WILLIAM JOHN CONLEY

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WILLIAM JOHN CONLEY, JR. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected death of our beloved uncle, William John Conley, on Wednesday, April 19, 2000, at his home in Wallace Lake, Man. Bill Conley was born December 5, 1926, in St. Augustine, Florida to William John and Bertha Margaret McConnell Conley. He spent his early childhood in the Lady Hubble District and Bowsman, Manitoba and attended Daniel McIntyre High School in Winnipeg. He continued his formal education at the University of Manitoba. Most of his adult life he spent at Wallace Lake near Bissett working with his father as an independent prospector and fur trapper. A naturalist and outdoorsman who belonged to the one of the last groups of individuals who homesteaded in the bush country. Bill Conley understood and lived in harmony with his environment. He helped to develop and design systems for humane trapping and he served as a living resource for many young people who studied biology and wildlife at the University of Manitobas Taiga Biological Station at Wallace Lake. Frequently his skill was used to demonstrate the handling of furs and his knowledge of wildlife gave many classes of students a practical application to their course work and research. His influence led to a deeper, richer understanding of the world, and his unique perspective gave students an insight into a rapidly diminishing lifestyle. His relationship and respect for the Taiga Biological students was reinforced by his donation of one of his trapping cabins to be used as a field location. Though recent health concerns led him to spending the winter in Winnipeg, he remained active in his new community as a member of Broadway First Baptist Church and in helping other residents at his apartment with transportation needs. He belonged to the NAPTA Wild Fur Shippers Council, Manitoba Energy and Mines Association. He was predeceased by his parents, two infant brothers and two sisters. He leaves behind to mourn a niece Margaret, a nephew Robert, a brother-in-law, two grand-nephews and two grand-nieces, a special friend and cousin Doris and many other cousins and friends. A church celebration of his life will take place Tuesday, April 25, at 3 p.m. in the Broadway First Baptist Church, 790 Honeyman Ave. A later memorial service will take place at Wallace Lake in June. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1858 Portage Avenue 949-4872

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2000