WILLIAM JAMES HORNER

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WILLIAM JAMES HORNER Peacefully on November 15, 2010 Bill passed away at the Grace General Hospital at the age of 87. Bill was predeceased by his father Ralph Byron, his mother May, his beloved wife Ruth Alice (Gingrich), and his siblings Hugh, Jack, Jean, and Ruth. He is survived by his dear friend Alyce Lulloff (of Kiel, Wisconsin); his sister Kathleen (McCorkell); his brothers Bennett, Byron, and Norval; his daughter Kathleen and grandson Tadzio (Horner-Ch'bib); his daughter Jan, grandson Sean (Smith), and son-in-law David (Darby); and his son Jim, daughter-in-law Debra, and granddaughter Stephanie; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Bill was born in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan into a farming family with serious political aspirations. Bill himself shied away from the limelight and the political arena though his father was a Senator, and three of his brothers were members of parliament and/or of legislative assemblies. As the second-oldest in a family of nine children and the oldest of six boys, responsibility came early to him. Since his father was often away in Ottawa, it fell to him to help his mother discipline his at times rambunctious siblings. He was a good student with athletic abilities; he played baseball and hockey as a kid and then at the University of Saskatchewan played on the varsity basketball, hockey, and football teams. He was an avid curler, but golf was his passion and in his heyday he could hit the ball long and straight. Although farming or ranching had been possibilities in his life, he trained as an engineer, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1945. He moved east to find work and was drawn to Galt (now Cambridge), Ontario, preferring to live in a small town rather than the big city of Toronto. He worked at Babcock Willcock Goldie McCulloch and then Sheldons. While in Ontario he met and married a young teacher Ruth Gingrich. In 1963 the family moved to Winnipeg, where Bill managed Alpha Fans Blowers, a division of Joy Manufacturing. In 1984 he served as President of the Manitoba Manufacturer's Association. He and Ruth were able to enjoy trips to Amsterdam, regular holidays in the Bahamas, and many adventures in Mexico, particularly in Cuernavaca and Acapulco. In the last 17 years of his life he and his companion Alyce made winter trips to Venice, Florida and enjoyed the road trip down as much as the mild Gulf climate. Bill enjoyed many games with his golfing cronies Albert, Mike, Rudy, and Dave at Breezy Bend Country Club, and he took particular pleasure in the times he was able to play in the Monday Putter's League. He was a man of few words and yet a great storyteller when he was in the mood. His integrity was unquestioned he was the guy who for many years was trusted to keep accurate scores for his golf partners. He was a loving husband and companion, and a steadfast, stoic, and quietly proud presence in his children's lives. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2010