WILLIAM JOSEPH GOTTFRIED

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WILLIAM JOSEPH GOTTFRIED December 16, 1921 - September 5, 2006 Peacefully on September 5, 2006 with his daughters by his side, after a courageous struggle with cancer and a lengthy battle with heart disease, William (Bill) Gottfried slipped quietly into the hands of the Lord for His safekeeping. Bill leaves to mourn his passing, his loving daughters, Janice Harrison, Christie Korsunsky (Syd), Jo-Anne Joni Ingram (Bill); beloved grandchildren, Rheanna, Jordan, (Adrienne), Stefanie (Jeremy), Kelly and Carly; his brothers, Frank (Ruby), Leo (Joan); sisters, Agnes Cook, Florence (Bill) VanOene, Theresa Finley, Elizabeth Bryce, Mary (Charlie) Hurak, Anne Zebrinski, Katherine (Marvin) Rhodes; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both his parents, Leon and Katherine; his loving wife of 50 years, Victoria in 1994; son-in-law David Harrison in 2001; brothers, Joseph, Walter, Johnny, Adam; sisters, Helen Walberg, Rose Malinowski, Victoria Fedorchuk. Bill was born and raised in Gimli, MB, one of 17 children, where as luck would have it, he would find Victoria, his wife to be, living on the adjoining farm. They were married in 1943, and after serving in Germany, he brought his wife and first baby daughter to Winnipeg to settle, where they then added two more daughters to their family. He was employed for many years by Bergman's Construction, but as the years wore on and the jobs became further from home, Bill found it increasingly difficult to be away from his family. He then took a position with the Fort Garry School Division, from where he retired in 1987. Throughout the years, Bill never forgot his roots in Gimli, and much to the delight of his daughters, weekends and holidays were spent camping at the beach in nearby Willow Island. He loved to be near the water and could sit and watch the waves roll in for hours on end. After retirement, and following the loss of his wife, he took an avid interest in gardening as well as woodworking . It was always an adventure when Dad unveiled his latest project. Rembrandt he wasn't, but he enjoyed working with his hands and keeping busy. When his health made driving an impossibility, Dad remained fiercely independent and purchased a motorized scooter so that he could still get out to the St. James Legion No. 4 everyday to visit his friends for coffee. No matter how bad he was feeling, any day that he'd gotten out for coffee, according to Dad, was a good day. Although he was a man of few words, he set a shining example for his family through his strength of character, determination and plucky attitude, and we will never forget what an exceptional father and grandfather he was. Our family would like to thank all of Dad's wonderful friends and neighbours, who with their help, made it possible for us to keep him in his own home for as long as was humanly possible. This was invaluable to him and to us as well. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff of 3 East at Riverview Medical Centre. Without exception, the genuine kindness, gentle caring and compassion that Dad and we received during his last days made a most difficult time easier to bear. They are indeed proof that angels do walk among us. To our Dad and Grandpa We have learned so much from you and could always depend on your love and understanding. We are so grateful to have had you in our lives. We will miss you always. Services will be held on Tuesday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Interment and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, ON1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2006