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WILLIAM REYNOLDS MERRETT
Date of Passing: Mar 01, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM REYNOLDS MERRETT February 9, 1947 March 1, 2015 Bill passed away peacefully, on March 1, 2015, at the Riverview Health Centre, where he had lived for over two years. Predeceased by his parents, Ross and Betty Merrett, his sister, Shirley Pintea (Blaine, Merrett), and his brother-in-law Donald Blaine, Bill is survived by his wife, Patti and his brothers and sisters in-law, Hans Pintea, Lawrence (Brenda) French, Merrilee (Bill) Anthony and Melinda (Larry) Pearson. Together he and Patti have 11 nieces and nephews and 25 great-nieces and nephews, but Bill was naturally closest to Shirley's children; Gordon Blaine, Douglas (Silke) Blaine and Karen (Dave) Yagnesak, and their respective children Erin and Rachel Blaine, Melissa and Travis Blaine and Lia and Kai Yagnesak. Bill was an intelligent, articulate man who had many accomplishments and interests. He was determined and hard-working, but he was also fun-loving, creative and mischievous. Bill had an adventurous spirit and a quick wit. He did not shy away from voicing his opinion. One always knew where they stood with Bill. Bill was a natural athlete who honed his skills through his family's memberships at the St. Charles Country Club and the Winnipeg Winter Club. He enjoyed many styles of music, but jazz and blues were closest to his heart. Bill's greatest and lifelong passion was for the family enclave at "the Lake"- Clearwater Bay, Lake of the Woods. The boathouse was his sanctuary. A place where he took stock and recharged his batteries, it was also a place of many gatherings. Until his health prevented it, Bill never missed spending at least some of the summer season there. Oh the stories those walls could tell. Bill received a law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1972 and spent the majority of his career with Legal Aid Manitoba, rising to the position of Winnipeg Area Director before his early retirement in 2009, due to illness. The practice of law was his calling and he took pride in being able to help those who otherwise may not have had representation. The family extends their thanks to the staff on 2 West of the Riverview Health Centre (RHC) and to the staff on 5 North of the Victoria General Hospital, where Bill lived for more than a year before moving to the Complex Continuing Care unit at RHC. These dedicated, hard-working and most importantly, caring people, helped to make Bill's life a little bit easier even as it slipped away. Gratitude is also extended to music therapist, Jeffrey Hatcher, who brought music back into Bill's life after dementia robbed him of his ability to play his beloved 1963 Martin D-28 guitar. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at 3 o'clock on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Thomson "In the Park". All are welcome to attend the celebration and following reception in Bill's honour. In lieu of flowers, please consider sponsoring Patti Merrett in the 2015 Drop Zone event. Proceeds from this event benefit the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD)/Easter Seals Manitoba. Bill both benefited from services provided by the SMD and served on its board, making support of this event a fitting tribute to his memory. www.thedropzone.ca THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Mar 7, 2015
WILLIAM REYNOLDS MERRETT Bill passed away on March 1, 2015. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, please consider sponsoring Patti Merrett in the 2015 Drop Zone event, which benefits the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities/Easter Seals Manitoba. Full obituary to follow. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Mar 5, 2015
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2015
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Never forgotten and the music goes on. - Posted by: Barbara Stone Trinka (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2022
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My condolences to Patti and Bill's family. Bill and I were close friends starting in the sixties. I have years of fond memories. We painted houses together at 15, spent much time chasing the girls, racing our cars and eluding the cops and enjoying times at the Lake. Later, during the '70s we would travel to the Bahamas and spend time in my loft in New York. Bill was always challenging and fun and never afraid to swim against the current. He maintained a wonderfully open mind and was always interested in a plethora of offbeat subjects. This provided for hours of earnest conversation. Bill's whacky sense of humour complimented his love of life. His indomitable will kept him going through struggles that would have defeated lesser men. Bill will always be alive in my memory. Much love to you, Billy. - Posted by: Roger Baird (Friend) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Dear Gordon, Doug, and Karen, my condolences to you, your children and the extended family. I can remember when Bill would be visiting your Mom and Dad, and all the kids would be playing in your yard and how impressed my children were that you all had an Uncle that played the guitar. I'm certain you will all have happy memories of him. - Posted by: Gloria Cooper (Friend of Shirley ) on: Mar 10, 2015
