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WILLIAM J. ATKINSON
Date of Passing: Sep 05, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM J. ATKINSON
It is with deep sadness that the daughters of Bill Atkinson announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
William (Bill) was born on the family homestead, six miles south of the village of Dinsmore, SK. He attended the local one room school, and later the consolidated high school in the village. Following his Grade 12 graduation, he hired out as farm help for a family in Lashburn, SK at the age of 17.
During the winter of 1936, he worked at a timber camp in Ontario. In August of 1937 he rode a freight train from Saskatoon to Winnipeg. He worked small jobs until October of 1937 when he secured a full time job at Winnipeg Supply & Fuel company, eventually becoming service manager.
In 1940 he married the love of his life, Dorothy Morrison. In 1942 he enlisted in the Canadian Forces and became an officer in the Royal Canadian Medium Artillery. He went overseas in 1943 and after further training in the United Kingdom, he was shipped to the Fifth Medium Artillery Regiment in Italy. His regiment was in action in Holland in May 1945, when the European War ended. In October 1945, Bill flew in a converted Liberator Bomber from Prestwick, Scotland to Montreal. There he took the train to Winnipeg.
He returned to his job at Winnipeg Supply and when the company was sold to new owners in 1972, Bill resigned and founded ABCO Supply & Service, electrical and mechanical contractors. Bill retired in 1984.
Bill took great pride in his active participation with various organizations. He drove cancer patients to and from treatments for 20 years; drove for Meals on Wheels for 35 years and was an active member of the YMCA for 86 years. He was President of ASHRE's Manitoba Chapter and a long-time member of the Manitoba Chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association. Bill funded an annual award at Red River College to support young apprentices in the electrical and mechanical fields.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy of 67 years in 2007; his brother George in 1982; his sister Marjorie in 2015 and his grandson Chris Black in 2017.
He leaves to remember his amazing life his daughters, Gwen Black (Wayne), Coralie (Bornais) and Nancie Samantha Atkinson (Peter); plus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 11:00 a.m. at McClure United Church, 533 Greenwood Pl., with Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McClure United Church, 533 Greenwood Place, the United Way or a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2024, Sep 07, 2024
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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Belated condolences to Gwen, Coralie and Samantha in the loss of your father. Bill had a full and interesting life. I wish I had known my father's extended family better. Charles, my husband, and I visited Bill a few years ago when we were in Winnipeg for a visit. We had some wonderful conversations and marveled at how active and well he was for his age. - Posted by: Cheryl Wong (Second cousin to Dorothy, Bill's wife.) on: Jan 03, 2025
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Our deepest condolences to the entire family we feel we knew but never met. He spoke so highly of everyone and was so very proud of you all. He will be missed dearly by his barbershop friends. Rest in peace Bill. - Posted by: Jeffreys barbershop (Friend/barbers) on: Oct 04, 2024
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Bill Atkinson was my Father. Having him as our family Patriarch, Dad, Granddad, Great-Granddad, and Great-Great-Granddad was to win life's biggest lottery. I would like to thank everyone who has posted messages of condolence here on this page. His peaceful passing was so well deserved after so many years of service and caring for others. I will forever miss your cheery "Hello Hello" Dad. Gwen - Posted by: Gwen Atkinson Black (Eldest Daughter) on: Sep 30, 2024
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My memories of Bill and Dorothy were from Chalmers Church Choir. Coralie and I sang along with her parents for many years. Warm condolences are being sent to Coralie, Gwen and Samantha. You all share a place in my heart. - Posted by: Pat Soucie (Sawry) (Friend of Coralie) on: Sep 29, 2024
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Although I called him Mr. Atkinson, he asked me to call him Bill. I had the privilege of being his clinic nurse for three years making house calls to check and ensure he was well. He was an inspiration for active aging with grace and humility. My condolences are with his girls who he always spoke of in a loving way. - Posted by: Janice Benson (Nurse) on: Sep 26, 2024
