WILLIAM (BILL) ARTHUR YEWDALL

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WILLIAM (BILL) ARTHUR YEWDALL January 31, 1933 - July 7, 2018 Bill was born in Manchester, UK, eldest child of May Peel and Arthur Yewdall, owner of Yewdall's Dairy. Bill spent his childhood in Baschurch after being evacuated to the countryside with his mother and brother, Tom, during the Second World War. He lived a happy childhood on his Uncle's farm where he and Tom, who were very close, tended animals and worked in the family garden. He dearly loved his Grandfather who Bill said used to cuff him regularly because he was either getting into mischief or just coming out of it. After the war ended the family bought Cross Pipes and relocated to Wales. Bill was delighted when his loving sister, Barbara, was born. Bill loved farming and received an Agricultural Certificate at Usk College in South Wales. At 19, he chose to leave the UK and immigrate to Canada to make his own path. He made this voyage alone and settled in Cochrane, Alberta where he worked as a cowboy. It was there Bill learned of the harsh Canadian winters. He had fallen asleep checking his herd and awoke with severe frostbite. He was barely able to move but fortunately his horse knew the way home. Bill then joined the Canadian Armed Forces and served as a Military Police Officer in Calgary, following which he was stationed in Europe. While on leave in Welshpool, a strapping young Bill met the love of his life, Bronwen Jones, a gorgeous 19-year-old working in a post office. Bill said it was love at first sight! Although there were much shorter queues Bill waited for Bron who was working the cash desk. He pushed a note under the grill that read 'Will you meet me at the Polo Cinema tonight at 8:00 p.m?' Bron's mother let her go provided she wore footwear that would allow her to run if she had to. She didn't need to run and within six weeks Bill and Bron were engaged. Bill then returned to work and penned countless love letters for two years until they married in Welshpool in January, 1960. By April the newlyweds were residing in Canada. Bill's eldest son, David, was born in Winnipeg. Soon after, Bill was stationed in France and the young family journeyed back to Europe. Bill's next posting was in Baden, Germany and the family resided in nearby Greffern. It was there his second son, Richard (Rick) was born and the family was complete. Dad delighted in living in Germany. He forged lifelong friendships and became a valued member of the hunting community. There was a variety of hunting, but Dad especially enjoyed wild boar. He became a German hunting instructor which was particularly satisfying given Dad's proclivity for safety. During those years the family enjoyed many excursions across Europe. Bill bought a Volvo wagon for such Autobahn trips and was proudly displaying his 115-mph speed to his boys when a Porsche driver flashed his lights and promptly sped by them. Bill relished cooking for others and feeding his family delicacies. His sons recall Bill's decision to farm snails. Dad had numerous milk-filled buckets of snails which he had carefully stored in the attic. When Dad returned, he discovered the snails had escaped leaving lengthy trails of milky white slime all over the walls and ceiling. After several wonderful years in Germany the family returned to Winnipeg in 1977. Bill was then stationed in Cyprus for an eight-month UN Peacekeeping Tour. He was the equivalent of Base Commander and was responsible for a team of seven, each of a different nationality. These men soon voted Bill the best cook and while they handled all shopping and clean up duties, Bill did all the cooking. Bill thoroughly enjoyed Cyprus; the people, the work, and of course the fresh seafood. When he came home he'd never been so muscular, healthy and tanned. During this time, Bronwen purchased their home on Whytewold Road where they lived for over 40 years. Bill retired from the Canadian Military as a Warrant Officer and then transitioned to Transport Canada, as an Airport Security Officer. This job eventually took him to Ottawa, during which he'd fly home every few weeks. He would take the bus to work alongside Generals and Members of Parliament. Everyone who worked with Bill admired his work ethic, integrity, intelligence, modesty and humour. He was a genuine and kind man; a true gentleman and maintained countless friendships across Canada and Europe long after he left the workforce. Bill had several passions including hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking. However, his greatest passion was his wife of 58 years. He absolutely cherished and doted on Bron with tea delivered in bed every morning. Bill and Bron were blessed with many friends and loved to dance and socialize. They frequently attended and hosted parties where Bill was often the best dressed party-goer. Throughout their marriage, the couple frequently returned to the UK to visit family. In later years they enjoyed cruising and spending winters in Florida. One of Bill's favourite trips was an African Safari. Dad deeply loved his family. He was so content hunting, fishing and chatting with his boys. He was an avid reader and enjoyed teaching and sharing experiences with his sons. Dad was a warm and loving father-in-law who couldn't do enough for his daughters-in-law, from building workshops to yardwork to painting; you name it. Bill was blessed with five grandchildren who adored their Grandpa: David, Jenny, Morganne, Ethan and Raegan. He taught them how to plant vegetables and pull the pesky weeds. He couldn't have been prouder when Morganne graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and when David got married. Grandpa and Jenny loved their ritual of making and eating mashed potatoes together. Grandpa was a devoted hockey fan of Ethan and Raegan. He delighted in chatting with the other parents and grandparents; always with a huge smile on his face. All the grandkids loved Grandpa's sandwiches and stews that were lovingly made with no less than 26 ingredients. And nobody could make a better cup of tea or tastier scrambled eggs. Dad was a happy man who could adapt to anything and he made the best of everything. Bill will be forever cherished by his loving spouse, Bronwen and sons, David (Heather) and Rick (Heike); his grandchildren, David (Val), Jenny, Morganne, Ethan and Raegan; and his great-grandchildren, Livia, Logan and Laura. Bill is also mourned by his siblings, Tom (Anne) and Barb (Geoff); his loving in-laws Gwyneth (Colin); and many nieces and nephews all of whom reside in the UK. Rest in peace dear Bill. In keeping with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will have a private service. Our thanks to the staff and volunteers at Charleswood Care Centre for their loving care. There are too many wonderful people to name. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. For online condolences please visit www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2018