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WILLIAM EDWARD WOODBECK  Obituary pic

WILLIAM EDWARD WOODBECK

Born: Jul 21, 1935

Date of Passing: Jul 25, 2013

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WILLIAM EDWARD WOODBECK Prayers were held on Monday evening, July 29, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive in Winnipeg. Funeral Liturgy was Celebrated on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. also in the Church with His Grace Msgr. Albert LeGatt, Archibishop of St. Boniface, and Rev. Fr. Kevin Bettens, presiding. Honourary pallbearers were Bill's grandchildren.
Publish Date: Aug 3, 2013

WILLIAM EDWARD WOODBECK July 21, 1935 - July 25, 2013 Every once in a while a man comes along whose major purpose it seems is to bring joy to others. Such a man was William (Bill) Woodbeck. Bill's family has had the great pleasure and honour of sharing in his life and has experienced the indescribable joy that he brings to others. Bill's family is both sad and joyful at this time. We are sad to be losing someone who has enriched the lives of so many, and we are overjoyed that he is suffering no longer and is with God enjoying the fullness of life. Bill passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2013 in the loving presence of family and in the compassionate care of Grace Hospice staff. His last few months of trial with cancer were lived in the same way that he lived his entire life - with humour, caring, patience, love and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Bill helped to prove that it is hard to keep a good man down. Even down to the last few days the old Bill would shine through the pain and confusion and remind us all of what he had given us. Left behind to continue Bill's legacy are his loving wife Kathy of 52 years; eldest son Dean with wife Mariette and grandchildren Nathaniel, Elyssa and Benjamin; middle son Daryl with wife Wanda and grandsons Jacob and Lucas; youngest son Patrick with husband Doug and grandsons Joshua and Caleb. Also left behind to mourn are Bill's brothers Fred (Marlene), Ron (Shirley) and Reg (Karen); sisters Joan (Al) Mary, Margaret, Judy and Joanne (Kevin). He is also grieved by numerous nieces; nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his father Albert Edward; mother Olga Boychuk and sister Ellen. Bill was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and had an early life full of challenges and adventures. He was always reluctant to speak about his early life but the stories he did have pleasure in relating involved the close camaraderie which he shared with his brothers and sisters and the humour was evident in many of these stories. After school Bill was trained and employed as a plumber/pipefitter and worked with his father and brother Reg for a short while. He met his second half and the love of his life Kathy, they wed in the summer of 1961 and had three boys in 1962, 1963 and in 1964. Bill worked in construction for several years and finally landed a job at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment in 1969, with the family settling in Pinawa. While in Pinawa, Bill was often found at the arena where he was an avid supporter of Dean's hockey teams or spent hundreds of hours playing music for Patrick and the rest of the figure skating club. He and Kathy loved getting together with friends to play cards or other games, square dancing and enjoy laughs and good times. Bill spent many hours watching plant league softball or coaching Bill's Boys. He retired from AECL in 1995 and began his second and very rewarding career as a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. Bill served the people in the parishes of St. Mary's Parish in Beausejour and Mary Mother of the Church in Winnipeg. Some of his favourite parts of being a Deacon were taking communion to shut-ins and making time for each and every one of them by sharing stories and laughs. He worked to include children in liturgies helping them to feel welcome and important and loved to share his faith with other parish members. Bill and Kathy also enriched numerous lives through their participation in Marriage Encounter, Marriage Preparation courses and in the Rites for Christian Initiation of Adults. They have gathered many friends throughout their pursuits and have formed life giving relationships which continue to nurture all involved. Prayers will be held at Monday evening, July 29, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive in Winnipeg. Funeral Liturgy will be Celebrated on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. also in the Church with His Grace Msgr. Albert LeGatt, Archbishop of St. Boniface, and Rev. Fr. Kevin Bettens, presiding. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill's grandchildren. A very special thank you goes out to the incredible, compassionate and caring nurses and staff at the Grace Hospice. You are amazing examples of what it means to care. Another special thank you goes out to the doctors, nurses and staff at Victoria Hospital, particularly Dr. Cal a man who is truly doing the job he was meant for. We also extend a thank you and a "God Bless You All" to the many people who have shown dad and us generous support and prayers, which have helped sustain us during this journey. In lieu of flowers we welcome donations to the Grace Hospice, the Victoria Hospital Foundation or CancerCare Manitoba. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, 204 897 - 4665 wojciksfuneralchapel.com "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of home I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." Forest Witcraft
Publish Date: Jul 27, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2013

Condolences & Memories (22 entries)

  • I am very sorry for your loss Kathy and Family. I have many memories of you and Bill while growing up in Pinawa and all of them include a lot of laughing and having fun.. Even us kids loved to walk in the kitchen and watch you play cards and you made even us laugh. He was a wonderful man. My heart and prayers are with you. Donna (Roy) Audet - Posted by: Donna (Roy) Audet (Friend) on: Aug 07, 2013

  • Our sincere condolences to Kathy, Daryl and family. It was wonderful to have known Bill and to have shared some of his ministries with him during his years of service at St. Mary's. Bill was a sincere and good man with wonderful qualities. Our prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Lance & Cindy Wadelius (Friends from St. Mary's Church Beausejour) on: Aug 05, 2013

  • My deepest sympathies to you and the boys, Kathy. My fondest memories include you and Bill. - Posted by: Marilyn Roy (Friend) on: Aug 05, 2013