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Bill was the kindest, warmest, most thoughtful and generous man I have ever met. He and Dorothy hold a very special place in my heart and I share in the sadness of his passing. He introduced me to new adventures and instilled the importance of family. He will always be Granddad to me.... - Posted by: Connie Brooks (Family friend) on: Sep 19, 2024
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Bill, as he insisted on being called, shared stories of his time in Holland during the Second World War. My parents were children in Holland during the war so these stories meant much to me. Bill lent me photos from the Dutch war theatre I shared with my children. One day last summer, Bill invited me for lunch at Boston Pizza. He confidently ordered for both of us - cheese pizza with extra cheese - and then we settled in for a good, long chat. Bill was so proud of his daughters and spoke so tenderly of his dear wife. Bill was still taking the bus to Sherbrook Pool, now using a walker, but still swimming regularly. Bill was an entrepreneur who made a real difference. His humility, kindness, generosity and sense of a humour made Bill one of a kind. I miss you, Mr. Atkinson, I mean Bill. - Posted by: Margot Ross (Friend) on: Sep 16, 2024
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Mr. Atkinson had a profound effect on my life over the years. It's an honor to have known him and the family. - Posted by: Hugh McNeill (Friend ) on: Sep 13, 2024
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Gwen, my dear friend, my sincerest condolences to you and your family in the loss of your dad. My love and thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Elspeth Stanley (Friend) on: Sep 11, 2024
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There are so many treasured memories of Uncle Bill and Aunty Dot. Most memorable are ones created later in my life. Uncle Bill held my children and granddaughter on his lap. He was such a good listener, made friends with my husband, Doug and they would chat up a storm about construction projects all around the world. When my parents passed away, he became my “Uncle Dad”. In all my years of knowing him, unthinkingly, he impressed us with his wisdom, compassion and love and generous giving of time to charities and those in need. He is and always will be in our hearts. Love, Dulcy and Doug - Posted by: Doug and Dulcy Berry (Bill was my Uncle and a friend of my husband. Aunty Dot was my dad’s sister) on: Sep 10, 2024
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Sending my condolences to his wonderful family and also my admiration for a life so well lived. - Posted by: Joy Largent (Family Friend ) on: Sep 09, 2024
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Your dad lived such a great long life filled with daily swimming, being with a loving family, and sooo much more! You should all be so proud of all he accomplished in his lifetime! My deepest condolences to all family members, especially youCoralee! - Posted by: Sharron Brunner (Coralees friend) on: Sep 07, 2024
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Our deepest condolences to all that knew & loved Bill! We remember our visits & all the laughter we shared! You will miss him fiercely, Coralie. Hugs & love going out to you at this very sad time in your life. Jamie & Marianne Langford - Posted by: Jamie & Marianne Langford (friends) on: Sep 07, 2024
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Bill and I met through an MCAM endowment fund which he founded and administered through Red River College. Together we would assess the candidates and determine the award recipients. The recipients would be invited to Pioneer Night to receive their awards. Many, many electrical and mechanical apprentices were given a head start in their pursuit of their Red Seal. Bill was an active participant at Pioneers Night where the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba honored those individuals who retired from the industry. When I retired from MCAM, Bill treated me to lunch at Rae and Jerry's. After our lunch, I drove him to the YMCA for his regular work out which was swimming. He was 98 years old at that time! I also bumped into him at a Canadian Blood Services event. We were both long time blood donors. I was receiving a certificate for my 100th donation. He was way past that number in his donations. He was a gracious, thoughtful, generous gentleman who kept on giving. He will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Betty McInerney (Friend and colleague ) on: Sep 07, 2024
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Shared several years with Wayne and Gwen with their 2 kids. Atkinson were supportive family members. - Posted by: John Ingram (Friend to Wayne and Gwen) on: Sep 07, 2024
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It was great to have had many wonderful recent phone conversations with Bill. I will miss those interesting chats. Condolences to the family. Marie Atkinson. - Posted by: Marie Atkinson (Widow of cousin Donald George Atkinson) on: Sep 07, 2024