WILLIAM GLADYS

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WILLIAM GLADYS It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Dad and Opa, William Joseph Gladys on May 9, 2011 at 85 years of age. Dad was predeceased by his wife Ruth in 2010; mother Karoline and father John; brothers, Stanley and Cass; and his sister Emilia (Sister Raphael). Dad was born in a small house on Parr Street here in Winnipeg, born two and one half hours apart from his twin brother Cass. Dad grew up in Arborg during the Dirty Thirties where he worked for the Benedictine Sisters and helped run the family farm. He signed on with the Canadian Pacific Railway in October of 1949 and worked there until his retirement as Conductor with VIA Rail in February of 1988. He met our Mom Ruth in a rooming house on Jarvis Avenue where they both lived, and got married a year later. In 1960, they moved out to their farm in Stony Mountain where they built a house, raised a family and spent most of their lives. Dad always loved the farm and could always be found puttering around, making birdhouses, cutting cordwood, maintaining his yard and tending to the myriad of animals including chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks, geese, cats, dogs or whatever animal he fancied at the time. Retirement was good for Dad. He and Mom did lots of travelling, from Las Vegas to Stuttgart, Germany and had many adventures both here and abroad. They also took time to help raise their grandson Andrew into the fine young man he is today. We will miss Dad's level-headedness, his good nature and his colourful stories and recollections. He could tell you stories from 50, 60 or 70 years ago with crystal clarity, and they were always interesting stories! There was always a tale to tell and Dad was more than happy to tell it, no matter who you were. Dad was a friend to all and will be so sadly missed. We couldn't have asked for a better father or Opa. Many thanks to the Stonewall RCMP Detachment officers, Joe and Jason, as well as the paramedics who attended to Dad on the farm. Dad is survived by his daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Linda, Danny and Andrew; and his son Riek and friend Cheryl; as well as his sister Mary (Ed) Berger; sister-in-law Francine and sister-in-law Eileen. Memorial Service will take place at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street in West St. Paul on Monday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111 www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2011