WILLIAM (BILL) ROBERT PARROTT -

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WILLIAM (BILL) ROBERT PARROTT 1904 - 2007 Bill passed away in the early morning of Friday, June 22, 2007, at Meadowood Care Home in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 102. He was predeceased by his wife Muriel Irene (nee Howes) in 1996; by his parents, Pheobe Jane and William Parrott, and his sister Myra Aiken. Left to cherish the memory of this wonderful man are his two daughters and their families. Joyce (nee Parrott) Schmidt and her children, Muriel Ann Schmidt, Teresa Williams and Donna Marie Shingara and husband Chris. Joyce's grandchildren, Christine and Mat Williams. Bill's second daughter Donna Bouma (nee Parrott) and husband Jack. Their three daughters (Dad's grandchildren), Dianna Berard and husband Maurice, Sandra Bergen and husband Wayne, Linda MacLeod and husband Angus. Their children (Dad's great-grandchildren), Teresa (Berard) Blair and husband Joey, Danielle Berard, Jennifer Bergen and Katie Bergen, and Dad's great-great-granddaughter Teagan Blair. Dad was a musician, scholar and farmer. He did each of these things with joy and enthusiasm. We remember Mom at the piano and Dad playing his violin. The little house on the prairie was bursting with music, orchestra rehearsals, band practices and young voices they taught to sing. Dad was an accomplished choir director. Joyce and I were so lucky to be trained by Mom and Dad at a very young age, singing duets at concerts and fall suppers. Dad's love of music encouraged the next four generations of our family to carry on their music. Dad spent three years at the University of Manitoba in science but was called home to Carman to help his father. Later Mom and Dad joined the Philharmonic choir, coming into Winnipeg once a week to rehearsals and sing in many performances. Mom and Dad travelled through Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Europe, Australia and the Orient. They loved their cottage at Falcon Lake where we gathered with all the children, grandchildren and many friends. They retired to Winnipeg in 1963 where he continued his music, conducting and the Phil choir. Their final home was in Meadowood Towers where they lived for 12 years making many friends. We wish to thank Edith McCullough for years of monthly letters she wrote to keep Mom and Dad up to date on Carman news. We also want to thank the nursing staff at Riverview Hospital, Misericordia Hospital and all the staff at Meadowood Care Home who loved him as he did them, always ready to give them and his family a kiss on the hand. We also thank Eslen Jones who faithfully cared for him once a week to give him comfort. Flowers are gratefully declined and donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. There will be two services to celebrate Dad's life: Thursday, July 19, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Doyle's Funeral Chapel in Carman and Friday, July 20, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at the Meadowood Care Home - Fellowship Hall at 577 St. Anne's Rd. in Winnipeg. Rest well Dad - We love you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2007