WILLIAM JOHN

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WILLIAM JOHN McDOWELL February 19, 1923 - April 25, 2001 Peacefully on April 25, 2001, with his family by his side, Bill passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Ward after a brief but courageous battle against cancer at the age of 78. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Pearl (Wait) daughter Maureen and husband Bert Carlson of Falcon Lake and their children, J.J. and Mandy; daughter Lynn and husband Gary Foreman of Tulsa and their children, Michael, Kristen and Trevor; daughter Lori and her husband Dave Skinner of Winnipeg and their children, Carly and Krista. He will also be sadly missed by special family friend Lynn Gallagher, husband Wayne and children, Alexis and Jordan; as well as many dear relatives, friends and neighbours. Bill was born and raised in Fort Rouge where he attended Kelvin High School. He and Pearl married in 1942 and moved into their new home in St. Vital a few years later where they have resided ever since. Bill went to work for Winnipeg Transit System as an apprentice machinist, after he graduated, where he worked for 40 years, eventually taking an early retirement due to his continuous battle with Crohns disease. Bill also served in the R.C.A.F. during the Second World War as an airplane machinist. Bill was a very active volunteer through the many organizations he belonged to. He was a member of the Khartum Shrine 101 and the Burn Unit, spending many hours educating children on burn prevention. He was an official visitor of the sick and convalescing on behalf of Windsor Lodge for over 12 years. Being the handyman that he was, he also spent many hours helping out with repairs and maintenance at Regents Park United Church. Bill was an avid sports fan, and in particular, loved football. He was a Blue Bomber season ticket holder for 50 years. He and Pearl attended many Grey Cups over the years. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Shrine Transportation Fund, 1155 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3P 1B9; or a charity of their choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Maxwell and especially Anne for her sincere concern, kindness and professionalism, and the staff in Oncology at Victoria General Hospital, as well as the very special people who work and volunteer in the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Ward. In tears we saw you sinking, We watched you fade away. You suffered much in silence, You fought so hard to stay. You faced your task with courage, But still you kept on fighting Until the very end. God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you and Whispered, "Come to Me". So when we saw you sleeping so peacefully, Free from pain, We could not wish you back To suffer that again. A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. (South of the Royal Canadian Mint). A gathering of family and friends will follow in the reception centre. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2001