WILLIAM EDWARD HARRISON

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WILLIAM EDWARD HARRISON Bill was born in Morden, Manitoba, on October 18, 1938, and died in Killarney on November 19, 2007. He grew up in Holmfield and attended school there but rode the train to Cartwright for grade 12. Bill enjoyed working at the family mill when he was young, his first job was to stamp Made in Canada on flour destined for Russia during the Second World War. He also enjoyed the swimming hole, watching the trains, and causing mischief around town. Later Bill delivered milk and newspapers, worked on nearby farms, and trapped along the river. After high school, Bill went to the University of Manitoba and obtained a Bachelor of Commerce. He taught high school French and Math in Crystal City for one year before traveling throughout Europe for six months. Bill loved to reminisce about his trip and later traveled through Australia, Argentina and Scandinavia, as well as much of Canada and the United States. Bill farmed and worked at the mill for many years and in 1969 returned to the University of Manitoba and graduated with a law degree in 1972. In the same year he married Jean McLarty and bought a house in Holmfield. Bill practiced law in Killarney with his brother Errick, while also building the current family home in Holmfield and working at the mill. In 1977 Bill and Jeanie were proud to welcome first daughter Billie-Jean, followed by Bobbi-Jo in 1980 and Buffy Jeanette in 1983. Bill retired from law in 1982 and worked full time at the mill. In 1986 he accepted a job in Winnipeg at the Farm Debt Review Board, Farm Mediation Board and later the Farm Lands Ownership Board. Throughout this time, Bill continued to run the mill, serve as a church deacon, teach Sunday School, and perform with Holmfield Junction gospel group. He also spent time teaching the girls to mill, passing on his musical talents and encouraging them in all endeavours. After working in Winnipeg for 13 years, Bill returned to law in Killarney until retirement sounded too good to pass up! Bill enjoyed the last years of his life working on the farm and checking the crops, playing piano and mandolin at every chance and loving his family and two grandchildren. Bill is survived by loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Jeanie (nee McLarty); daughters, B-J (Allan) McAuley, Bobbi (Ian) Campbell and Buffy (Mike) Debreuil; grandchildren, Will and Amy; sisters, Thomasina (George) Illes, Heather (Ab) Newman, and brother Errick (Barb) Harrison; mother-in-law Hazel McLarty; sister-in-law Merrilyn Gudmundson; brother-in-law Lorne (Lise) McLarty; and nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Abe and Amy Harrison; nephew Geoffrey Illes; father-in-law Stuart McLarty and brother-in-law Marvin Gudmundson. A celebration of Bill's life was held in Killarney, Manitoba, on November 24, 2007.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2007