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WILLIAM (BILL) JAY KLASSEN
Born: Jul 24, 1947
Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2022
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WILLIAM (BILL) JAY KLASSEN
July 24, 1947 – February 15, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill, loving father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend who passed away at home, with his family.
He leaves to mourn his three children, Andrea, Elaine and Stuart; and grandchildren, Shayanne, Sara, Ryder, Cole and Erin. He also leaves to mourn his siblings, Rene (Paul), Bob (Hedi), Sydney, Peggy, Werner, Eddie, Karen (Wes) and Jim (Maureen), many nieces, nephews and countless friends. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Frank Klassen and Enid Bryan and sister Brenda.
Bill was a man who loved to joke around and laugh. Whether it was quoting a scene from Monty Python or The Pink Panther, telling a well recycled joke, or responding to a situation with his quick wit, he never let an opportunity pass to make everyone laugh. Another thing Bill loved was his music. He could easily entertain a group with his guitar playing and singing skills for hours on end. Over the years he's played in several bands / groups and loved collaborating with other musicians. Towards the end, music and friendly faces were the two things that could still get him to consistently light up and brought him great joy.
Bill loved spending time in nature and raised his kids to be the same. Some of his favourite outdoorsy places to be were Falcon Trails Resorts, Birds Hill Park, Old Pinawa Dam, and Seven Sister's Falls. Being outside of the city and close to nature was one of the many reasons why he was so happy to make Whitemouth his new home.
Over the years, Bill spent countless hours volunteering. From coaching soccer, helping out with the Eastern Manitoba Concert Association, picking up recycling with the Lion's Club, to playing music with his friends at the local nursing home, he enjoyed giving of his time and talents and meeting new people.
We will miss him dearly but we'll always remember him with that mischievous twinkle in his eye and his love for a good joke.
A special thanks to the doctors and staff at Health Sciences Centre and particularly GD4.
As per Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life/spreading of ashes will take place this spring.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My deepest condolences for your loss. We all enjoyed his company at the Whitemouth Happy Hours senior centre when we put on the music jams. He was a great musician. I just found out today of his passing. - Posted by: Angel Wicharenko (friend) on: May 06, 2022
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It is with shock disbelief and sadness that we just now learned of Bill's passing ! Our friendship started when Bill was working for Falcon Trails some years ago. Bill became our computer whizzard, introducing us to the realm of online communications. He assisted us in procuring the hardware and established our first website. Bill was a kind hearted fellow who would go out of his way to get things just right, He was patient and understanding and always found a way to make you understand the strange world of computers. Personally we felt a good connection with his humoristic ways and often shared may jokes. After he left Falcon Trails we connected periodically and so accompanied him to every point in his odyssey until he landed at Whitemouth which is almost in the neighborhood for us. So slipping in to Bill's place now was easy and many times we shared a morning coffee after shopping. We are mourning the loss of a good friend and kindred spirit. Rest in peace Bill! To the family we offer our heartfelt condolences. Walter Keller & Alexa Hoerster - Posted by: Walter Keller & Alexa Hoerster (Friends) on: Apr 21, 2022
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My warmest condolences to Bill's family. I have warm fun filled memories of him at Falcons trails when I was catering there. - Posted by: Kelly Dube (Friend ) on: Feb 22, 2022
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I was truly saddened of the news of Bill's passing. I came to know Bill through the Post Office in Whitemouth where I am the Postmaster. He was always great at coming in with a smile and a quick joke. He has been my personal "computer" go to guy. He has been a life saver to me. Over the past several years he had done a lot of volunteering at the Whitemouth Rec Centre. Going above and beyond of taking just 1 shift. He would be seen taking entire bartender evening shifts for our bonspiels. He was a kind and funny man who will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family. - Posted by: Lorraine Henderson (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2022
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Andrea, Elaine & Stuart, So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I remember his warm, welcoming personality. - Posted by: Michelle Vermette (Extended family) on: Feb 19, 2022
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Although I did not spend a lot of time with Bill he sounds like he was a great man and will be sorely missed. Our condolences to your family. You have wonderful memories of him that will help with your families grief. I wish that I could have known Bill better. Sincerely, James Klassen.. - Posted by: James Klassen (Brother) on: Feb 19, 2022
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My deepest condolences to Bill's family and dear friends. His zest for life and his love of music reminds me of my husband, Bob, his uncle, who passed away over two years ago. And his Grandmother, Marie-Louise Klassen, who too was feisty. Take care, Andrea, Elaine and Stuart and hope to see you when I come to Winnipeg. - Posted by: Arlene Klassen (Aunt) on: Feb 19, 2022