WILLIAM GEORGE STEPHENS

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WILLIAM GEORGE STEPHENS Surrounded by those who loved him, Bill slipped away in the early hours on June 10, 2015 aged 74 years. Bill was born in the R.M. of Glenwood (Souris) and was raised near Wawanesa, Manitoba where his father was widely respected as a champion cattle breeder, and his mother as a purveyor of the finest pies and baking. Despite his family's rural success, Bill moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba, where he achieved a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering. While completing his studies he met his future wife Carol, and following their wedding, they moved to Calgary where Bill worked for Calgary Power. Bill and Carol returned to Winnipeg in late 1967, where their son Timothy was born in 1968. In 1995 Bill retired from Manitoba Hydro, and spent retirement engaged in studying the stock market, the technology of photography and other analytical pursuits. After Carol passed away, Dad re-invented himself and his determination to begin anew was strong. Many happy hours were spent with Tim, Cara and his two granddaughters Sara and Hannah. Along the way he met Airdrie, whom he truly loved. Dad and Airdrie spent many wonderful moments attending the theatre, cultural and arts events, and Dad soon became a fixture in Airdrie's family. He was welcomed by all, where he enjoyed his Grandfatherly role and happily spent many hours attending school concerts and family dinners. When not attending family events, he and Airdrie enjoyed dinner at Rae & Jerry's, and it was fitting that one of Dad's last meals was the famous Rae & Jerry's cheeseburger and fries that was spirited in to his Hospice room. The events of Dad's life are less important than what he stood for, and to say he paid it forward is an oversimplification. Dad took pride in treating others kindly and with respect; helping others was a prized opportunity and never a burden. Dad lived his life from start to finish as a gentleman. Always smiling, he strived to be fair and truthful in all endeavors. When nice things were difficult to say, he kept his statements positive and constructive. In his last days when he could barely speak, Dad always thanked the Hospice staff for their help and care, and retained his sense of humour despite being in the grimmest of situations. Predeceased by his wife Carol, his mother Celia in 2012, and his father Howard in 1946, Dad leaves to mourn his passing his sister Bev (Norman) Kalinski, his son Tim (Cara) and granddaughters Sara and Hannah, cousins Pat (Pete) Mitchell in Ontario, Ed Rice of Cereal, AB, and Airdrie Young and her family, Graeme, Duncan and Jeanne (Brent) and grandsons Nicholas, Andrew and Matthew. Donations are encouraged to the cancer charity of your choice. Details on a family memorial service forthcoming.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2015