WILLIAM (BILL) JAMES CONWAY

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WILLIAM (BILL) JAMES CONWAY William James Conway, born March 13, 1919, his heart stopped and he died at the Victoria Hospital 1500hrs, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at the age of 89 years. A veteran of the Second World War, he fought in every major land battle, with the exception of Dieppe, when he was giving small arms instruction in Thunder Bay and Shilo. His medals include the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defense Medal, Voluntary Service Medal and the Victory Medal. As a young man, William played hockey. One of his contemporaries was Billy Mosienko, a line-mate in both Issac Newtons high school teams and minor leagues in Winnipeg's North End. When Mosienko set his NHL record of three goals in 21 seconds in 1952, our William had six years of his 40 as a Federal public servant behind him. He would continue to play hockey, curl and support sport his whole life, donning the blades well into his late 60s. He had season tickets to the Blue Bombers for over 50 years. William or Bill gave generously of his time. He was president of his Legion Branch, of the Robert Burns Society and a longtime member of the Kinsmen. He was a soft touch for dozens of charities and had the fastest hand for the lunch bill any food servers or frequent guests had known. Bill is survived by nieces and nephews too numerous to list, and welcomes them and other friends and acquaintances to a Military graveside service, Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue. There will be Robbie Burns poetry readings both at the service and later on board the River Rouge, where Uncle Bill, like he has done so many times, will look after us. Mar sin leibh William.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2008