WILLIAM (BILL) SCHWARTZ

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WILLIAM (BILL) SCHWARTZ

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of William (Bill) Schwartz on February 16, 2022. He was 85 years.
Born September 19, 1936 to Agnes and Joseph Schwartz, Bill grew up on Salter Street in Winnipeg's North End. An eager and able student, he graduated from St. John's High School. On January 5, 1957 Bill married Rosalie, the love of his life, and together they raised six children. They purchased a home on DeGraff Bay in Winnipeg where they lived for 57 years. So much family fun was had in that home and at DeGraff Bay Park!
Bill began his career with Imperial Optical, then trained as an Air Traffic Controller with Transport Canada. Working most of his career at YWG, Bill advanced to supervisor level and retired in 1991 after 35 years of service. He was also active in the controllers' professional association.
Bill and Rosalie were committed to their North Kildonan community and the family spent much time at the community centre. Bill coached and participated in several sports. Most notably, he coached the NK Cobras hockey team. There are great memories of trips for tournaments. Bill and Rosalie enjoyed spending time with a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours. They delighted in the addition of grandchildren as the family grew. And Bill grudgingly accepted that their home would always include numerous cats. They enjoyed travel, especially their trips to southwest USA. After retirement, Bill took up golf as a pastime. He joined Elmhurst Golf Club, and assisted the local rep for Casco Golf Clubs. Bill also became a regular fixture at Saturday gatherings at the Curtis Hotel pub (affectionately known as "The Office").
Bill is survived by his loving wife Rosalie, his brother Joe Schwartz, his sister Helen Kraemer, and his six children: Michael (Beatrice), Dianne, Steven, Richard, Dale, and Brian (Tracy). He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
We thank the staff of Concordia Place for their care of Bill over the past three years. And we are forever grateful to family and friends who visited him there or maintained contact with him through that difficult time of transition.
Bill requested no service. The family will hold a private gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson's Society, or buy a round of drinks down at The Curtis and toast to Bill's memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2022