WILLIAM (BILL) ROMANOFF

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WILLIAM (BILL) ROMANOFF 1920 - 2008 Surrounded by his loving family, William (Bill) Romanoff, passed away, peacefully, at the age of 88, at the St. Boniface Hospital, in the early hours of December 27, 2008. Bill is survived by his loving wife Joan, of 63 years; daughters, Jill Martin (Mike) and Shelley Stroski (Mark); daughter-in-law Karen Romanoff; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his sister Jeanne Romanowski; brother Morris (Shirley); several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Eric (Caroline), in England. Bill was prede-ceased by his two beloved sons, Paul and Barrie. Music was an important part of Bill's life. He was a dedicated and masterful musician who began playing at the age of twelve. Bill played a variety of gigs with various musicians, in Winnipeg. He was a well known and respected musician in the music community. During his professional music career, Bill played with the CBC Orchestra, the RCAF #1 Command Band, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble, and Ron Paley's Big Band, which to Bill was his most pleasurable and greatest achievement. He also played for many Shrine Circus and Rainbow Stage productions. Bill taught band for a number of years in the Winnipeg School Division. After many years of dedicated hard work, Bill was proud when he released his first solo CD in 2005. Bill left this world listening to his favourite song Moonlight Serenade from this CD. Bill played his last professional gig on December 31, 2006. Bill enjoyed summers at Grand Beach with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who always put his family first. Bill was a man of courage, strength, constant charity, dignity, and great integrity. He will be greatly missed and forever loved in our hearts. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service. Private family interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined, and if so desired, donations may be made to The Winnipeg Musician's Association Benevolent Fund, Room 201 180 Market Ave E., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 0P7. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2008