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WILLIAM ROGER (BILL) ROUTLEDGE
Born: Nov 22, 1944
Date of Passing: Feb 02, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
WILLIAM ROGER (BILL) ROUTLEDGE
Bill is survived by his wife Mary Jean (nee Robertson), sister Pat (husband Rod), brother Bruce (wife Heather), son Michael (wife Leah: Amy and Ben), son Derek (wife Darcy: Connor and Grace) and son Stephen (wife Margaret: Nina and Lily). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his father Emmett (1982), his mother Beverley (1998), sister Mary-Ann (2002) and brother Frank (1976).
Born in Winnipeg on November 22, 1944, Bill grew up in Crescentwood, excelling at sports such as hockey and football. After graduating high school, he enrolled at the University of Winnipeg, earning his Bachelor of Science in 1968. He received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in in 1969. He went on to a successful 34-year career teaching science, specializing in physics. The bulk of those years were spent at J.H. Bruns Collegiate in Southdale, where students appreciated him for his approachability, detailed teaching style and sense of humour.
After he retired in 2003, Bill worked part-time at Rona, where he called on the deep well of knowledge he'd developed as a handyman who was adept at building or fixing just about anything. Retirement also gave him time to pursue his main passions in life: his family, building and golf (often with his good friend Carl).
More often than not, Bill could be found with family, doting on his grandkids as only a lovestruck grandfather could. Bill always made a point of spending quality time with his grandkids at family gatherings, where his sly, playful sense of humour always showed up, especially in greetings such as how "How you be wuz it?" and his jokes. He spent plenty of time on the golf course, hitting the links with sons, Michael, Derek and Stephen, nephew Todd, and wife Jeannie. He also helped lots of people with their building projects, including his son Derek, who inherited Bill's creativity and aptitude for carpentry and electricity.
Another of Bill's passions was travel; he just loved to drive and explore. When the kids were young, he would hook up the camper and take Jeanie and the boys all over North America. Bill and Jeanie travelled to the southern U.S. to escape winter as often as possible. They travelled to Ireland to visit Steve, Margaret and the girls on several occasions. When they were in Europe they took the opportunity to visit other places of interest.
Although his health declined in the last few years, Bill never lost his sense of humour. A quiet, introspective man, he faced his challenges with courage and grace.
The family would like to thank Bill's wonderful cardiologist Dr. Robert Kroeker for his compassionate care. We would also like to thank the staff of 5A at St. Boniface Hospital.
A memorial service will be held at Harrow Church on Saturday, February 15 at 12:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Bill are welcome to come to celebrate his life.
Should you desire, donations can be made to Siloam Mission in his name.
BILL, WE LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF
EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIVES.
REST IN PEACE.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2020
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Jeanie and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have been out of touch for so long but we both have so many fond memories. Our thoughts are with you. Joel and Maureen Morassutti - Posted by: Joel and Maureen Morassutti (co worker) on: Jun 26, 2020
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Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I remember when we carpooled to our temporary location on Portage Avenue you talked about how handy Bill was in fixing and building things around the house. You were so happy with the deck he built. He sounded like a special person. Thinking of you and your family at this time of loss. - Posted by: Denise Ratcliffe (friend) on: Feb 10, 2020
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To Jeannie and the boys, please accept our sincere sympathy. Sean & Charlotte Martin - Posted by: Sean & Charlotte Martin (Cousin) on: Feb 10, 2020
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Jeanie I am very sorry for your loss. It's wonderful that you will have your strong family unit to help you through this sad time. Those enjoyable family experiences over the years will leave you with lots of wonderful memories to share with each other as time passes. Bob and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. - Posted by: Mary Jean Davis (friend) on: Feb 09, 2020
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I had the good fortune to teach with Bill in the science department of J.H. Bruns Collegiate. He was a dedicated and caring teacher and added a wonderful splash of personality to the staff as a whole. His unique sense of humour was always a welcome breath of fresh air. Our sincere condolences to Jeanie and the family. Dave and Dianne Moore - Posted by: Dave Moore (fellow teacher) on: Feb 08, 2020
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Bill was always a pleasure to work with at J.H. Bruns Collegiate. His gentle, calm sense of humour was a sunny spot in our staff room visits. - Posted by: Diane Lee (Former colleague ) on: Feb 08, 2020
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Bill said, as we were sitting at Tim Horton’s, “Thanks for being my friend, Carl”. Well , thanks for being ‘my friend, Bill.” Thanks for all the times we enjoyed playing golf, pool, working on different building projects, watching Bill Maher together, just having coffee or a beer and talking. What was so special about our relationship were the ‘quiet times’ we spent...just sitting and enjoying the moment whether it be at the lake or in the back yard or in the rec room...talking wasn’t necessary...just ‘being’ was special. Thanks for being the special person you were and thanks again for being my friend. We will both miss you and never forget you. ‘Slainte’ Bill... It will not be the same without you. - Posted by: Carl and Lynn Jacobson (Friends) on: Feb 08, 2020