WILLEM MARCEL DERUDDERE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLEM MARCEL DERUDDERE It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our dear Dad and Grandpa, Willie on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at the Health Sciences Centre, from a brief but serious illness at the age of 78 years. Dad will be deeply missed by his daughter Kathy (Kevin) McMullan and their children Melanie (Cassidy) Frey, Lauren, Scott, Todd and Teresa; his daughter Linda (Ken) Poworski and their children Matthew, Steven, Lisa, Michelle and David; and his son Bill (Andrea) DeRuddere and their children Pamela and Allison. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice, parents Octaaf and Madeleine, brothers Anthony and Jozef. He will be sadly missed by many friends and relatives here and back home. Grandpa will be watching over his first great-grandchild that Mel and Cassidy are expecting in the spring. Willie was born in Wingene, Belgium on October 22, 1931. As it was necessary to help with the family in those days, he only attained a grade 8 education, yet throughout his life he acquired a wisdom that could keep any highly educated person attentive. He left his family overseas in 1953 to start his life in Canada where he met his sweetheart, Alice, and settled in Fort Garry to raise their three children. He took pride in working hard to provide for his children. He worked at O'Keefe's brewery, Canada Cement, Pioneer Electric and finally at Inland Cement as a bulldozer operator until his retirement. After living in the city their entire married life, Mom and Dad decided to move to the country in 1988 where they both kept very busy maintaining and beautifying their property to their liking. There was plenty of room for the kids to run around. In 2003, Mom succumbed to a brief illness, which left Dad heartbroken and we weren't sure how he would cope. We knew he was strong and stubborn but we also knew of his loving sensitive side. He eventually was able to move on and joined a bowling league which kept him active daily. He met many new friends, including Jean, his special friend. Life was renewed again with Dad and we knew he would be alright. Pain then started interrupting his life but medication had restored his state of health to near normal. His health then took a turn when a scan provided a more serious diagnosis. The weeks to follow were filled with numerous appointments, scans and treatment. By Christmas Eve, symptoms became sudden and intolerable and Dad was taken to hospital where he would undergo emergency surgery that would shortly after, lead to his demise. We, his children, are at peace, knowing that Dad would not have enjoyed life if he couldn't be as independent as he was prior to his hospitalization. This was the probable outcome of his postsurgical complications. We would like to thank our family and friends for their support and the staff at Health Sciences Centre for their care during Dad's brief stay. A service will be held on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch Avenue at the corner of Mount Royal Road and Ness Avenue. A private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Neurology Department at Health Sciences Centre, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9. We love you, Dad, and we will miss you!

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2010