JOHN A. BIDDELL

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JOHN A. BIDDELL It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John A. (Jack) Biddell on March 9, 2001, after a long and full life of 87 years. His memory will be cherished by Joyce, his loving wife of 62 years; daughter Pat (Jim) Welsh; son Rod (Madge) and daughter Lesley (Cliff) Bischoff; as well as grandchildren, Michael (Jose) Welsh, Paula (Barry) Kelly, Ian (Heather), Michelle, David, and Erin Biddell, and Scott Bischoff, six great-grandchildren, and in England, sisters, Iris, Jean, Joan and brother Geoff; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters, "Lol" and Irene; brother Robert; and grandson Gary. Jack was born Oct. 23, 1913 in Birmingham, England. He served a a flight engineer in the RAF during the Second World War. In 1954, he emigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. Joyce and the children followed a year later. He was a man of many talents, from sales to mechanics to Physiotherapy. He promoted "Sports Medicine" here in Winnipeg long before it became the entity it is today. His fingers worked wonders in a massage, but it was the magic when they touched the piano keys that provided hours of enjoyment for himself and others, whether as the professional musician in a dance band, or in our family living rooms. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather; a gentle man with a witty dry sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He loved the outdoors, and summers at Dogtooth Lake where he and Mom had their trailer and spent hours fishing, walking, and enjoying their boat. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of fifth floor Medicine at the Victoria General Hospital for the care given to Dad in his last few days. A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined, and should you desire, donations may be made in Jacks memory to the Parkinson Foundation of Canada, 204-825 Sherbrook St., Wpg., R3A 1M5 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald St., Wpg., R3B 2H8. When I Must Leave You When I must leave you for a little while Please do not grieve and shed wild tears And hug your sorrow to you through the years. But start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and in my name Live on and do all things the same Feed not your loneliness on empty days But fill each waking hour in useful ways Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near; And never, never be afraid to die, For I am in the sky! LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1858 Portage Avenue 949-4872

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 12, 2001