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WILLIAM ROBERT DOBBELAERE Obituary pic

WILLIAM ROBERT DOBBELAERE

Born: Aug 27, 1936

Date of Passing: Jul 04, 2015

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WILLIAM ROBERT DOBBELAERE It is with great sadness that the family of William Robert Dobbelaere announce his passing quietly and comfortably on July 4, 2015 at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, at the age of 78. He was predeceased by his father Rene, and his mother Flo. William is survived by his wife Denise, of almost 50 years; his children, Ian (Lori) and Jennifer (Mark); and grandchildren, Zariah and Xavier. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters, Adeline McNaught and family, Shirley (Bob) Donahue and family, and Doreen. William was born in Deloraine, MB on August 27, 1936. He spent the next two decades of his life working the family farm outside of Deloraine. He loved playing guitar in his younger days and played in a number of bands. He ended up in Winnipeg where he attended the University of Manitoba in the faculty of Science. Soon after, he entered the pharmaceutical industry, with Hoffmann-la-Roche, and spent the next 33 years of his career in sales and management, until retirement in 1995. In 2001, Bill and Denise decided to move from Winnipeg to Parksville / Qualicum Beach, BC, where he lived until his last day. In his retirement, Bill enjoyed travelling, investing in the stock market and meeting with his investment club, curling, gardening, daily long walks, cards, and spending time with his grandchildren. Every summer, Bill and Denise returned to the family cottage at Falcon Lake, MB, where he was affectionately known as "Billy Bob". At the cottage there were countless "happy hours", dinners with friends, and hours spent picking blueberries on "Blueberry Hill". Bill was known by his family and friends as a hard worker, a very generous, helpful and kind person. He was always ready to lend a hand whenever he could. He was a devoted husband and caring father and Papa, and he will be dearly missed by his close knit family and the many friends he made. Our family wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, in particular nurses, Sara, Tamara and Nicole; and Dr. Marback. Should family or friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. A private celebration of William's life will occur in Qualicum Beach, BC in late July and in Winnipeg in late August.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 11, 2015

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • We were on vacation when we heard of Bill's passing and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Denise, Ian, Jennifer and the extended family. Bill was a person of character and integrity and he was respected by all his friends and work colleagues at Roche. Bill hired me at Roche over 28 years ago and that decision not only impacted my future career in the pharmaceutical industry but also lead to meeting my future wife Barbara as he also hired my future sister-in-law Cheryl. It was such a pleasure to have Bill and Denise at our wedding in Jasper to celebrate in the background of the Rockies and later have them visit us in Edmonton to reminisce. What is remarkable is that our only son Dante shares Bill's birthdate of Aug. 27th and this year we will raise a toast to Bill in celebration of his wonderful life. - Posted by: Dom, Barbara and Dante Di Curzio (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2015

  • I am so sorry for your loss, Denise and Ian and Jennifer. May your love for Bill and your dad, fond memories and happy times together give you some comfort and peace during these difficult times. Take good care. With love, Shirley - Posted by: Shirley Norosky Hurl (Denise's high school and nursing friend in Manitoba and now a 'neighbour' in Vancouver.) on: Jul 15, 2015

  • Barb and Dick Hoy - please contact me for details. My # is in the phone book. Thanks. - Posted by: Ian Dobbelaere (son) on: Jul 12, 2015

  • Hello Denise We are sorry to hear of your loss. We have many memories of times spent together when we first lived in Winnipeg. We moved back three years ago and have been looking for an address for you. Please let us know when in August and where you will hold the celebration of Bill's life. Barb and Dick - Posted by: Barb and Dick Hoy (friends) on: Jul 12, 2015

  • We are so sad that Bill will no longer be among us. We met at Falcon Lake in 2000 when we bought the cottage next door. Little did we know that not only would we have a wonderful neighbour but make a good friend as well. He helped initiate us to cottage life. We spent countless evenings with Bill and Denise - Denise and I were the 'laughing loons'! We are thankful Bill did not have too long to suffer. It was a privilege to have been his friend and neighbour. We wish peace and courage to Denise and the family. Heather and Philippe - Posted by: Heather and Philippe Erhard (Friends) on: Jul 12, 2015

  • I was a recent science graduate and finding research very tedious I applied to work at Roche. They had never hired a woman before but Mr. Dobbelaere took the time to interview me. He had been appointed a manager and his territory, the largest in terms of size, not population, was vacant. He had the courage to hire me, the first female sales representative for Roche, then a very conservative Swiss company, in Canada. I truly loved the job and Bill was an excellent example, with superior product knowledge and great respect from the physicians and pharmacists in the area. It was a privilege to work for him. When I left the job it was to attend law school; the law occupied the next 33 years of my life. I am sorry to hear of his passing, he was a person of great integrity and dedication to his family. - Posted by: Shelley G. Mitchell (sales representative at Hoffman La Roche, hired by Mr. Dobbelaere in 1973) on: Jul 12, 2015

  • Spent quite a few great nights with Bill and later with Bill and Denise...as we used to say in the good old days with few problems and no regrets. - Posted by: ron carels (Old time friend from Deloraine) on: Jul 11, 2015

  • Rest in Peace dad, we love you and will miss you very much. I know you are in a much better place! - Posted by: Ian Dobbelaere (son) on: Jul 11, 2015

  • I was very saddened to learn of your recent loss and wish to extend my deepest sympathies to all of Bill’s family and close friends. After having read through Bill’s obituary; however, my memory immediately went back to the days that I served as the “Roche” pharmaceutical order desk clerk at Seaway/Midwest in Winnipeg’s Inkster Park. There is no doubt that Bill was definitely one of the good guys. I clearly recall that he was a very considerate person who always had a kind word to say and, more often than not, a funny story to share. I have and will continue to remember him fondly. May your own warm memories of him sustain you through this difficult time and bring you peace and joy in the years ahead. - Posted by: Rosemarie (Mayer) Prokipchuk (Environmental Policy & Program Analyst, Government of Manitoba (retired) / former "Roche" girl) on: Jul 11, 2015

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