William LEVERINGTON

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LEVERINGTON: William (Bill) Alvin. It is with a very heavy heart that we share the passing of our father and grandfather, Bill (Papa) on June 8, 2010 at the age of 76 years. Dad (Papa) passed away with family and friends at his side. Bill was born April 12, 1934 in Maryfield, Saskatchewan to Charles and Murtle, and had two siblings. Bill was a big brother to Donna and Ken. Dad’s family moved to Brandon in 1949. Dad learned to work hard at a young age; he started delivering papers at age 9 and at age 12 was washing dishes after school until 9:00 p.m. Dad then worked in a grocery store and at Forman for 2 years. At the age of 18 Dad started working at the Codville Company. It was there that he met his true love, Eileen Gullett. Dad also worked at Western Grocers as Produce Manager for three years prior to moving to Melita. Bill and Eileen were married August 28, 1954 in Brandon. Ten years later they purchased the Lucky Dollar store in Melita and ventured to the town they called home for 46 years on May 19, 1964. They owned and operated the store until November 8, 1977. Dad and Mom catered for many years while in the store and from their home. Dad and Mom worked and played side by side for 55 years. Dad drove a school bus from 1966 – 1999. Dad drove a variety of routes and enjoyed all the children on his bus. He would tell many a story of some of the antics some would try to play. Dad also managed the legion lounge from 1978 till 1994. He served many drinks and enjoyed hours of visiting with friends and customers. Dad was a very committed community person, countless hours were spent volunteering on projects that would enhance the community (pool, curling rink, arena, Senior suppers, fund raisers, just to name a few). Dad was recognized for his volunteerism by the Town of Melita in 2006. Dad joined the Melita Kinsmen Club at the age of 30; he made many great friends and had many good memories from the events he participated in over the years. As years went by he continued to be an active member of the K-40 group, selling many tickets and helping at the Wild Life suppers. Dad was a school board member for 2 years, curled and coached minor and senior ball. One of the memories Dad often spoke of was the time coaching the Melita Kinsmen fast ball team. This group of young men won the league in 1972, they were known for working and playing hard on and off the field. Dad was a people person and enjoyed anytime family and friends had time for a visit, a story or a laugh. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and until his health started failing, you would see him at the ball park and arena. Papa was a great man and will be dearly missed by his, children; Garlen Maxwell (Danny), Keith Leverington (Lori), Janet Cheveldayoff (Kevin), grandchildren: Logan, Jared and Tori Maxwell; Carly and Kristen Leverington; Chase and Alexi Cheveldayoff; sister: Donna Wright (Dave); sister in law: Lynne Leverington; brother in law: Jack Gullett; sister in law: May Dawley (Garth); brother in law: Vern Vestby (Marlene); and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at the Melita Legion Hall, Melita, MB. on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 2:00pm. Happy Hour will start at 1:00pm. Please dress casual. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Melita Health Centre Box 459 Melita, Manitoba, R0M 1L0. Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home Melita 522-3361 To send condolences or special memories to the family, please visit: www.redpathfuneralhome.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 15, 2010