  • Dean and family, We're so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad/Grandpa. We didn't know him well but he was, obviously, pretty special! This does not surprise us though, knowing you and your family. It sounds like there are lots of great memories of him that you can cherish. - Posted by: Pat & Maureen Grace (Friends) on: Aug 04, 2013

  • I will always remember Mr. Woodbeck playing cards, and square dancing with Mom and Dad. Kathy and Bill and Mom and Dad (Phil and Marilyn) spent a lot of time together when we lived in Pinawa. I will always remember listening to you all playing Peanuts, and how if the men got stuck, they would suddenly drop their cards so they could mix them up. I remember the four of you going on bike rides a few times a week. The smell of the coffee pot on whenever you two dropped by. But most of all, I will always remember the laughter. - Posted by: Brenda and Ray Hill (friends) on: Aug 04, 2013

  • Dear Kathy, so sorry for your and our loss. I have so many wonderful memories of collaborating with you and Bill. I just wish I would have been able to participate in the funeral services, but I do promise to remember Bill and you in my prayers. - Posted by: Fr. Boris Kyba, C.Ss.R. (Team-mate in Marriage Encounter ) on: Aug 03, 2013

  • so sorry Kathy and family, we have not been in touch with you for quite a few years however we have such fond memories of you and Bill during our Marriage Encounter days, We tried to attend the funeral but we were late (due to doctor's appointments) and we could not find a parking spot, you are in our thoughts and prayers and hopefully we will talk to you soon love the Moyens - Posted by: George & Stella Moyen (friends) on: Aug 01, 2013

  • Our deepest condolences to the Woodbeck family - Posted by: Chambers/Sousa family (Ex-co-worker of Patrick and Doug) on: Aug 01, 2013

  • To Auntie Kathy, Dean, Darryl, Patrick, and family I am so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Bill was funny, kind, loving, caring and always smiling! I was so lucky and proud to call him my Godfather. I will never forget going to Pinawa when I was young and my dad and mom having a great time with uncle Bill and Aunt Kathy. As for me and my brother, and sister we had a fantastic time with the boys (we liked going to the dump and checking out the bears) Wonderful memories!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!! God bless you all!! - Posted by: Nadine Wood () on: Jul 31, 2013

  • Kathy and family, Deepest condolences on your loss. Bill was one of a kind! You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Candy and Jeff Bishop (Friends from Pinawa) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • Our deepest sympathies to you and your family Kathy. We will always remember Bill and the wonderful sense of humour that both he and you shared with others. Our prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Ken and Shirley Kozier - Posted by: Shirley and Ken Kozier (Friends from church when we lived in Pinawa) on: Jul 30, 2013

  • I am saddened to hear of Bill's death...my thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathy. - Posted by: Judi Lambert () on: Jul 30, 2013

  • Aunt Kathy, We would have such a great time when the two of you visited in Kakabeka Falls. You both made us laugh with your stories. How are Richard and Grant related??? Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Kathy and family. Sending you love and peace in this new phase of your life. - Posted by: Richard, Kathleen and Cameron Noy (Nephew and family) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • Sorry to hear about Unlce Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Auntie Kathy All our love Grant and Yvonne - Posted by: Grant and Yvonne Noy, Keith & Kyla (nephew) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • To Kathy & family, I express my deepest condolences on Bill's passing. I remember Bill as a positive, caring man. I am glad I knew him. - Posted by: Peter Ciavarelli (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • We remember how encouraging Bill and Kathy were with the kids (our girls and their boys) square dancing in Pinawa. Our condolences to Kathy and family in their loss. - Posted by: Norm and Marney Sagert () on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Kathy, Dean and Woodbeck family: So sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of cheering on the Bill's Boys baseball team back in Pinawa high school days. Your father was a kind, generous soul and many will remember his gifts. Thinking of you from Syndy and family - Posted by: synthia hawton wright (friend of family) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • I met Bill and Kathy through their son Dean. They both welcomed me into their home on our way to WCCYM training out west. My Mom met Bill and Kathy at the Chapel in Health Sciences Centre while there with my Dad. She was so happy to have met someone who knew our family (well one of us) and could speak to them about my Dad. I enjoyed seeing him when he came to visit in Kenora and will miss his smile and warm hug. Our prayers go out to Kathy and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Cindy Zabloski (friend) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Bill was a lovely man, so sorry Kathy and family for your loss. - Posted by: Jan & Len Pleskacz (Friends from St. Mary's R.C.Church, Beausejour) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Dearest Kathy and Family, I am sitting here at my computer reading about Bill. I am so sorry but I will remember when I first met you both at Mary, Mother in 2003 and Bill always stopped to chat with me and wanted to know about Malta so much so that he had a nickname for me after that. God Bless you and be with you and your family as Bill continues with his journey to God. Sincerly, Doris. - Posted by: Doris Trotz (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • I was one those kids that skated with his son Patrick, I remember him encouraging us all during competitions or tests. Along with my mom and brother we extend our prayers with you at this time of loss. - Posted by: Diane Parent (friend) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • I am very sorry for your loss Kathy. - Posted by: Dennis Craig (Friend and former School Mate with Kathy at "Tech.") on: Jul 27, 2013

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

2157 Portage Avenue at Sharp Boulevard (Map)
Ph: 2048974665 | Visit Website

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