WILLIAM JOHN MCDOUGALL

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WILLIAM JOHN MCDOUGALL Peacefully on Friday, December 7, 2012 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Bill McDougall passed away. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frankie; three daughters, Bonnie (Chris), Heather (Stu), Mary-Anne (Dave), three grandchildren, Brent (Shawna), Caitlin, and Nyssa, and his brother Keith and family. Bill was born to Sadie and Jim McDougall, on the farm near Margaret, MB on August 6, 1918. He spent his early life there, growing up and working for the local Massey-Harris dealer. When the war broke out Bill enlisted and served with the Canadian air force as a fireman in Fort St. John, BC. After the war, Bill moved to Winnipeg and began his life long career with Massey-Harris (later Ferguson) from which he retired as warehouse foreman at the age of 59. Bill was a kind and friendly man whose greatest joy came from family. He enjoyed spending time with his girls and was always available to help with homework, lend money for a T.V., car or small business venture. Bill was most comfortable in his own neighbourhood, chatting to the neighbours, tending to his yard or just tinkering with an appliance that quit working. He enjoyed sitting in the backyard on a summer evening, listening to a Winnipeg Blue Bomber game or working on the crossword and cryptoquote. During his lengthy retirement he spent many years helping Frankie at the Glenwood Community Club, Tuesday afternoon bingo and also volunteering at the St. Vital Legion bingo. When Bill was 87, he and Frankie finally sold the house on Egerton Road and moved to an apartment on Niakwa Road where they spent the next four years. In November, 2010, due to his increasing dementia, Bill moved to Garden House at the Rosewood where he was admirably cared for by Carrie and the staff until last June when illness sent him to the hospital. Cremation has already taken place and at Bill's request there will be no public service. If friends so desire a donation in Bill's memory may be made to a charity of their choice. Bill will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2012