GEORGE WILLIAM BATTERSHILL -

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GEORGE WILLIAM BATTERSHILL 1923 - 2010 Peacefully on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at the age of 87, George William Battershill passed away at Concordia Hospital following a brief illness. Left to treasure his memory are his family, including son Bill Battershill; daughter Judith Battershill; grandchildren, Billy, Jamie and Andrea; daughter-in-law Lorie; brothers, Frank and Jim Battershill and their families; friend Gayle Wiebe, as well as many other friends and acquaintances made over the course of his long life. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen Battershill (nee Williamson), in 1998. Dad was born on February 15, 1923 in East Kildonan, where he continued to reside for most of his life, and received his early education at St. John's School. During the Second World War he served in Canada as an instructor, 103rd Basic Training Centre, and later as Regimental Sergeant-Major, University of Manitoba Contingent, COTC. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in January 1945, and after the war transferred back to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (Reserve), where he stayed until he retired with the rank of Major. Bill received his post war education at St. John's College, and University of Manitoba, where he obtained his B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., and a Certificate in Public Administration. He began his teaching career at St. Germaine, Manitoba, subsequently teaching at Hapnot High School in Flin Flon, as well as Machray Junior High, and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg #1 Division. He later moved to Seven Oaks Division, where he taught English at West Kildonan Collegiate, served as Vice Principal at Edmund Partridge Junior High, and later Principal of West St. Paul Elementary School. He joined the Manitoba Provincial Government in 1966, serving as Principal of Correspondence Branch, Department of Education, and was promoted to Senior Officer and appointed Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Education in 1969. He transferred to the Civil Service Commission in 1976, where he served as Director of Employee Benefits until his retirement in 1983. Dad had many additional interests and kept busy and active during his retirement. He loved to travel, especially enjoying cruises, and was also able to take a last trip to France in June 2009 to celebrate D-Day. He was a Mason and a Shriner, as well as a member of the congregation of the Cathedral Church of Saint John, where he often participated in services and gave many hours as a volunteer. He had a lifelong love for literature, particularly Milton and Shakespeare, and always enjoyed theatre, music and a good mystery. He also loved sports, particularly baseball, and particularly the Winnipeg Goldeyes. We will especially miss him at the ballpark next summer. Friends are invited to join us at a memorial service and interment, which will take place at St. John's Cathedral, 135 Anderson Avenue, on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Dad was a great animal lover, and those who wish may make a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 or a charity of their own choice. The family would like to thank all the patient aides, nurses, doctors and other staff at Concordia Hospital who helped Dad during the last month of his life. Their kindness and compassion was extraordinary. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 11, 2010