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WILLIAM (BILL) JOHNSTON OLIPHANT (BILL)
Born: Feb 05, 1950
Date of Passing: Jan 27, 2022
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WILLIAM (BILL) JOHNSTON OLIPHANT
February 5, 1950 – January 27, 2022
It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Oliphant announces his peaceful, but sudden passing - just short of his 72nd birthday.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother Kathleen; daughter Kellie (Bruce) Burns from Ontario; son Ian (Courtney) Oliphant and grandchildren, Logan, Mackenzie and Danika Oliphant from Ontario; brother Gordon Oliphant (Lenora Jean) from British Columbia; sister Gail (Tony) Caligiuri; niece Lesley Caligiuri; aunt Norma Zimmerman; uncle Brian Johnstone and several cousins. He also leaves close friends, Ute McDairmid, Pierrette Hebert, Barb Kreitz and Amanda Fernandes.
Bill was predeceased by his father Johnston (Jock) Oliphant; nephew David Caligiuri; several uncles, aunts and cousins from Scotland, New Zealand and Canada and close friend Brian Kreitz.
Bill worked with the Winnipeg Airports Authority for 31 years until his retirement in 2005. Under his gruff exterior, Bill had a heart of gold and it gave him great pleasure to lend a hand or share his tools to help anyone in need. Bill was a jokester, witty, loyal, generous and true to himself. What you saw was what you got. Over the years, he had many interests, hobbies and collectables, including his artwork, photography, archery, movies, music, welding, building and fixing mechanical equipment, garage sales with his dad and taking trips on his motorcycle when he was able.
Bill always remained close to his children and grandchildren, despite the miles that separated them, through texting, phone calls, FaceTime, or surprise trips to see them in person.
"You were still here this time last week…we Face Timed…I saw you…I spoke to you…Dad, I'm still reeling and not wanting to accept that you are gone. I don't know how to do life without you here. My confidant, my mentor, my rock…navigating these last few days has been a blur and too overwhelming. I think about your strength, determination, creativity, inventiveness, intelligence, sarcasm, fierce loyalty, generosity, artistic ability, so many incredible qualities that truly made you ONE of an entire kind…and I was so lucky and honoured to be loved by you and have you as my Daddy O…I can hear you in my ear saying "ok, cut that out" but the tears won't stop and my heart is irreparably broken…I love you so much, Dad." Kellie (February 2, 2022).
"A great man, who I got to call my dad, will be missed by many. He was a hardworking, caring, loving and wise gentle man. Dad loved his grandkids and was there for his family at any given time, even though we were in different provinces. We never got to say "see you later," but we know you are in a better place, looking down over all of us. Someday we will get to see you again, but until then, we will always love you with all of our hearts Dad." Love Ian Oliphant and Family
To honour Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of their choice.
LECLAIRE BROTHERS
475 Provencher Blvd.
In care of arrangements, 204-775-2220
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2022
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I'm so very sad to hear of Bill's sudden passing. I worked with Billy O. at the Winnipeg Airport in the '70s and we became good friends. Even though we drifted apart over time, I still have many great memories of Bill. He was an honest, hard-working man of many interests and was amazingly creative. I still have the miniature metal motorcycle he welded out of parts he found laying around the shop.He was a true artist and visionary and he was always the first to lend a helping hand. My sincere condolences to his family and in particular, his daughter Kellie, who I've known for many years. I know she was very close to him and he was very proud of her. Rest in peace, my friend and hopefully, someday, we'll meet again. - Posted by: Anthony Esposito (Ex-coworker, friend) on: Feb 12, 2022
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I am shocked and saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I started my career at the Winnipeg Airport under the tutelage of Billy O. We were close friends spending time together on the farm and after he moved to the city. We lost track after of each other after we retired. He was a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Jamie and Catharine Dunlop (Friend and co-worker) on: Feb 12, 2022
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Bill and I were two of 4 people hired by Transport Canada for a winter works project to shovel snow around the runway lights at the Winnipeg International Airport what now seems like a thousand years sgo. I still remember the first day he walked into the crewroom while we waited for the foreman to take us kids out to start work. I'll never forget that curly mop of hair. My condolences to the family. Goodbye and rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Pete woloshyn (Friend and coworker) on: Feb 12, 2022
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We send our thoughts, condolences and prayers to you folks. Though many years have gone by since we last communicated we come along side of you as you grieve and morn the passing of your dad. I hope these words give you some comfort as you go through this time of loss. Don't know where your mom is so please pass our condolences to her as well. Michael & Ursula - Posted by: Michael & Ursula Klym (Neighbors to the south of your home in Manitoba. ) on: Feb 12, 2022
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