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So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Kimberly Cork (friend) on: Mar 09, 2015
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Dear Patti - I was so sorry to read about Bill - my deepest sympathies. He was so fortunate to have you in his life. Thinking of you - Sharon Smyth - Posted by: Sharon smyth (Friend) on: Mar 09, 2015
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When the Robson Hall class of 1972 required diversion from concepts like what makes evidence highly prejudicial and of trifling weight, Bill was our spiritual leader. And in the corridors his optimistic view of life and mental toughness were inspiring. - Posted by: Rocky Pollack (friend and classmate) on: Mar 08, 2015
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Bill was a friend of our family for 55 years. There were a lot of characters in River Heights in the '60s but Bill was a standout... I can still picture him delivering a rock when we curled together..... he was a charmer, my Mother was crazy about him as he always had time to say hello and fuss over her.. when my father died 8 years ago Bill sent a note that was perfect..... I have kept it and reread it many times... At Kelvin everyone new Bill ... one of the most popular guys in the school. We all knew Ross and Betty too .... the ywere at quite a few of Bill's 100 parties.... the boathouse parties were legendary... my most vivid memory was the diving contest, after diving into the deep end for hours in the pitch dark the sport was gone and a few guys started diving into the 2 ft of water between the dock and the shore, I drove Ken J into the hospital for stitches.... After Bill's accident he continued his torrid pace , playing wheelchair basketball and using his great brain to become a lawyer... he devoted his life to helping the less fortunate at Legal Aid.... I looked forward to seeing Bill every year sitting in his great friend Ken Powell' s CC at the Kenora Wooden Boat Show..... Our condolences to Patti, we will all miss Bill Kelly, Terry and Susan, and Cathy - Posted by: kelly moss (friend) on: Mar 08, 2015
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Very sad to have heard about Bill today. My condolences to Patti and Bill's family. An old good friend, sharing a few good evenings in the boathouse listening to Chris Rea with Bill and my son. A toast to a fine man......Danny De Leeuw - Posted by: Danny De Leeuw (friend) on: Mar 07, 2015
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Bill and I met about 35 years ago, as he hired me do an extensive renovation on his beloved boathouse. It didn't take long for me to realize that he was a very special person, always joking, and would never let me leave after a hard day's work without insisting on an ice cold beer, and a chat. Many laughs were had through the years, and I will miss him dearly...cheers Bill! - Posted by: Paul Fraser (Friend) on: Mar 07, 2015
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My sincere condolences to the family. I worked with Bill at Legal aid from 1981 till his retirement in 2009 and have thought of him many times since then. - Posted by: Maureen nicholson (Co-worker) on: Mar 07, 2015
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Bill and I go back to the 60's and although we grew older we never really 'grew up'. I've been honored to have had him in my life. My prayers to Patti and family. I'll be putting Elmore James on the turntable and remembering fondly the past 45 years. - Posted by: Hugh McNeill (Friend and partner in 'Good Times') on: Mar 07, 2015
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I am so sorry to see Bill's notice today. I had lost touch with him over these last years. I knew him when young but I got know him better when he started seeing Patti who lived nearby. A dynamic mind and caring man. All my best to Patti and those close to him. - Posted by: Paul Sweatman () on: Mar 07, 2015
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My sincere condolences to the Merritt family. I remember Bill to be such a kind and fun person during my employment at Legal Aid Manitoba and I am glad to have met him. - Posted by: jill palmer nee mcwhinney (co worker at Legal Aid Manitoba 1980's) on: Mar 07, 2015
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