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WILLIAM (BILL) GEORGE WATKINS
Born: Dec 18, 1930
Date of Passing: Apr 14, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM (BILL) GEORGE WATKINS
Dad passed away at the Grace Hospital early on April 14, 2026, at the age of 95. He had been in hospital since a fall on January 25. He was into his 11th week of rehabbing his leg, when other complications arose.
He is survived by his two sons, Brian (Linda Dawson); and his daughters, Codie (Kelby Sprung) and Shayne (fiancé Jordan Sass); and Bill’s great-grandson Finley William Sass. Son Garth, and his daughter Sara McDonald (Cooper Smith). He is also lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Eleanor DeCeuleneer of Winnipeg, and Marg Rheault of Somerset; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Mona Helen (Hedley) in 2013; and his parents, Charles in 1978, and Gretta in 2009.
Dad was born in Swan Lake and grew up on the family farm eight miles north of town at the correction line. Times were tough in the 30s but the stories of life on the farm, and the antics with his two older sisters were endless. Dad proudly embraced his roots, and took his work talents to Winnipeg in the mid-1950s. He worked at the Union Stockyards and eventually moved over to Swift’s where he was in the custom cuts area, before moving over to food service sales. He remained there till his retirement in 1992. One of his biggest joys was meeting the boys for lunch while he was on sales calls at Eaton’s downtown, or especially when selling to Steve at Rae & Jerry’s.
In Swan Lake, Dad was fast friends with his cousins, the Warrens, and with Barry Hedley. He married Barry’s younger sister Mona, in Swan Lake on June 20, 1959. They settled in Windsor Park, and spent 54 years together, primarily at the house at 111 Duluth Bay. They lived beside the Benoit family from 1967 till 2013, and their relationship was more like family. Dad coached baseball and hockey at Winakwa and followed the boys up into the more competitive hockey and baseball with St. Boniface teams. Dad and Mom stayed true to their family and roots, with frequent trips out to Swan Lake and area, and always up to Yorkton, SK for the Hedley get-togethers at Christmas, and at York Lake in the summer, truly the best of times.
Retirement took some getting used to, but Dad soon found his rhythm. He became a dedicated dog walker with Jagger and a regular at a couple of coffee groups. His Sunday coffee ritual at Tim’s in Southdale was a highlight, often joined by his boys. He kept this up till his injury in January and spoke often of the group. He loved solving the world’s problems around the table and of course analyzing the latest from the Jets. His friendship with Brent Gamey meant a great deal to him.
In 1999 Dad become a grandpa with Sara in March and Codie in October, embracing every moment and helping Mom whenever babysitting or “sick duty” was needed. Shayne arrived in 2001 and all three girls kept Grandpa Bill busy with cuddles and photos. Even after Mom’s passing, Dad was always on the road and showing up at the grandkids’ hockey, soccer, gymnastics, and school events. He was so very proud of them all. In March 2025, Shayne and Jordan welcomed a baby boy, Finley William. Dad was deeply touched that his name carried on, marking four generations of Williams.
He cherished every family gathering, every visit, and every moment with his boys, granddaughters, and his great-grandson.
Dad had a wonderful final Monday filled with meaningful visits, including a deeply emotional time with the Grace’s spiritual advisor. Though he was always ready for a challenge, his body had had enough. It was time to meet those waiting for him…….
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will take place at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2026
