Warburton, and their 3 children, Tara (Chad) Hilhorst, Trevor (Cherisse) Warburton, and Tyler (Lindsay) Warburton and families; son Gerald Lockhart; son Dallas Lockhart (Deanna) and his 3 children, Nolan, Landon (Maya) Lockhart, Morgyn; and daughter Lorelei Lockhart and her 4 children Kyle, Kelsey (Travis) Ratcliffe, Travis, Tyson and families. Also lovingly remembering Bill are his brothers Alec (Lorna) Lockhart and family, and David Lockhart (Sue), and several nieces and nephews.

Following Bill’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and the family will scatter his ashes as he requested. A memorial service will be scheduled for “when it’s nice outside”. We have no doubt that Bill has Pistol saddled and they are riding the trails as they loved to! Good ride cowboy, good ride!

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A7H8, in Bill’s name, or to a charity of one’s choice, is appreciated.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 07, 2026