William LEE

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LEE: William “Bill” Lee, (June 25, 1932 - June 9, 2012). Bill was born June 25, 1932 in Pierson and grew up on the farm E 1/2 30-2-28. He passed away quietly at the Gainsborough Health Centre on Saturday, June 9, 2012 in his 80th year. He met and married Eleanor (Toots) Fisher, the only child of Ken and Florence Fisher of Storthoaks, Saskatchewan. They married at the United Church on January 15, 1955. They met at and enjoyed dances at the Gainsborough Rink. They moved to the Cuthbert farm, NW 12-3-29 north of Pierson when they married, and purchased it in 1962. Bill loved to farm and became very progressive increasing land and cows, bringing exotic cross breeding of Maine Anjou into his herd in the 1970’s. When he was a boy, for many winters, together with his siblings and Mom they would move to town. This allowed for regular school attendance and endless access to the skating rink fueling what became a lifetime passion for hockey. He wore Number 4, and played left wing for the Pierson Bruins during their glory years of the 1950’s and early 60’s winning the scoring title once. He coached his sons in minor hockey for many years and went back to playing with the Ruin’d Bruins until 69 years of age. Bill was a quiet man, family first and loved each addition as they arrived. He was a wonderful singer and filled our home with music. Patient and gentle, always interested, idolized by his grandchildren. He was always up for a ball game in the yard and often put off going back to the field to spend time playing with the kids. He was involved with the community serving on various boards, acting as a leader in 4-H Beef and lending a hand whenever needed. He is survived by his wife Eleanor (Toots); three children: Rick (Gloria) and their children Jana (Les), Lyndsey (Gary), Meagan (Brent), Kyla (Mike) and great-grandchildren Kaeden, Haleigh, Damian (Jana), Addy and Aavril (Kyla); Bob (Jill) and their children Katie (Derek) and Amy; Candie (Greg) and children Leea (Adam), Thomas (Kalina), Elly and Julie; two sisters: Winnie Drier and Betty Kereliuk; sister-in-law Vivian Lee and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Janet Lee; in-laws Ken and Florence Fisher; three brothers Murray, Mac, Bert; brothers-in-law Stan Kereliuk and Jerry Drier; sisters-in-law Doreen Lee and Beryl Lee. The funeral service was held from the Pierson United Church, Pierson, MB, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with (reverend) Heather Sandilands officiating. Interment followed at the Pierson Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bill may be given to the Pierson Rink Committee, Pierson Hall Committee, Pierson Fire Hall, Pierson Cemetery Fund, or to the Heritage Restaurant Committee, Box 100, Pierson, MB, R0M 1S0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 16, 2012