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WILLIAM HENRY MOORBY
Born: Nov 06, 1930
Date of Passing: Aug 25, 2020
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WILLIAM HENRY MOORBY
Bill is survived and will be so greatly missed by Donna, his beloved wife of 67 years. He is also survived by his three children: Ted (Cynthia), Paul (Wanda), and Lisa (Richard); and grandchildren, Graham (Jennifer) and Victoria (Dustin); along with his three great-granddaughters, Adeline, Everleigh, and Nora.
Bill's love of the rugged outdoors began as a young man. He spent many summers at his parent's cottage in Manitoba's northern Whiteshell region, paddling and portaging his canoe from one remote lake to another.
In 1951 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force 402 Auxiliary (Fighter) Squadron while attending the University of Manitoba. He logged many hours flying Mustangs and Harvards. Oh, how he loved to fly.
Bill and Donna were married in Winnipeg in 1953 and immediately started their life journey together. Bill began his successful career in the glass business and, before long, found his way into a career in the Canadian footwear manufacturing world. He spent many years as an executive with Greb Shoe in Winnipeg and Kitchener-Waterloo. But his life dream was to build a business of his own, which he accomplished when he and three partners started Canada West Shoe in Winnipeg in 1978. In time, Canada West Shoe became a family-owned business. Bill and his sons, Ted and Paul, worked side by side for 30 years, building a successful company. The company is now in the hands of the third generation of Moorbys with grandson Graham leading the way.
Bill was an avid Canadian gridiron football fan. He dedicated nearly 20 years to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a Director. Attending Winnipeg CFL games was a family tradition for many years.
Bill's work was important to him, but his family was everything. Much of family life centered around the cottage near Lake of the Woods. Built by he and Donna early in their marriage, it quickly became the Moorby gathering spot where decades of family memories were made.
Following Bill's retirement, he and Donna relocated to BC's Pender Island, starting a new chapter in their lives near their daughter Lisa and her husband.
Bill was a big man: both in stature and generosity. He was very much loved and will be so dearly missed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2020
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Being his son Paul’s Friend for many years I had fond memories of Mr Moorby. He was a big generous man and always welcomed us to his house in Waterloo Ontario. I know his family will miss him tremendously. - Posted by: Gary Johnson (Paul’s friend) on: Dec 06, 2020
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My sincerest sympathies to the wonderful Moorby family - Donna, Ted, Paul, Lisa and their families. I was privileged to live next door to them for many years in Winnipeg. They were great neighbours and friends. Bill was one big friendly amicable guy, and a good husband, father and grandfather. He always had a warm, friendly smile. My prayers go out to you Donna, I know you will miss him terribly. 67 years - wow! So glad you have your loving family around you. Sympathies to you all, Lesley Hull - Posted by: Lesley Hull (Friend and neighbour) on: Sep 25, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the Moorby family. I worked for Bill as a sales rep in Winnipeg at Canada West Shoe. Having spent the last 40 years in the same business, I appreciate Bill's brand of honest, candid leadership where you always knew where you stood. - Posted by: Chris Emeno (Sales Rep for Canada West Shoe) on: Sep 12, 2020