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BILL MCMASTER Bill was a prairie boy born and raised in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan, a town where gophers had a five cent bounty on their tale. Born to Mable and Leslie McMaster, he had a brother Gordon, a sister Margret Jean and a dog named Jip. Bill's love of all things hockey began in Gainsborough. On those cold prairie winter mornings he would take refuge in the coal box while he waited for the rink caretaker to open up the doors and turn on the lights. Hockey was his ticket out of Gainsborough and it took him to Scotland where he played for the Dunfermline Vikings. From Scotland it was off to Peterborough where he played for the Petes making a name for himself as a fast skating, hard-hitting, ear-biting defenseman, who was a fan favourite. Bill was fearless and was known for his strong defense, aggressive play and from time to time, diving into the opposing teams bench to defend his teammates. It was in Peterborough where Bill began his long career with Simpson Sears and where he met the love of his life, Jean. She actually heard him coming before she saw him. He was a whistler, never on key, but always whistling a happy tune. Not long after Bill and Jean were married he accepted a transfer to Winnipeg and was one of the managers that opened up the Sears Store at the new Polo Park. When asked what he was most proud of in his life, Bill didn't hesitate to say his family. Every second summer he would pack up the car and along with Jean, their daughter Barb and son Bill Jr. traveled to Peterborough to see friends and family. Bill was also tremendously proud of his granddaughter Emma (Barb and Chris). He enjoyed walking her to school everyday, gardening with her, taking her public skating (at 80), seeing her finish her first year of university and just being her Pop. Bill enjoyed a long career at Sears where he was not only known for his positive attitude and tremendous work ethic, but for coming into work with the odd black eye after playing for the Sears Hockey Team. Bill will also be fondly remembered by the many kids he coached at the Cresentwood Community Club and the many professional hockey players who passed through the players entrance doorway before every Jet game while he worked for Winnipeg Enterprises after retiring from Sears. Bill and Jean enjoyed their retirement years and were regular members at the Kinsmen Reh-Fit Centre and the McDonald's coffee group. A favourite evening for Bill would be a family barbecue, do some gardening, sit back and enjoy the birds while eating an ice cream. Bill was a fighter and battled five different cancers over thirty years. Whether it was after radiation, or interferon, when asked how he felt, it was either dam good' or fantastic'. No matter how challenging the treatment was he never gave up hope and neither did his doctors. The family would like to thank Dr. Ralph Wong, Dr. Park, Dr. Singer, Dr. Crow and Dr. Garcia for their wonderful care and support. His physiotherapist and friend Jamie for being there when walking and moving around became a challenge. The family would like to thank the incredible staff at the Misericordia Health Centre's Cornish 5. Everyone treated Bill with dignity and grace and for that we are forever grateful. The family would also like to thank everyone who has donated blood. Your gift of life gave Bill another year and a half of life. Bill passed from this world on April 28, 2013, with sunlight streaming through his window, his favourite blanket on, in the arms of his family. He saw his mother Mable waiting for him. At Bill's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Life long friend Dr. David Carter will preside at a private family interment. Be kind to each other, whistle a happy tune, and raise a Dixie cup up to Bill. Life is good!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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My boyhood hockey hero at Dunfermline Vikings.. A great hockey player. RIP Bill. Jimmy Fernie. - Posted by: Jimmy Fernie (Fan) on: Apr 22, 2014
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I first met Bill in 1951 when I as a 7 yr old was at my first Hockey game at Dunfermline. I met Bill after the match and he took me round all the other players insisting I had their autographs, he then met me after every home match and introduced me to all the players of that night's game, he was my idol and I have never forgotten him and thought about him often over the years, even if it was over 50 yrs ago when we met. My condolences go to all his family at this time. From a Scottish hockey fan - Posted by: ARCHIE RATTRAY (FAN) on: Jul 04, 2013
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Hockey shaped my life and who I became and it all started with Mr. McMaster. He believed in me, taught me how to play the game, the importance of team work and how to stay warm in -30 degrees on outdoor rinks. He was a great man and a great coach.......on behalf of all his players may you rest in peace and perhaps play a little shinny in heaven. Cheers Bruce - Posted by: Bruce Melhuish (Bill was my coach when I was 9 and 10 yrs old) on: May 27, 2013
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Bill (JR)- my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Eleanor Gross (Friend of Bill Jr. ) on: May 08, 2013
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We will miss seeing 'Lake Placid' Bill at the Sear's retiree meetings. I (Henry) remember Bill fondly from our working years at Sear's. Jean, our sincere condolences are extended to you and the family. 'Henry & Karen Krysansk' - Posted by: Henry & Karen Krysanski () on: May 06, 2013
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He was a man of strength, fun and happiness. He will be forever in my heart and the family also. Love you Uncle Bill - Posted by: Jackie (Neice) on: May 05, 2013
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So sorry to hear of your very upsetting loss, my heart is broken. bill is a very special man, I loved bill like a father. he is so cute, always bringing me chocolate and always said keep smiling kid because he always was. we had so many laughs together I will always cherish forever. he has been through so much but yet he always knew how to lift spirits of others. he always believed in me and I thank him for that. I loved him so very much and will miss him. I love you all - Posted by: heather anne legrand () on: May 04, 2013
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Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time, Barb. May it be of some comfort to you, knowing he had been to Heaven and knew how lovely of a place it is. I know you made him proud right until his last breathe. - Posted by: Judy Sager (Friend of Barb's) on: May 04, 2013
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I worked with Bill at the Sears Auto Center in the mid 60's. (Those were fun years) Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jean and family. I remember the ear biting story. Bill was always fair and to this day I aways speak highly of him. Rest in peace Bill Warren & Doreen Drake (former co-worker) - Posted by: warren drake (former co-worker) on: May 04, 2013
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I just read this and wanted to express my sincere condolences on your father's passing. Although I never met him, he sounded like an outstanding and very positive person. May the fond memories of the past, live forever in your hearts. - Posted by: Lorraine Townsend (Friend of Barb) on: May 04, 2013
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I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My prays are with you. - Posted by: Linda Melsted (former co-worker with Bill Jr) on: May 04, 2013