William SUMNER

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SUMNER: William Roy (Bill) Sumner of Neepawa passed away November 19th, 2014 at the Neepawa Health Center at the age of 78 years William was born Jan. 25th, 1936,the oldest son and the fourth of eight children born to John and Ida Sumner. He was raised in the Mentmore District attending school in Brookdale. He left school early to farm due to his father’s illness. He farmed co-operatively with his brothers Robert and Elviss for 40 + years. He later farmed under Sumpointe acres with son-in-law and daughter Stephane and Kerrilee Lapointe. In 1963 William married Elizabeth Owens of Forrest, a teacher at Glenburney School, Moore Park. The next years were consumed with enjoyment as William continued to build the farming operation and Elizabeth continued teaching. He was predeceased by parents John & Ida (Ishenberg) Sumner, Sisters; Marie Wilson, Edythe Harstine and an infant brother. Brothers-in-law David Wilson, Don Harstine, Frank Kuharski and William deBalinhard. Surviving are his wife of 51 years Elizabeth (Owens), Son Kevan William Sumner, wife Tanya, grandsons William and Aedan of Brandon, Daughter Kerrilee Lapointe, husband Stephane, grandsons Tarek, Kane and Kyson, Brothers Robert (Deanna) Sumner, Elviss (Connie) Sumner of Neepawa; Sisters Louise Kuharski, Winnipeg, Norma deBalinhard, Nelson B.C., and Marcy (Bruce) Jackson of Saskatoon, SK +19 nieces and nephews and numerous great nephews and nieces. Bill farmed all his life in the Mentmore district living first on SE 10-14-16 and later on NE 15-14-16 (Creekside Acres) in the R.M. of Langford. He is always interested in sports particularly curling and made many lasting friendships. He was a progressive farmer, and a good caretaker of the soil. But most of all he was a caring and empathetic husband, father and grandfather always putting everyone else first. Rest in peace Bill, your 12 year valiant battle with prostate and bone cancer is over. Funeral service was held Saturday November 22, 2004 at the Neepawa United Church at 2:00 pm. Burial in the Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa. Kristen Wood and Rita Friesen officiated with all those in attendance considered honourary pallbearers. White’s Funeral Home in charge of Arrangements.The Fallen Limb ( Author unknown)A limb has fallen from our family treeI hear a voice that says“Grieve not for me”Remember the best timesThe laughter, the song.The good life I lived while I was strongContinue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep on smilingThe sun will shine through My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly I was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your lives, don’t worry about falls. I will miss you all dearly, so keep up your chinUntil the fine day comes we’re together again.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 22, 2014