WILLIAM ERIC BODKIN

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WILLIAM ERIC BODKIN January 9, 1920 - June 4, 2006 Eric Bodkin passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2006. Eric was the beloved and devoted husband of Viola Bodkin of 64 wonderful years. He is predeceased by his brother Lorne and his two sons, William (Bill) and Don. Left to mourn his passing are his dearly loved wife Viola Grace (nee Sparrow); his sisters, Grace Boulter (Dick), Lois Bugg (Art - deceased), Lenore Gauthier and Ruth Fairburn (Howard); his daughter Lynn Jolicoeur (John), son Shane Bodkin (Sheila) and daughter-in-law Andrea (Don); 11 grandchildren, Sandy, Rick, Carl, Scott, Darrin, Ken, Dan, Maria, Graham, Jennifer and Heather, and many great-grandchildren. Eric was born and raised in Napinka, MB. On December 28, 1941, he married the love of his life, Viola. Concurrently, Eric served in the Canadian Armed Forces for four years during the Second World War. Subsequent to his service, he ran a farm for several years. In 1951 he and his young family moved to Winnipeg. After 16 years he was transferred to Vancouver to begin a new position with Air Canada. Several years into retirement, Eric and Viola moved to Saskatoon in 1991. Five years later, they made one last provincial move to Winnipeg, MB. He was a strong and loving man who believed in family first. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting, among many other interests. His love and devotion, only two of his many strengths, left an enduring legacy for the generations that followed. Eric struggled through the agony of Alzheimer's Disease to which he finally succumbed. The family would like to extend special thanks to all the care givers, nurses, doctors and staff from both WRHA Home Care and the personal care homes at Parkview Place and Vista Park Lodge. We are especially grateful for the doctors and nurses at The Victoria General Hospital who made his final days as comfortable as possible. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9 at Vista Park Lodge, 144 Nova Vista Dr. Interment will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to either The Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St. R3C 4G2 or The St. James Legion Lodge at 2730 Ness Ave. R3J 1A7. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2006