WILLIAM ADDISON

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WILLIAM ADDISON 1908 - 2009 Peacefully on January 6, 2009 at Grace Hospital, William (Bill) passed away, making his way to be with his creator. Even though he has had a long and full life, he will be missed dearly by all family and friends. He was a loving, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He was predeceased by his wife Laura in 1991 and son William Jr. in 1993. Leaving to cherish and celebrate his life, sister Velma (Chester) son Donald (Judy), grandsons Dwayne (Leslie), Don (Tracy), Doug, granddaughter Denise, (Perry Retzlaff), grandsons Darryl (Chelsea), Billy, great-grandchildren Ashleen, Kimberley, Victoria, Austin, Caitlin, Tiffany and Faith along with many relatives and close friends. William (Bill) was born in Carberry, MB, April 13, 1908. Living in the Carberry, Brandon and Roseland areas for the first 30 years of his life, working on farms and enjoying baseball as a catcher. Bill was a very good catcher for the men's team and his wife Laura was the pitcher for the women's team, both very competitive, traveling to various towns in Manitoba playing tournaments. Bill a veteran was proud to serve his country overseas for six years during the Second World War, specializing in artillery. Bill and Laura bought a home on Lipton St. in the West End of Winnipeg in 1945. The love of sport continued to inspire him throughout his life. Bill was involved in the West End Orioles Community Club, Winnipeg Pony League baseball, Manager of the Winnipeg Braves hockey team, which in the 1958-1959 season won the Memorial Cup, defeating the Peterborough Petes and the famous coach, Scotty Bowman. The last Manitoba team to win the Memorial Cup. Bill was very proud of the players on this team for their accomplishments on and off the ice. More importantly, the people they grew to be. They were a part of the family. Bill was inducted into Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 as a Builder. Bill was the President of the MAHA and was the founding and acting commissioner of the MJHL league for over 20 years. The league honoured him for his hard work and commitment to the MJHL, by naming a division after him, The Addison Division. Bill worked for Ray O Vac as a Personnel Manager and retired in 1973. At this time the family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at the following locations, Health Sciences Centre, Deer Lodge and Grace Hospital and the management and staff at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence. You all have been very kind, respectful and helpful. A very special thank you to our very dear friends Gary and Carol Cribbs, who have helped and been there for both Bill and the family in an amazing, selfless way and did so for many years. Thanks to all other family and friends who have also been so helpful and kind. The funeral service will take place Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, Winnipeg, MB. The family would like to invite those attending, to share a comment or story about Bill. A reception will follow. Private interment with family will take place at a later date at Chapel Lawn. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2009