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WILLIAM JAMES MADDER - Obituary pic

WILLIAM JAMES MADDER -

Born: Aug 14, 1921

Date of Passing: Jul 14, 2013

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WILLIAM JAMES MADDER 1921 - 2013 Bill passed with dignity into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on July 14, 2013 at age 91 years, 11 months. Born August 14, l921 in Wainwright, AB, Bill moved to Douglas, MB at an early age and then to Winnipeg to begin a distinguished 40 year career in education. His career took him to Normal School, Army Cadet Corps, Winnipegosis, Victory, Cecil Rhodes, Isaac Newton, Tec-Voc and Churchill High Schools. He served as vice principal and principal at Churchill High School until he retired in 1980. He did counseling, taught physical education, English, French, literature and history to name a few. He also served on numerous sports teams and curriculum boards and recently was inducted into the Winnipeg School Division Football Hall of Fame as a builder. The Bill Madder Outdoor Athletic Complex, located behind Churchill High School, is named after him. A Winter Texan, and Lakeshore Heights resident for 19 years, he taught shuffling in Texas, and helped set up the Rio Grande Valley Shuffleboard Association with their by-laws, etc. Golf, curling, and bowling were just a few of his passions in sports. He and Mum retired again to a condo in Charleswood in 1999. A long time singer and pianist, he participated in many choirs over the years with the last ones being the Winnipeg Senior Choir and the Charleswood Curling Club Choir. Playing games in the condo was a favourite thing and the fellowship there was his life after Mum died. He enjoyed a short stay at Assiniboine Links before moving to Tuxedo Villa. Dad was very proud of his association with Sparling United Church, Westworth United Church as an elder in the 1950s and 1960s, and later Pine Falls United. The pipe organs in Sparling and Westworth brought him enormous joy. Investments in relationships with his cousins, special friends Margaret and Frank Matthews, Art Bryant, and so many educators, musicians and sportsmen of all kinds, was a priority to Bill. Dad and family were blessed by the care provided by Mary-Anne Ammeter (SOS for Seniors) during the latter part of his life. He was predeceased by both his wife Eve and daughter Wanda (John) in 2006, and brother Vince (Jean). He is survived by daughter Dale (Ted), grandchildren Lisa, Kathleen (Kel), Brian (Michelle), Mark (Wendy), Lori (Dan), Paul (Terah) and 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, three nephews, and many cousins. To quote from his personal biography: "In closing, I must give recognition to the fact that there were many people who contributed to my joy and success in teaching. I would thank them all if possible. If you, the reader, were one of them I extend a very sincere THANK YOU!" Our family would like to thank Dr. F. J. Ross, Dr. T. Ross, the staff at Assiniboine Links and the staff in Section Three of Tuxedo Villa for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Heritage Fund, Re: Bill Madder Outdoor Athletic Complex, Churchill High School, 510 Hay St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2L6 (or contact Art Bryant at 204-837-2685). A memorial service will be held at Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Dr. at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 24.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2013

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • I taught at Churchill High School when Mr. Madder was a vice-principal and a principal. He was a leader, an innovator, giving many opportunities to his staff and students. My condolences to the family. He was one of the best! - Posted by: Jane Bosace (friend and colleague) on: Oct 23, 2013

  • Mr Madder was my principal at Churchill High School the entire time I was there. from grades 7 thru 12. He was a quiet man from what I remember & he certainly had the respect of the student body at CHS. He is someone I will always remember. Glad to see that he certainly lived a long & fruitful life. My condolences on your loss. - Posted by: Al Nickel (Student) on: Jul 30, 2013

  • Mr Madder was my principle while I and my 9 brothers and sisters attended CHS He was the nicest gentleman and was liked by everyone .... How could you not like Mr Madder Wish there were more of him around now to show the rest of them how it's done! - Posted by: Barbara Riess ( née Nicolson ) (Student) on: Jul 30, 2013

  • Bill & Eve were my very first baby sitters (and I am told my rare good behaviour encouraged them to start a family.) I reminded him of this when he joined me at Churchill. We all had a good laugh over it at our reunion. RIP. - Posted by: Brian Hall (Friend) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Bill and Eve were truly genteel folk and a beautiful couple. My sincerest sympathy to Bill's family and many friends. - Posted by: Catherine O'Neill Salki ((Madder)) on: Jul 24, 2013

  • Mr. Madder was teaching at Victory School, in West Kildonan, in (I believe) 1943 or 1944. I was in his "home" room at the time. He was our instructor, in Army Cadets. He was one of my all-time favorite teachers I never saw him again, after leaving Victory School. Often wondered what he was doing, and where he was. So sorry we never met again. Happy to hear that he was having a good, long, and happy, meaningful life. - Posted by: Bill Jenkins (Student) on: Jul 23, 2013

  • Dear Dale and Ted - I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions; most recently at Seven Oaks Hospital. He was a very kind-hearted man. My grandparents, Bill and Vera (Fairmont Woods) enjoyed the times they spent with your mom and dad so much! They considered them dear friends. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family. - Posted by: Melissa Wall () on: Jul 22, 2013

  • I worked for Mr. Madder as one of the school Secretary's in 1966-67. He was always professional, kind and took great pleasure in his work and the students at Churchill. It was a very happy environment in which to work! My condolences to your entire family. - Posted by: Carole A. Dennis (Lipsett) (Former Secretary at Churchill High School) on: Jul 21, 2013

  • WJM was my principal at Churchill towards the end of his career, perhaps his last year. Always remember him has gentle, kind, soft spoken and at the same time respected. That was a given. Sort of a 50's principal if you will...suit and tie...professional and again respected. Seems to have had a good long retirement. Well deserved. RIP - Posted by: Robert Meyers (Student) on: Jul 20, 2013

  • Dale and Ted, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I remember many fun and happy visits with him and your mum. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you always. Kathy - Posted by: Kathleen Sill (Friiend) on: Jul 20, 2013

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