WILLIAM OLIVER ROTHNEY

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WILLIAM OLIVER ROTHNEY On June 1, 2009, in Winnipeg, aged 65 years. Survived by his brother, Russell (and Louise Champagne); niece, Anna (and Andrew Douglas), nephew, Alexander (and Bree Jordan), and best friend, Bill Reid. Predeceased by his sister, Jeanie; father, Gordon; mother, Alice; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Ste. Croix. Will was born in Montreal, Quebec, on May 21, 1944. At the age of 8, Will moved with his family to St.John's, Newfoundland, where he graduated from United Collegiate and completed two years at Memorial University. He also attended school in New Delhi, India, and London, England, and completed a year at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario. He received a B.Sc. from Sir George Williams University in Montreal and an M.Sc. (Mathematics) from the University of Waterloo, Ontario. After his university studies his first job was managing the Co-op Book Store in Thunder Bay. Subsequently, he was employed for 30 years as a computer programmer in Administration at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, where he also was actively involved in the early years of the staff service union, AESES, and was known as Bill by fellow staff. After retiring from his position as Manager of Financial Records Systems in 2000, he continued to work periodically for the University on a contract basis. He was keenly interested in world affairs and was an active member of the New Democratic Party. He enjoyed local theatre in Winnipeg and at Stratford, Ontario, and developed an extensive video library of Shakespeare plays. He also enjoyed tracing family geneology. He travelled through much of Europe, Asia, North America and Cuba. Will always maintained a non-materialistic lifestyle and was admired for his intellect, knowledge, humility and compassion. He was well known as someone who was quick to lend a helping hand when asked. His tolerance and compassion was influenced by his much loved sister, who faced severe neurological and cognitive challenges, and by his exposure to many cultures and ideas. Will died peacefully at Russ and Louise's home, where he spent his final days, after a long battle with lymphoma. His family is particularly grateful for excellent home care support provided by the WRHA Palliative Care Team. On Thursday, June 11, starting at 2:00 p.m., Will's life will be celebrated in the Tartan Room, Pembina Hall, University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus. Contributions in Will's memory may be made to: Shakespeare in the Ruins, Unit Y #300-393 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3H6; or to Amnesty International, 312 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa, ON, K1N 1H9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2009