WILLIAM DOUGLAS (BILL) VENNELS

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WILLIAM DOUGLAS (BILL) VENNELS It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a dear husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend on May 28, 2000 in Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of 47. Predeceased by his son Courtney, December 2, 1997 and his dad George Vennels, February 11, 1987. He leaves to mourn his loving wife and best friend of 23 years, Rhonda (Keddle) daughters Breanne and Caitlin; his mother Arlene (McLaughlin) sister Cathy Vennels of Winnipeg, Man.; mother-in-law Doris Keddle; brothers-in-law, Gary (Jan) Keddle and Dave Keddle; sister-in-law Marion (John) Cully all of Victoria, B.C. and numerous other family members and friends in Canada and the United States. Bill was born December 1, 1952 in Winnipeg, Man. After graduating from Kelvin High School, he continued his education in Rochester, N.Y. Following in his grandfather and fathers footsteps, he began his career in the newspaper industry at the Daily Times and Colonist in Victoria, B.C. in 1977. It was there that he met his future wife Rhonda when he was recruited to coach the Classified girls baseball team. His career path took him to several newspapers across Canada; the Winnipeg Free Press, the Winnipeg Sun, the Regina Leader Post, a return to the Victoria Times Colonist, the Vancouver Sun and Province and most recently the Honolulu Star and the Honolulu Advertiser as a Production Director. During his 23 years in the newspaper industry he touched many lives with his sense of fair play, his easy going manner and outstanding work ethic. If anyone had a problem, he was always there to listen and help out, "Ill take care of it", hed say. He was highly respected and will be sadly missed by all his co-workers. Bill will always be remembered for his quirky sense of humour, his loving heart and gentle ways and for the privileged few; his hilarious Donald Duck imitations. His proudest accomplishment was his children, he was a terrific father who adored his beautiful girls and was so very proud of them. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be placed next to his son Courtney at Royal Oak Cemetery in Victoria, B.C. An informal gathering of his family and friends to celebrate Bills life will be held at the family home in Vancouver on June 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service will be held in Winnipeg, Man. at a later date. In lieu of flowers a Trust Fund for Breanne and Caitlin Vennels will be set up at the Royal Bank, donations will be accepted at any branch across Canada.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2000